Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a band 3 screener with
the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme. The NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme
aims to reduce the risk of sight loss among people with diabetes through the
early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Screening using digital photography is currently
offered to all eligible people with diabetes from the age of 12 years old who
reside in County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.
As well as digital photography using a fundus camera, the
postholder will be required to use Optical Coherence Tomography Eye Scanners
(OCT) which is used to identify referable Maculopathy. Full training will be
given.
The postholder will be the first contact for patients
attending the screening service and will be expected to support service users
through the screening process and to ensure they are fully informed as to the
expectations/limitations of screening.
The programme has 9 venues across County Durham and
Darlington.
There will be a health screeners diploma in
diabetic eye screening, which is to be successfully completed within one year
of commencement to the post.
Main duties of the job
Effective
verbal and written communication skills and understand the importance of timely
communication.
Ability to
establish and maintain working relationships within a multi-disciplinary team.
Ability to
work effectively within a team.
Ability to
work effectively under minimal supervision, as part of the multi-disciplinary
team.
Able to
demonstrate empathy, sensitivity and compassion towards patients, putting
patients at the centre of our thinking.
Good
organisational, time management and problem solving skills
Able to
identify, report and seek advice in a situation of risk.
Ability to
access computerised records to retrieve personal information.
Contribute
to clear concise patient records and documentation adhering to national
standards and trust policies and procedures.
Contribute
to a safe and clean working environment and ensure the clinical area is
prepared and maintained as appropriate and in line with the Trust Infection
Prevention and Health and Safety Policies.
Responsible
for installing equipment and setting up allocated room(s), using identified
protocols and the operational procedures of both the service and designated
screening location.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents
Over reliance on
AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of
success
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have a minimum of two years
of experience working within the NHS as a HCA for the Trust to consider
sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and
have a current visa expiring within 3 months)
Job description
Job responsibilities
Obtain a
brief clinical history, measure and record visual acuities plus instillation of
eye drops according to protocol and report immediately any changes in the
patients condition to a senior member of staff.
Use own
initiative, but with the daily support of supervisors and peers to maintain
continuous flow of patients through the screening pathway.
Monitor
own time management to ensure all duties are carried out.
Capture
and review retinal images using specialised fundus photography and, where
appropriate, alert grading staff for urgent assessment.
After
appropriate training and competency sign-off, operation of Optical Coherence
Tomography (OCT) 3D retinal scanner.
Triage
images and place in appropriate grading queue using Traffic Light Grading
Queue.
Responsible
for monitoring clinical and consumable stock levels on a daily basis and
placing orders when required.
Proactively
seek and maintain up to date information and training to ensure that skills are
sustained to a high standard.
Participate
in External Quality Assurance and participate in simple clinical audits.
Act in a
manner which illustrates respect for privacy, dignity, equality & diversity
and confidentiality, and demonstrate excellent customer care.
Maintain
personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the role,
and participate in training activities.
Ensure all
mandatory training is undertaken in line with Trust policy.
Excellent
communications skills are essential to the post to be able to:
Liaise
internally with colleagues to ensure the smooth running of the Retinal
Screening clinic.
Ensure
good relationships are developed and maintained at all screening locations with
other Trust staff who may be involved in associated patient care.
Provide
advice to patients and carers where there may be barriers to screening.
Work
collaboratively with the wider team, clinical lead, programme manager, clinical
staff and failsafe department to ensure the smooth delivery of the screening
programme.
Regular
requirement to deal with sensitive and confidential information demonstrating
empathy, tact and diplomacy.
Requirement
to communicate effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds.
Maintain
confidentiality at all times of patient information to which the post holder
has access, including patient records when undertaking screening duties.
Attend
departmental meetings and participate in MDT providing feedback to the
programme manager.
Able to
assist patients who may need some help transferring to the camera chair.
Enhanced
levels of dexterity and accuracy in the use of diagnostic equipment ie fundus
camera / OCT scan in the direct examination of patients eyes.
Reassure
patients about the screening process, using tact, diplomacy and persuasive
skills where appropriate to ensure that patients are fully prepared for
screening.
Encourage
and re-assure patients the importance of screening
To undertake any other duties
that would be a reasonable expectation of the role.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Obtain a
brief clinical history, measure and record visual acuities plus instillation of
eye drops according to protocol and report immediately any changes in the
patients condition to a senior member of staff.
Use own
initiative, but with the daily support of supervisors and peers to maintain
continuous flow of patients through the screening pathway.
Monitor
own time management to ensure all duties are carried out.
Capture
and review retinal images using specialised fundus photography and, where
appropriate, alert grading staff for urgent assessment.
After
appropriate training and competency sign-off, operation of Optical Coherence
Tomography (OCT) 3D retinal scanner.
Triage
images and place in appropriate grading queue using Traffic Light Grading
Queue.
Responsible
for monitoring clinical and consumable stock levels on a daily basis and
placing orders when required.
Proactively
seek and maintain up to date information and training to ensure that skills are
sustained to a high standard.
