Job summary
Screening Technician/ Trainee TechnicianBand 4Permanent22.5 hours per weekCheshire and Merseyside Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening Programme has been in operation since 2013. The screening programme invites all men in the year they turn 65 for an ultrasound scan of their abdomen.
AAA screening is offered so that aneurysms can be found early and monitored or treated. This greatly reduces the chances of the aneurysm causing serious problems.
Cheshire and Merseyside AAA Screening programme are expanding the screening team and recruiting an additional team member. The successful candidate will be joining an established team.
Following successful completion of the Health Screening Diploma and training, the primary purpose of this role is to undertake abdominal ultrasound scanning as part of the community AAA screening programme. The post holder will work independently and make judgements according to experience and training.
The post holder will ensure abdominal ultrasound scanning is undertaken to a high standard and in accordance with national standard operating procedures.
The post is part- time 22.5 hours per week (3 days per week). The base will be at the New Royal Liverpool hospital site and the post holder will be expected to travel across the Cheshire and Merseyside area to carry out screening in community based venues.
You will be joining a friendly, supportive team and we strongly advise you to visit our department prior to interview.
Main duties of the job
The primary purpose of this role is to undertake abdominal ultrasound scanning aspart of the community AAA screening programme. The post holder will ensureabdominal ultrasound scanning is undertaken to a high standard and in accordancewith national standard operating procedures.The post holder will reassure men attending the community AAA screening andsurveillance clinics and explain the screening test to them. The post holder willensure that the men attending clinics are informed and aware of the implications ofAAA screening.
About us
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust comprises Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital & Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
We are part of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, formed on 1 Nov 2024 from the coming together of LUHFT and Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust. The Group was born from a shared aim to improve the care we provide our patients.
UHLG is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 16,800 colleagues dedicated to caring for our communities - from birth and beyond.
For the 630,000 people across Merseyside, we are their local NHS. We provide general and emergency hospital care, alongside highly specialised regional services for more than two million people in the North West.
Aintree University Hospitalis the single receiving site for adult major trauma patients in Cheshire and Merseyside and hosts a number of regional services including an award-winning stroke facility.Broadgreen Hospitalis home to elective surgical, diagnostic and treatment services, together with specialist patient rehabilitation.Liverpool Women's Hospitalspecialises in the health of women and babies, delivering over 7,200 babies in the UK's largest single site maternity hospital each year. TheRoyal Liverpool University Hospitalis the largest hospital in the country to provide inpatients with 100% single bedrooms and focuses on complex planned care and specialist services.
For roles at Liverpool Women's, visit theircareers page.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Communication
- Observe and care for men attending the screening clinic, liaising with administrative staff, nurses, medical and screening programme staff as appropriate and in the best interest of the patient and any escorts.
- Deal with anxious patients and their relatives with tact, patience and discretion. Recognise where communication difficulties arise and overcome barriers to understanding.
- Carry out other duties in accordance with the current guidelines and the programme protocol including: obtaining informed consent; putting patients at their ease, explaining the reasons for their invitation and answering any queries.
- Communicate the outcome of the screening test to the man (this may be via his relative/carer or interpreter); provide additional information and offer support appropriate to the outcome/patient pathway.
- Work alongside other screening staff involved with the clinic and support the work of the screening programme.
- Keep the Screening Programme Manager and Clinical Skills Trainer informed of caseload and any difficulties arising, seeking advice where necessary.
Knowledge, Training & Experience
- Use knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the abdominal aorta to identify the area to be scanned and any measurements taken which are outside the normal range.
- Apply specialist training and experience to manipulate ultrasound machine controls to gain maximum image optimisation.
- Apply experience and training to deliver outcome of the screening test clearly and correctly, ensuring the patient (and relative/carer) understand the outcome and any further action required
Analysis & Judgement
- Analyse scan data to ensure the quality and other factors meet with agreed protocols.
- Download data electronically, inspect for abnormalities and flag / record as appropriate, decide on course of action from available options and send data to the screening office. Ensure that the screening office is notified as soon as possible about any results that are at variance with specified criteria or that are of concern.
- Record clinical measurements and other information as required.
- Issue accurate scan reports for use in the AAA screening programme and for inspection by the Lead Ultrasound Clinician/Consultant Radiologist as required.
Planning & Organisation
- Organise and carry out ultrasound scans of the abdominal aorta in accordance with current guidelines for sonographic scanning and the programme protocol.
- Ensure that scan results are despatched as soon as possible from off-site screening clinics to the screening office in a safe and confidential way.
- Deal with medical and patient enquiries as appropriate, taking the initiative to prioritise work and to bring to the attention of medical or administrative staff any patient whose condition warrants it.
- Handle incidents and medical emergencies in a professional manner and in accordance with local policy, supporting other screening staff if appropriate
Physical Skills
- Manipulates ultrasound equipment with high degree of accuracy and precision for maximum image optimisation.
- Safely and accurately manoeuvre equipment and patients for ultrasound scans.
- Be able to travel round community venues including secure locations to deliver screening and operate from a mobile unit.
Patient Care
- Undertake ultrasound scanning on patients in accordance with protocols and standard operating procedures.
- Ensure the safety, privacy and dignity of the patient, taking into consideration any cultural/religious or other needs.
Policy & Service Development
- Participate in service reviews and actively put forward suggestions for improvement for own work area.
- Work within agreed protocols and operating procedures for scanning and care of patients.
- Observe the requirements of the Infection Control Policy in ensuring the cleanliness and tidiness of screening rooms. Ensure that all clinic waste is disposed of according to local protocol.
