Job Description

Job Title: Screening Technician – Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening Programme

Band: 5

Hours of work: Expected to be 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, Usually between the hours of
0800 to 1800, dependant on location. Flexibility may be required, possibly annualised
hours and weekend and evening working if the development of the programme
requires.

Division: Medicine and Cardiovascular

Directorate: Cardiovascular

Care Group: Vascular

Base: St. George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Location: South London and East Surrey

Accountable to: Screening Programme Coordinator/Manager

Reports to: Screening Programme Coordinator/Manager, Clinical Skills Trainer (Senior

Sonographer) and Programme Administrator.

Special Conditions: Attendance at NHS AAA Screening Programme training and successful completion of
course.

RESPONSIBLE FOR
The primary purpose of this role is to undertake abdominal ultrasound scanning as part of the community
AAA screening programme.
The post holder will ensure that men attending clinics are booked in smoothly and efficiently and are aware of
the benefits and risks of the AAA screening programme and give informed consent to the procedures.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Screening Programme Coordinator/Manager
Clinical Skills Trainer (CST)
Senior Screening Sonographer
Managers of health centres, medical centres and screening sites
Members of the screening team
Vascular consultants
Vascular Nurse Consultant
Vascular Service Manager
Vascular Surgery Department
Clinical and other staff from different specialties including IT department
Members of the public, patients and their relatives
National Programme Team
Senior Clinical Scientist Vascular Laboratory / lead ultrasonographer
Medical Staff both at SGHNHST and offsite a locations where clinics are running
Administrative Staff both at SGHNHST and offsite a locations where clinics are running

Role of the Department

The NHS abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening programme is available for all men aged 65 and over
in England.
The programme aims to reduce AAA related mortality among men aged 65 to 74.

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A simple ultrasound test is performed to detect AAA. The scan itself is quick, painless and non-invasive and
the results are provided straight away.
Our programme covers the South London and East Surrey catchment area of the national programme.

Job Summary
The post holder will work as an assistant practitioner, carrying out abdominal ultrasound scans within
standard operating procedures. As a current holder of the NAAASP qualification, 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 on his/her own initiative without reference to
the Line Manager.

Screening clinics may initially be run with the support of the lead ultrasound clinician but these will be
undertaken alone following an induction period.

Trust Vision & Values

The postholder is expected to have a clear understanding of how this post contributes to the achievement of
the trust vision.

St. George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is at the heart of an integrated healthcare system.
One that delivers improved patient care at a community, hospital and specialist setting, supported by a
unique and nationally recognised programme of research, education and employee engagement.

We expect all our staff to share the values that are important to the Trust, being Excellent, Kind, Responsible
& Respectful, and behave in a way that reflect these.

St. George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is committed to safeguarding children and
vulnerable adults and expects that all staff will share in this commitment. The Trust is clear that all staff have
a responsibility to be aware of children and adult safeguarding policies and procedures and that each
member of staff, clinical and non-clinical, will attend child or adult safeguarding training that is provided at an
appropriate level to suit their role. The Trust has the additional expectation that all staff will be able to identify
concerns and know what action to take.

Main Duties/Key Results Areas

 The post holder will ensure abdominal ultrasound scanning is undertaken to a high standard and in
accordance with national and local standard operating procedures.
 The post holder will reassure men attending their AAA screening and surveillance clinics and explain the
screening test to them, especially where barriers to understanding may exist.
 The post holder will ensure that the men attending clinics are informed and aware of the implications of
AAA screening.
 The post holder will be responsible for the smooth running of the clinics they are working in.
 Help/set up and pack up equipment at the beginning and end of a clinic.
 The post holder will work with another screening technician or alone as required to facilitate the smooth
running of clinics and delivery of the service.
 The post holder will be responsible for the booking of appointments, mainly surveillance, rescreens etc,
within national and local standard operating procedures.
 The post holder will work within the programme’s organisational policies and the national standard
operating procedures.

1.0 Communication
1.1 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.
1.2 Deal with anxious patients and their relatives with tact, 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 the programme protocol
including: obtaining informed consent; putting patients at their ease, explaining the reasons for their
invitation and answering any queries.

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1.4 Communicate the outcome of the screening test to the patient (this may be via their relative/carer or
interpreter); provide additional information and offer support appropriate to the outcome/patient
pathway.
1.5 Work alongside other screening staff involved with the clinic and support the work of the screening
programme.
1.6 Keep the Screening Programme Coordinator/Manager, Administrator and CST informed of caseload
and any difficulties arising, seeking advice where necessary.
1.7 Deal with medical and patient enquiries as appropriate, taking the initiative to prioritise work and to
bring to the attention of clinical or administrative staff any patient whose condition warrants it.
1.8 Attend meetings, local, regional and national training sessions and tutorials as required.

2.0 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 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.
2.4 You will be required to ensure your accreditation/training is maintained / renewed in order to perform
the main duties of the post.
2.5 Continued employment in this post is reliant on successful accreditation and re-accreditation
for AAA Screening by the national training provider.

