Job summary The primary purpose of this role is to undertake abdominal aortic ultrasound scanning as part of the community based National NHS AAA Screening Programme, ensuring this ultrasound scanning is undertaken to a high standard and in accordance with National AAA Standard Operating Procedures. Main duties of the job The post holder will reassure men attending the community AAA screening and surveillance clinics and explain the screening test to them. The post holder will ensure that the men attending clinics are informed and aware of the implication of AAA Screening. The post holder will be required to undergo regular assessment and to renew their accreditation at intervals as per the NAAASP Education and Training Framework. Clinics are held at various locations within the screening programme area and the post holder is expected to travel to all locations and move portable screening equipment and supplies. The post holder will work as an assistant practitioner, carrying out abdominal ultrasound scans within standard operating procedures. Following successful completion of the Health Screener's Diploma, the post holder will work independently and make judgements according to experience and training. Advice is available when needed for more complex situations, but the post holder generally works with their own initiative without refence to the Programme Manager. Attendance at NHS AAA Screening Programme training and successful completion of the Health Screeners' Diploma is a necessity. The post holder must be able to drive and have a clean driving licence with business insurance and access to a car. About us University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK. We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do. Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare. We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence designated organisation - please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. Pathway To Excellence - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk) By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team. The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values. Date posted 07 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 4 Salary £26,530 to £29,114 a year pro rata per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Part-time Reference number 218-ACS-B4-6871135 Job locations University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire Clifford Bridge Road Coventry CV2 2DX Job description Job responsibilities 1 Communication 1.1 Observe and care for patients under investigation, liaising with administrative staff, porters, nurses and medical staff as appropriate in the best interest of the patient and any escorts. 1.2 Deal with anxious patients and their relatives or carers with tact, persuasion, patience and discretion. Recognise where communication difficulties arise and overcome barriers to understanding. 1.3 Carry out other duties in accordance with the current guidelines and project protocol including obtaining informed consent, putting patients at their ease, explaining the reasons for their invitation and answering any queries. 1.4 Work alongside, supervise and support other screening staff involved with the clinics and office, including administration duties for the screening programme, where appropriate. 1.5 Keep the Programme Manager, QA Lead and CST informed of any difficulties arising, seeking advice where necessary. 1.6 Report any compliments, complaints or comments to the programme Manager and work with them to explore ways to improve the service. 1.7 Use excellent communication skills and be confident in using telephone, email, and face to face communication. 2. Knowledge, Training & Experience 2.1 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. 2.2 Apply specialist training and experience to manipulate ultrasound machine controls to gain maximum image optimisation. 2.3 Organise and carry out ultrasound scans of the abdominal aorta in accordance with current guidelines for sonographic scanning and the programme protocol. 3 Physical Skills 3.1 Manipulates and calibrates ultrasound equipment with high degree of accuracy and precision for maximum image optimisation. 3.2 Safely and accurately manoeuvre equipment and patients for ultrasound scans, including some lifting. 3.3 Be able to sit for prolonged periods 3.4 Be able to stand for prolonged periods 3.5 Work in darkened and confined spaces 4 Patient Care 4.1 Undertake ultrasound scanning on patients in accordance with protocols and standard operating procedures. 4.2 Ensure the safety, privacy and dignity of the subjects, taking into consideration any cultural/religious or other needs 4.3 Work as an autonomous practitioner with access to guidance from the Clinical Skills Trainer, when necessary, including working as a lone practitioner in the community. 4.4 Assist the patient to fill in a questionnaire (if required) and check its completeness. 5 Analysis & Judgement 5.1 Analyse scan data to ensure the quality and other factors meet with agreed protocols. 5.2 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. 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. 5.3 Record accurate clinical measurements and other information as required on the ultrasound equipment and /or the Northgate AAA system as appropriate. 6. Planning & Organisation 6.1 Organise and carry out ultrasound scans of the abdominal aorta in accordance with current guidelines for sonographic scanning and the programme protocol. 