Job summary
The role of an Assistant Practitioner is to undertake mammography screening with precision and speed to a very high standard. Mammography is undertaken for the East Lancashire Breast Screening and Symptomatic services at mobile sites across East Lancashire and the main Breast Imaging Unit at Burnley General Hospital.
Active participation is required in the daily quality control programme to detect any equipment malfunction or image deterioration. Also self-assessment and peer review of performance associated with service audit is integral to the role. Assistant Practitioners provide chaperone duties during ultrasound examinations and assist consultants and mammographers during assessment and symptomatic clinics in order topromote an efficient and caring service.
Participation in a rota that reflects 8.00am - 8.00pm and access to transport is essential fortravel to the mobile unit sites.
Main duties of the job
- Perform all standard breast screening examinations at the base unit and at all the various sites in the community visited by the mobile breast screening unit
- Ensure optimum diagnostic imaging quality
- Have all requests checked by a qualified mammographer for justification before any procedure is carried out
- Positively identify clients prior to mammographic procedures and that all relevant details and current symptoms are correctly recorded accurately
- Technical evaluation of mammography images to assess diagnostic quality and adequacy
- Adhere to departmental protocols and procedures including Ionising Radiation Regulations (2017) and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017
- Carry out equipment quality control tests
- To chaperone consultants and Advanced Practitioners during Ultrasound sessions and ultrasound intervention
- Ensure biopsy samples are documented, correctly labelled, and sent to the appropriate designated area for transport to the laboratory
- Maintaining cleanliness and tidiness in all areas at all times whilst complying with infection control policies
- Assist with administration duties when required
- Use data transfer of appointments and images to and from the mobile breast screening unit
- Stock control, order effectively and put stock away
- Adopt a flexible approach to periods of work to meet the needs of the service
About us
East Lancashire Breast Imaging Department is committed to providing high quality care for all clients/patients attending for Breast Imaging. Imaging is undertaken for East Lancashire Breast Screening and Symptomatic Services, delivered at the base unit and at the various sites in the community visited by the mobile breast screening unit. Our department has 1x Hologic Selenia Dimensions 3D Tomo, 2x Hologic Selenia Dimensions 2D, and 1x Fuji Amulet Innovality also tomo enabled. 3x Samsung RS85 Ultrasound machines. Our double ended mobile van is equipped with 2x Hologic Selenia Dimension .
Our staff are friendly, supportive and dedicated professionals who will make you feel very welcome. The service is committed to encouraging staff to widen their scope of practice, with continuous professional development actively encouraged and supported by expert clinical leads. The departmental staffing reflects the 4 tier structure, with staff working at all 4 practitioner levels .
Job description
Job responsibilities
General/Clinical
- Perform all mammography examinations to the highest standard with precision and speed in line with the NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) guidelines, and ensure that the client/patient episode is documented and carried out in accordance with departmental protocol
- Use relevant knowledge, clinical experience and departmental protocols to select the appropriate mammographic projections and exposures to ensure optimum diagnostic imaging
- Participate in the updating of procedures and protocols to reflect changes in practice
- Evaluation of mammography images to assess diagnostic quality and adequacy
- Adhere to departmental protocols and procedures including Ionising Radiation Regulations (2017) and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017
- Actively participate and be responsible for equipment quality control and safety checks as defined in the departmental quality control manual, documenting all test parameters and reporting any equipment faults and/or test results outside acceptable limits to the QA Radiographer, Operational Lead or Breast Imaging Manager, recording any action taken
- Undertake clinical duties in the service in accordance with the service staffing rota
- Provide professional support, guidance and leadership to less experienced members of staff, including trainee mammography practitioners, assistant practitioners, mammography assistants and radiography students
- Be proficient in assisting clinicians during biopsy procedures using basic nursing techniques as required
- Ensure a high level of environmental quality is achieved by maintaining cleanliness and tidiness in all areas at all times whilst complying with infection control policies
- To be able to critically appraise quality standards of mammography to ensure a high quality diagnostic service (through regular self-assessment and peer review processes).
Communication
- To work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide the highest standards of patient care
- Ensure the screening examination is acceptable to clients by communicating effectively and demonstrating sensitivity and consideration at all stages of the process, ensuring that individuals are well prepared for the examinations they undergo, whilst gaining their willing co-operation.
- Encourage re-attendance for subsequent screening rounds by using interpersonal skills and offering support and advice, particularly to agitated and anxious clients
- Communicate effectively with those patients/clients who do not have English as their first language
- To continually participate in the promotion of the Breast Screening Service, breast awareness and general health promotion, empowering clients through support and education
- Provide the highest level of care and support to all users of the service, including relatives and carers
- Whilst not responsible for issuing bad news the post-holder must have the ability to communicate sensitively to patients whilst carrying out diagnostic tests in clinics where women are often anxious
- Ensure that any clinical abnormalities are reported back to the reporting consultant or advanced practitioner as per protocol, to assist in diagnosis.