- Ensure that all clinic equipment is packed up correctly at the end of a clinic and stored in a safe and secure location.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Communication
- Observe and care for men attending the screening clinic, liaising with administrative staff, nurses, medical and screening programme staff as appropriate and in the best interest of the patient and any escorts.
- Deal with anxious patients and their relatives with tact, patience and discretion. Recognise where communication difficulties arise and overcome barriers to understanding.
- Carry out other duties in accordance with the current guidelines and the programme protocol including: obtaining informed consent; putting patients at their ease, explaining the reasons for their invitation and answering any queries.
- Communicate the outcome of the screening test to the man (this may be via his relative/carer or interpreter); provide additional information and offer support appropriate to the outcome/patient pathway.
- Work alongside other screening staff involved with the clinic and support the work of the screening programme.
- Keep the Screening Programme Manager and Clinical Skills Trainer informed of caseload and any difficulties arising, seeking advice where necessary.
Knowledge, Training & Experience
- Use knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the abdominal aorta to identify the area to be scanned and any measurements taken which are outside the normal range.
- Apply specialist training and experience to manipulate ultrasound machine controls to gain maximum image optimisation.
- Apply experience and training to deliver outcome of the screening test clearly and correctly, ensuring the patient (and relative/carer) understand the outcome and any further action required
Analysis & Judgement
- Analyse scan data to ensure the quality and other factors meet with agreed protocols.
- Download data electronically, inspect for abnormalities and flag / record as appropriate, decide on course of action from available options and send data to the screening office. Ensure that the screening office is notified as soon as possible about any results that are at variance with specified criteria or that are of concern.
- Record clinical measurements and other information as required.
- Issue accurate scan reports for use in the AAA screening programme and for inspection by the Lead Ultrasound Clinician/Consultant Radiologist as required.
Planning & Organisation
- Organise and carry out ultrasound scans of the abdominal aorta in accordance with current guidelines for sonographic scanning and the programme protocol.
- Ensure that scan results are despatched as soon as possible from off-site screening clinics to the screening office in a safe and confidential way.
- Deal with medical and patient enquiries as appropriate, taking the initiative to prioritise work and to bring to the attention of medical or administrative staff any patient whose condition warrants it.
- Handle incidents and medical emergencies in a professional manner and in accordance with local policy, supporting other screening staff if appropriate
Physical Skills
- Manipulates ultrasound equipment with high degree of accuracy and precision for maximum image optimisation.
- Safely and accurately manoeuvre equipment and patients for ultrasound scans.
- Be able to travel round community venues including secure locations to deliver screening and operate from a mobile unit.
Patient Care
- Undertake ultrasound scanning on patients in accordance with protocols and standard operating procedures.
- Ensure the safety, privacy and dignity of the patient, taking into consideration any cultural/religious or other needs.
Policy & Service Development
- Participate in service reviews and actively put forward suggestions for improvement for own work area.
- Work within agreed protocols and operating procedures for scanning and care of patients.
- Observe the requirements of the Infection Control Policy in ensuring the cleanliness and tidiness of screening rooms. Ensure that all clinic waste is disposed of according to local protocol.
- Ensure that all clinic equipment is packed up correctly at the end of a clinic and stored in a safe and secure location.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- 5 GCSE or equivalent, incl Human Biology or a Diploma in relevant subject
- NVQ 3 in relevant subject
Desirable
- Specialist Training: Level 3 Diploma for Health Screeners (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screener) *Essential to pass 2nd Gateway on Band
Experience
Essential
- Understanding of hospital environment and patient care & confidentiality
- Ability to make unsupervised judgements on patient enquiries and problems
- Awareness of when to request advice from senior staff
Desirable
- Experience of working within a clinical environment *Essential to pass 2nd Gateway on Band
- Familiarity with personal computers *Essential to pass 2nd Gateway on Band
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of commonly used medical terminology
- Familiarity with keyboard use
Desirable
- Familiarity with data transcription *Essential to pass 2nd Gateway on Band
- Familiarity with computer systems *Essential to pass 2nd Gateway on Band
Skills
Essential
- Excellent written and verbal skills
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work within a team and to effectively liaise with people at all levels
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to work accurately on own initiative
- Good organisational skills
Other
Essential
- Attention to detail
- Accurate data entry skills
- Ability to undertake all aspects of the role
- Flexible & independent approach to work
- Willingness and ability to travel/transport screening equipment between units and centres
- Interest and enthusiasm in the screening project and its benefits to the community
- Adaptability to different working environments off-site
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- 5 GCSE or equivalent, incl Human Biology or a Diploma in relevant subject
- NVQ 3 in relevant subject
Desirable
- Specialist Training: Level 3 Diploma for Health Screeners (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screener) *Essential to pass 2nd Gateway on Band
Experience
Essential
- Understanding of hospital environment and patient care & confidentiality
- Ability to make unsupervised judgements on patient enquiries and problems
- Awareness of when to request advice from senior staff
Desirable
- Experience of working within a clinical environment *Essential to pass 2nd Gateway on Band
- Familiarity with personal computers *Essential to pass 2nd Gateway on Band
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of commonly used medical terminology
- Familiarity with keyboard use
Desirable
- Familiarity with data transcription *Essential to pass 2nd Gateway on Band
- Familiarity with computer systems *Essential to pass 2nd Gateway on Band
Skills
Essential
- Excellent written and verbal skills
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work within a team and to effectively liaise with people at all levels
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to work accurately on own initiative
- Good organisational skills
Other
Essential
- Attention to detail
- Accurate data entry skills
- Ability to undertake all aspects of the role
- Flexible & independent approach to work
- Willingness and ability to travel/transport screening equipment between units and centres
- Interest and enthusiasm in the screening project and its benefits to the community
- Adaptability to different working environments off-site
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