6.2 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. 6.3 Deal with medical patient enquires as appropriate, making independent judgements and taking the initiative to prioritise work and to bring to the attention of medical staff or management any issues or concerns. 6.4 Handle incidents and medical emergencies in a professional manner and in accordance with local policy, supporting other screening staff if appropriate. 6.5 Use planning, organisation and failsafe systems to undertake administrative duties for the service. 6.6 Use exemplary time management to ensure clinics run to schedule. 7. Education and training 7.1 To attend for re-accreditation annually. 7.2 Provide support to other team members, demonstrating skills and techniques to staff with less experience 7.3 Undertake all mandatory training 7.4 Any other duties as required by Programme Manager 8.Policy and Service Development 8.1.1 Take responsibility for ensuring own knowledge of NAAASP and local policy and procedures is current to ensure safety of self and others Work within agreed protocols and operating procedures for scanning and care of patients. 8.1.2 Attend and participate in Team and Board meetings as required. 8.1.3 Participate in service reviews and actively put forward suggestions for improvement for own work area. 8.1.4 Contribute to and participate in promotional and educational programmes for health care professionals and the public to increase awareness. 8.1.5 To participate, as appropriate, in the proper investigation of incidents and patient complaints/complaints from other users of the service. 8.1.6 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 in the correct manner. 8.7 Ensure that all clinic equipment is packed up correctly at the end of a clinic and stored in a safe and secure location. Check equipment at the start of each clinic for any damage and conduct regular phantom testing of equipment. 9 Financial Responsibilities 9.1 Ensure the safe use of expensive ultrasound equipment including transporting portable equipment to all screening locations. 9.2 Monitor equipment used in the course of the role, ensure it is kept clean, and record/report any faults. 9.3 Monitor stock levels of supplies and consumables. 9.4 Ensure that the screening office is notified well in advance when supplies need to be replenished. 10. Research and Audit 10.1 The post holder will participate in the extraction of local clinical data for research purposes in line with the AAA National Screening Programme. 11 Other duties 11.1 Maintain clinical skills and knowledge, and maintain a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) folder as evidence of this. 11.2 Attend meeting, training sessions and tutorials as required. 11.13 Maintain clinical skills and knowledge. 12. Mental Effort 12.1 Use mental concentration for relatively long periods requiring a high level of accuracy for ultrasound scanning and complex administrative duties. 12. Emotional Effort 12.1 Use care, compassion and self-awareness to deal with subjects who might be anxious or upset. 12.2 The post holder may occasionally be exposed to challenging behaviour when running the screening clinics. 13. Changes to the job 13.1 This post may be subject to changes/ review as the needs of the service/department/ unit change. Any changes will be made following consultation with the individual before the changes are made. For further details please see the attached job description. Job description Job responsibilities 1 Communication 1.1 Observe and care for patients under investigation, liaising with administrative staff, porters, nurses and medical staff as appropriate in the best interest of the patient and any escorts. 1.2 Deal with anxious patients and their relatives or carers with tact, persuasion, patience and discretion. Recognise where communication difficulties arise and overcome barriers to understanding. 1.3 Carry out other duties in accordance with the current guidelines and project protocol including obtaining informed consent, putting patients at their ease, explaining the reasons for their invitation and answering any queries. 1.4 Work alongside, supervise and support other screening staff involved with the clinics and office, including administration duties for the screening programme, where appropriate. 1.5 Keep the Programme Manager, QA Lead and CST informed of any difficulties arising, seeking advice where necessary. 1.6 Report any compliments, complaints or comments to the programme Manager and work with them to explore ways to improve the service. 1.7 Use excellent communication skills and be confident in using telephone, email, and face to face communication. 2. Knowledge, Training & Experience 2.1 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. 2.2 Apply specialist training and experience to manipulate ultrasound machine controls to gain maximum image optimisation. 2.3 Organise and carry out ultrasound scans of the abdominal aorta in accordance with current guidelines for sonographic scanning and the programme protocol. 3 Physical Skills 3.1 Manipulates and calibrates ultrasound equipment with high degree of accuracy and precision for maximum image optimisation. 3.2 Safely and accurately manoeuvre equipment and patients for ultrasound scans, including some lifting. 3.3 Be able to sit for prolonged periods 3.4 Be able to stand for prolonged periods 3.5 Work in darkened and confined spaces 4 Patient Care 4.1 Undertake ultrasound scanning on patients in accordance with protocols and standard operating procedures. 