Training & Development
- Undertake any appropriate, documented Continuing Professional Development
- Participate in mandatory and other relevant Trust training
- Participate attending courses, conferences or meetings as deemed necessary
- Undertake regular Personal Development Review (PDR) with the relevant senior member of staff
- Be responsible for monitoring personal performance and Technical recall rate in accordance with NHSBSP mammographic standards
Organisational Responsibilities
- To participate in service audit and presentation of associated findings to peer group
- Participate in service development initiatives
- Maintain an efficient workflow in all areas of the service at all times
Professional Responsibilities
- Ensure any Professional Registration is renewed in appropriate timescale
- Maintain an awareness of current issues in breast screening
- Adhere to Professional Codes of Conduct
- Maintain patient/client confidentiality
Other Responsibilities
Post holders are expected to work flexibly within their pay band. They should be expected to carry out activities for which they are competent. Alternatively they may carry out the additional duties if they are receiving support or training in order to obtain the recognised level of competence.
Job description
Job responsibilities
General/Clinical
- Perform all mammography examinations to the highest standard with precision and speed in line with the NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) guidelines, and ensure that the client/patient episode is documented and carried out in accordance with departmental protocol
- Use relevant knowledge, clinical experience and departmental protocols to select the appropriate mammographic projections and exposures to ensure optimum diagnostic imaging
- Participate in the updating of procedures and protocols to reflect changes in practice
- Evaluation of mammography images to assess diagnostic quality and adequacy
- Adhere to departmental protocols and procedures including Ionising Radiation Regulations (2017) and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017
- Actively participate and be responsible for equipment quality control and safety checks as defined in the departmental quality control manual, documenting all test parameters and reporting any equipment faults and/or test results outside acceptable limits to the QA Radiographer, Operational Lead or Breast Imaging Manager, recording any action taken
- Undertake clinical duties in the service in accordance with the service staffing rota
- Provide professional support, guidance and leadership to less experienced members of staff, including trainee mammography practitioners, assistant practitioners, mammography assistants and radiography students
- Be proficient in assisting clinicians during biopsy procedures using basic nursing techniques as required
- Ensure a high level of environmental quality is achieved by maintaining cleanliness and tidiness in all areas at all times whilst complying with infection control policies
- To be able to critically appraise quality standards of mammography to ensure a high quality diagnostic service (through regular self-assessment and peer review processes).
Communication
- To work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide the highest standards of patient care
- Ensure the screening examination is acceptable to clients by communicating effectively and demonstrating sensitivity and consideration at all stages of the process, ensuring that individuals are well prepared for the examinations they undergo, whilst gaining their willing co-operation.
- Encourage re-attendance for subsequent screening rounds by using interpersonal skills and offering support and advice, particularly to agitated and anxious clients
- Communicate effectively with those patients/clients who do not have English as their first language
- To continually participate in the promotion of the Breast Screening Service, breast awareness and general health promotion, empowering clients through support and education
- Provide the highest level of care and support to all users of the service, including relatives and carers
- Whilst not responsible for issuing bad news the post-holder must have the ability to communicate sensitively to patients whilst carrying out diagnostic tests in clinics where women are often anxious
- Ensure that any clinical abnormalities are reported back to the reporting consultant or advanced practitioner as per protocol, to assist in diagnosis.
Training & Development
- Undertake any appropriate, documented Continuing Professional Development
- Participate in mandatory and other relevant Trust training
- Participate attending courses, conferences or meetings as deemed necessary
- Undertake regular Personal Development Review (PDR) with the relevant senior member of staff
- Be responsible for monitoring personal performance and Technical recall rate in accordance with NHSBSP mammographic standards
Organisational Responsibilities
- To participate in service audit and presentation of associated findings to peer group
- Participate in service development initiatives
- Maintain an efficient workflow in all areas of the service at all times
Professional Responsibilities
- Ensure any Professional Registration is renewed in appropriate timescale
- Maintain an awareness of current issues in breast screening
- Adhere to Professional Codes of Conduct
- Maintain patient/client confidentiality
Other Responsibilities
Post holders are expected to work flexibly within their pay band. They should be expected to carry out activities for which they are competent. Alternatively they may carry out the additional duties if they are receiving support or training in order to obtain the recognised level of competence.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Maths and English GCSE pass or equivalent
Desirable
- Qualified assistant practitioner
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in the NHS
Desirable
- Experience working in a Breast Screening unit
- Experience of data input and databases
Knowledge
Essential
- Computer Literate
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work within a team
- Ability to work within a defined role.
- Effective advocate for patients
- Ability to empathise with the client/patients needs.
- Ability to work under pressure and maintain concentration
- Attention to details
Desirable
- Understanding and ability to maintain high quality standards
- Knowledge of National Breast Screening Programme.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Capacity to learn and willingness to study
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Ability to provide flexibility in work hours
- Empathetic nature
- Effective time management
- Approachable, polite, professional and enthusiastic
- Willingness to travel to mobile van destinations
- Car owner/driver
Desirable
- Calm under pressure
- Understanding of the importance of patient care
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Maths and English GCSE pass or equivalent
Desirable
- Qualified assistant practitioner
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in the NHS
Desirable
- Experience working in a Breast Screening unit
- Experience of data input and databases
Knowledge
Essential
- Computer Literate
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work within a team
- Ability to work within a defined role.
- Effective advocate for patients
- Ability to empathise with the client/patients needs.
- Ability to work under pressure and maintain concentration
- Attention to details
Desirable
- Understanding and ability to maintain high quality standards
- Knowledge of National Breast Screening Programme.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Capacity to learn and willingness to study
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Ability to provide flexibility in work hours
- Empathetic nature
- Effective time management
- Approachable, polite, professional and enthusiastic
- Willingness to travel to mobile van destinations
- Car owner/driver
Desirable
- Calm under pressure
- Understanding of the importance of patient care
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).