Job summary
Post holder are employed by Gateshead Health NHS Trust based in Preston.
AAA Screening is fast paced, performing over 10,000 ultrasound scans a year. Screening Technicians work autonomously, challenges are gaining consent, performing ultrasound scans, discussing test results ,providing reassurance and initial counselling when aneurysm is found.
We are looking for motivated and enthusiastic individuals to join the Screening Team. This role will suit applicants with a commitment to assist in delivery of screening services and can demonstrate organisational skills, capacity to remain calm under pressure and an ability to prioritise workload.
The successful applicant will undertake ultrasound training over 3-4 months to ensure scanning standards are met in accordance with national standard operating procedures. The training includes completion of Health Screeners Diploma and independent assessment of ultrasound technique. No experience in ultrasound is necessary but applicants must be educated to GCSE grade A-C (English Language, Mathematics and Science are essential) and have experience of working in healthcare.
Applicants must have a clean driving licence and use of a car with business insurance.
In return we offer work within a friendly, supportive team which aims to deliver a high quality service and continuous professional development.
You will be asked to sign an Education, Learning and Development Contract once you commence your training.
Pleasenote previous applicants need not apply.
Main duties of the job
Independently undertakes abdominal ultrasound scanning and base line observations, as part of the community AAA screening programme.
Ensures abdominal ultrasound scanning is undertaken to a high standard and in accordance with national standard operating procedures.
Explains and reassures patients attending the community abdominal aortic screening programme, especially where barriers to understanding exist.
Provides initial counselling support for those men identified with abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Ensures that members of the public attending clinics are informed and aware of implications of AAA screening.
Carry out health promotion to promote the Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening programme.
Deliver behavioural advice through localised Making Each Contact Count programme to include signposting to other section 7a screening programmes
About us
Based in Preston , working for Gateshead NHS Foundation Trust we provide a range of hospital and community health services from our leading facilities, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon urgent care centre and Bensham Hospital, all within Gateshead.
Established in 2005, we were one of the first foundation trusts in the country and since then have consistently achieved the highest levels of care for patients.
We now employ around 4,800 staff and currently provide 444 hospital beds across the Gateshead region.
Our values should be the 'golden thread' which runs through everything we do - they are the core of who we are. Our five values can easily be remembered by the simple acronymICORE; Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, Engagement.
We have a number of staff networks including the BAME network, D-Ability network, LGBTQ+ Network and the Women's Network, to challenge us and help us to constantly improve. Our armed forces network is one of our emerging networks.
The health and wellbeing of our staff is one of our highest priorities, and we offer a range of support and initiatives as part of our 'Balance' programme balancegateshead.com to cater for our diverse workforce, so that your individual needs can be supported, allowing you a happy and healthy working experience with us.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To work as an assistant practitioner carrying out ultrasound techniques within standard operating procedures.
To perform a screening examinations to a very high standard ,where accuracy and precision is required, which will involve manoeuvring people and allowing for narrow margins of error
Works independently and makes judgements according to experience and training.
Observe and care for patients under investigation, liaising with other staff of different disciplines, in the best interest of the patient and any escorts.
Deal with anxious patients and their relatives with tact, persuasion, patience and discretion.
Be able to demonstrate good communication skills both written and verbal.
Recognise where communication difficulties arise and overcome barriers to understanding
Ensuring informed signed consent is acquired for all patients
Records observations as per national requirements eg blood pressure, weight and height
Responds to anxious patients and their relatives with tact, reassurance, discretion and patience where barriers to understanding arise.
Provides initial counselling support to patients identified for surveillance
To assist in the delivery of Safecare ensuring that the care delivered is clinically effective, efficient, timely and convenient
To support initiatives and develop a culture which improves health, safety and security for patients, staff and visitors
Analyse scan data to ensure the quality and other factors meet with agreed protocols.
Download data electronically, inspecting for abnormalities. Flag/record as appropriate, decide on course of action from available options and send data to screening office.
Record clinical measurements and other information as required.
To be accountable for their own professional actions, works within protocols and standard operating procedures.
Works off site with the supervisor contactable by telephone
Job description
Job responsibilities
To work as an assistant practitioner carrying out ultrasound techniques within standard operating procedures.
To perform a screening examinations to a very high standard ,where accuracy and precision is required, which will involve manoeuvring people and allowing for narrow margins of error
Works independently and makes judgements according to experience and training.
Observe and care for patients under investigation, liaising with other staff of different disciplines, in the best interest of the patient and any escorts.
Deal with anxious patients and their relatives with tact, persuasion, patience and discretion.
Be able to demonstrate good communication skills both written and verbal.
Recognise where communication difficulties arise and overcome barriers to understanding
Ensuring informed signed consent is acquired for all patients
Records observations as per national requirements eg blood pressure, weight and height
Responds to anxious patients and their relatives with tact, reassurance, discretion and patience where barriers to understanding arise.
Provides initial counselling support to patients identified for surveillance
To assist in the delivery of Safecare ensuring that the care delivered is clinically effective, efficient, timely and convenient
To support initiatives and develop a culture which improves health, safety and security for patients, staff and visitors
Analyse scan data to ensure the quality and other factors meet with agreed protocols.
Download data electronically, inspecting for abnormalities. Flag/record as appropriate, decide on course of action from available options and send data to screening office.
Record clinical measurements and other information as required.
To be accountable for their own professional actions, works within protocols and standard operating procedures.
Works off site with the supervisor contactable by telephone
Person Specification
Essential / Desirable
Essential
- 5 GCSE or equivalent, including English, Maths, and Science
- Previous experience in healthcare
- Car driver and owner with clean driving licence and business use insurance
Desirable
- NVQ Level 3 Diagnostic and Therapeutic Support
- Health & Safety Awareness and experience
Essential
Essential
Person Specification
Essential / Desirable
Essential
- 5 GCSE or equivalent, including English, Maths, and Science
- Previous experience in healthcare
- Car driver and owner with clean driving licence and business use insurance
Desirable
- NVQ Level 3 Diagnostic and Therapeutic Support
- Health & Safety Awareness and experience
Essential
Essential
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).