4.2 Ensure the safety, privacy and dignity of the subjects, taking into consideration any cultural/religious or other needs 4.3 Work as an autonomous practitioner with access to guidance from the Clinical Skills Trainer, when necessary, including working as a lone practitioner in the community. 4.4 Assist the patient to fill in a questionnaire (if required) and check its completeness. 5 Analysis & Judgement 5.1 Analyse scan data to ensure the quality and other factors meet with agreed protocols. 5.2 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. 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. 5.3 Record accurate clinical measurements and other information as required on the ultrasound equipment and /or the Northgate AAA system as appropriate. 6. Planning & Organisation 6.1 Organise and carry out ultrasound scans of the abdominal aorta in accordance with current guidelines for sonographic scanning and the programme protocol. 6.2 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. 6.3 Deal with medical patient enquires as appropriate, making independent judgements and taking the initiative to prioritise work and to bring to the attention of medical staff or management any issues or concerns. 6.4 Handle incidents and medical emergencies in a professional manner and in accordance with local policy, supporting other screening staff if appropriate. 6.5 Use planning, organisation and failsafe systems to undertake administrative duties for the service. 6.6 Use exemplary time management to ensure clinics run to schedule. 7. Education and training 7.1 To attend for re-accreditation annually. 7.2 Provide support to other team members, demonstrating skills and techniques to staff with less experience 7.3 Undertake all mandatory training 7.4 Any other duties as required by Programme Manager 8.Policy and Service Development 8.1.1 Take responsibility for ensuring own knowledge of NAAASP and local policy and procedures is current to ensure safety of self and others Work within agreed protocols and operating procedures for scanning and care of patients. 8.1.2 Attend and participate in Team and Board meetings as required. 8.1.3 Participate in service reviews and actively put forward suggestions for improvement for own work area. 8.1.4 Contribute to and participate in promotional and educational programmes for health care professionals and the public to increase awareness. 8.1.5 To participate, as appropriate, in the proper investigation of incidents and patient complaints/complaints from other users of the service. 8.1.6 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 in the correct manner. 8.7 Ensure that all clinic equipment is packed up correctly at the end of a clinic and stored in a safe and secure location. Check equipment at the start of each clinic for any damage and conduct regular phantom testing of equipment. 9 Financial Responsibilities 9.1 Ensure the safe use of expensive ultrasound equipment including transporting portable equipment to all screening locations. 9.2 Monitor equipment used in the course of the role, ensure it is kept clean, and record/report any faults. 9.3 Monitor stock levels of supplies and consumables. 9.4 Ensure that the screening office is notified well in advance when supplies need to be replenished. 10. Research and Audit 10.1 The post holder will participate in the extraction of local clinical data for research purposes in line with the AAA National Screening Programme. 11 Other duties 11.1 Maintain clinical skills and knowledge, and maintain a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) folder as evidence of this. 11.2 Attend meeting, training sessions and tutorials as required. 11.13 Maintain clinical skills and knowledge. 12. Mental Effort 12.1 Use mental concentration for relatively long periods requiring a high level of accuracy for ultrasound scanning and complex administrative duties. 12. Emotional Effort 12.1 Use care, compassion and self-awareness to deal with subjects who might be anxious or upset. 12.2 The post holder may occasionally be exposed to challenging behaviour when running the screening clinics. 13. Changes to the job 13.1 This post may be subject to changes/ review as the needs of the service/department/ unit change. Any changes will be made following consultation with the individual before the changes are made. For further details please see the attached job description. Person Specification Qualifications Essential see supporting documents Desirable see supporting documents Experience Essential see supporting documents Desirable see supporting documents Knowledge Essential see supporting documents Skills Essential see supporting documents Desirable see supporting documents Person Specification Qualifications Essential see supporting documents Desirable see supporting documents Experience Essential see supporting documents Desirable see supporting documents Knowledge Essential see supporting documents Skills Essential see supporting documents Desirable see supporting documents 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. Certificate of Sponsorship 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. Certificate of Sponsorship 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). Employer details Employer name University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust Address University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire Clifford Bridge Road Coventry CV2 2DX Employer's website https://www.jobsatuhcw.co.uk (Opens in a new tab)