Participate
in External Quality Assurance and participate in simple clinical audits.
Act in a
manner which illustrates respect for privacy, dignity, equality & diversity
and confidentiality, and demonstrate excellent customer care.
Maintain
personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the role,
and participate in training activities.
Ensure all
mandatory training is undertaken in line with Trust policy.
Excellent
communications skills are essential to the post to be able to:
Liaise
internally with colleagues to ensure the smooth running of the Retinal
Screening clinic.
Ensure
good relationships are developed and maintained at all screening locations with
other Trust staff who may be involved in associated patient care.
Provide
advice to patients and carers where there may be barriers to screening.
Work
collaboratively with the wider team, clinical lead, programme manager, clinical
staff and failsafe department to ensure the smooth delivery of the screening
programme.
Regular
requirement to deal with sensitive and confidential information demonstrating
empathy, tact and diplomacy.
Requirement
to communicate effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds.
Maintain
confidentiality at all times of patient information to which the post holder
has access, including patient records when undertaking screening duties.
Attend
departmental meetings and participate in MDT providing feedback to the
programme manager.
Able to
assist patients who may need some help transferring to the camera chair.
Enhanced
levels of dexterity and accuracy in the use of diagnostic equipment ie fundus
camera / OCT scan in the direct examination of patients eyes.
Reassure
patients about the screening process, using tact, diplomacy and persuasive
skills where appropriate to ensure that patients are fully prepared for
screening.
Encourage
and re-assure patients the importance of screening
To undertake any other duties
that would be a reasonable expectation of the role.
Person Specification
Special Requirements
Essential
- Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post.
- To change locations at very short notice and arrival punctually at required sites.
- In line with Trust seven day working commitment, the post holder will be expected to work autonomously on occasional Saturdays and Sundays in lieu of weekdays.
Statutory Reqistration
Essential
- National Screening Diploma for Health Screeners in Diabetic Eye Screening, MUST successfully complete qualification in paid protected time within one year of appointment.
Special Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Ability to manipulate technical equipment, i.e. digital fundus camera and prepare patients for screening.
- Excellent communication skills first point of contact in the clinical environment.
- Ability to communicate where there may be barriers to understanding.
- Enhanced levels of hand-eye co-ordination, sensory skills and dexterity for speed, accuracy and quality of photography.
- Knowledge and understanding of the need for confidentiality.
- Ability to work on own initiative.
- Able to work under pressure in a busy environment while keeping to deadlines and delivering high quality work
- Willing to take and record patient information
Experience
Essential
- Experience of communicating effectively, in a calm, sensitive, reassuring and persuasive way
- Experience of planning and organising, using time-management skills.
- Experience with proficient IT skills including experience of Windows Excel and Microsoft based software.
Desirable
- Experience of working in healthcare setting.
- Experience of photography in healthcare setting.
- Experience of working in a screening programme.
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE English and Maths (grade 4 or above) or equivalent
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent preferably in a care related field.
- National Screening Diploma for Health Screeners in Diabetic Eye Screening, MUST successfully complete qualification in paid protected time within one year of appointment.
Desirable
- Knowledge of Diabetes would be an advantage
- Knowledge of Diabetic Eye Disease
- Ophthalmic Experience
Person Specification
Special Requirements
Essential
- Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post.
- To change locations at very short notice and arrival punctually at required sites.
- In line with Trust seven day working commitment, the post holder will be expected to work autonomously on occasional Saturdays and Sundays in lieu of weekdays.
Statutory Reqistration
Essential
- National Screening Diploma for Health Screeners in Diabetic Eye Screening, MUST successfully complete qualification in paid protected time within one year of appointment.
Special Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Ability to manipulate technical equipment, i.e. digital fundus camera and prepare patients for screening.
- Excellent communication skills first point of contact in the clinical environment.
- Ability to communicate where there may be barriers to understanding.
- Enhanced levels of hand-eye co-ordination, sensory skills and dexterity for speed, accuracy and quality of photography.
- Knowledge and understanding of the need for confidentiality.
- Ability to work on own initiative.
- Able to work under pressure in a busy environment while keeping to deadlines and delivering high quality work
- Willing to take and record patient information
Experience
Essential
- Experience of communicating effectively, in a calm, sensitive, reassuring and persuasive way
- Experience of planning and organising, using time-management skills.
- Experience with proficient IT skills including experience of Windows Excel and Microsoft based software.
Desirable
- Experience of working in healthcare setting.
- Experience of photography in healthcare setting.
- Experience of working in a screening programme.
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE English and Maths (grade 4 or above) or equivalent
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent preferably in a care related field.
- National Screening Diploma for Health Screeners in Diabetic Eye Screening, MUST successfully complete qualification in paid protected time within one year of appointment.
Desirable
- Knowledge of Diabetes would be an advantage
- Knowledge of Diabetic Eye Disease
- Ophthalmic Experience
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.
Employer details
Employer name
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust
Hollyhurst Road
Darlington
County Durham
DL3 6HX
Employer's website
https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