3.0 Analysis & Judgement

3.1 Analyse scan data to ensure the quality and other factors meet with agreed protocols.
3.2 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 is notified as soon as possible about any results that are at variance with specified
criteria or that are of concern.
3.3 Record clinical information/measurements and other information as required.
3.4 Issue accurate scan reports for use in the AAA screening programme and for inspection by the Lead
Ultrasound Clinician/Consultant Radiologist as required.
3.5 Make routine judgments on work undertaken, analysing situations and act appropriately in line with
clinical and non-clinical procedures. Inform the Screening Programme Manager, or nominated
deputed deputy, on progress of work and any difficulties arising, seeking advice where necessary.
3.6 There may be occasions indicating the need to change practice or long-standing established
procedures.

4.0 Planning & Organisation

4.1 Organise and carry out ultrasound scans of the abdominal aorta in accordance with current guidelines
for sonographic scanning and the programme protocol.
4.2 Ensure that scan results are entered immediately or as soon as possible onto the NAASP database in
a safe and confidential manner.
4.3 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.
4.4 Handle incidents and medical emergencies in a professional manner and in accordance with local
policy, supporting other screening staff if appropriate.
4.5 Give verbal results and follow up instructions to patients at clinic, providing leaflet information and any
further information and support where required.
4.6 Ensuring images are uploaded to the national database at least weekly and prior to any leave or
sickness for Quality Assurance review in line with national and local standard operating procedures.
This will require on-site attendance at St. Georges University Hospital.
4.7 Plans own workload on an on-going basis in various sites and clinics, taking action to manage
unexpected situations as needed.
4.8 Organising and/or taking part in identifying, contacting, visiting and assessing locations suitable for
the screening programme
4.9 Organising and/or taking part in identifying, contacting, visiting and assessing locations to promote
the AAA Screening programme

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 5.0 Patient Focussed Responsibilities
5.1 Undertake ultrasound scanning on patients in accordance with protocols and national and local
standard operating procedures.
5.2 Ensure the safety, privacy and dignity of the patient, taking into consideration any cultural/religious or
other needs.
5.3 Ensuring a comfortable and friendly environment at all times.
5.4 Assist patients to fill in questionnaires (if required) and check its completeness.
5.5 Record clinical measurements and other information as required on a national database system.
5.6 Undertake other duties which provide a basic clinical service to the patient.
5.7 The post holder may occasionally be exposed to challenging behaviour when running the screening
clinics.
5.8 Work alone and off site, attending GP surgeries, community centres, care homes, rehabilitation
centres etc within the programmes catchment area. It will also be required to run and attend clinics at
prisons but this will always be in pairs.
5.9 Referring patients in accordance with protocols and national and local standard operating procedures
to Vascular Surgeons.

6.0 Policy & Service Development

6.1 Participate in service reviews and actively put forward suggestions for improvement for own work
area.
6.2 Work within agreed protocols and operating procedures for scanning and care of patients.
6.3 Maintain a safe and clean environment in accordance with the Trusts Health & Safety, Manual
Handling, Clinical Risk and Infection Control policies. Ensure the cleanliness and tidiness of the
screening rooms and that all clinic waste is disposed of in the correct manner.
6.4 Ensure that all clinic equipment is packed up correctly at the end of a clinic and stored in a safe and
secure location.
6.5 Collect clinic equipment at the beginning of each day from the AAA Screening Programme Office at
St. George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and return it at the end of each day, unless
secure storage elsewhere is otherwise agreed with the AAA screening manager. Equipment must not
be stored in vehicles that are unattended at any time.

7.0 Financial Responsibilities

7.1 Ensure the safe use of expensive IT/ultrasound equipment including transporting portable equipment
to various screening locations.
7.2 Monitor equipment used in the course of the role, ensure it is kept clean, and record / report any
faults. Monitor stock levels of supplies and consumables. Ensure that the screening office is notified
well in advance when supplies need to be replenished.

8.0 Human Resources

8.1 Demonstrates duties and techniques to less experienced and new staff. May provide some basic
clinical supervision.

9.0 Information Resources

9.1 There will be a requirement to use computer software to upload, store and report on images taken.
9.2 In the course or your duties you will be required to use email, word processing, spreadsheet,
database and presentation software.

10.0 Research & Audit

10.1 It will be expected that the post holder will participate in the extraction of local clinical data for
research purposes in line with the AAA national screening programme.
10.2 It will be expected that the post holder will participate in any research and audit in line with the
National and local AAA screening programme.
10.3 It will be expected that the post holder will participate in any research and audit in relation to the
Vascular Institute, the National Vascular Registry and the Research Department of St. Georges
University Hospital.

11.0 Other Duties

11.1 Transport portable equipment and supplies to the screening locations as required, some of which are
off-site and cannot be reached by public transport.

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 11.2 Undertake work independently at sites away from a hospital base.
11.3 Work alongside other screening staff involved with the clinic and support the work of the AAA
screening programme.
11.4 Maintain clinical skills and knowledge.
11.5 Maintain equipment in a clean manner, keeping a record of any equipment problems that arise.
11.6 Ensuring equipment is checked daily and is safe for use.
11.7 Ensuring equipment is checked yearly by Medical Physics.
11.8 Documentation and Administration
11.9 Support the Screening Administrator with administration as required, including booking,
rebooking, cancelling and managing clinics.
11.10 Provide cover for the Screening Administrator at times of absence, i.e. annual, sickness etc.
11.11 Support the Programme Manager with administration as required or delegated.
11.12 Generating or completing reports as required.
11.13 In order to maintain the quality and integrity of the training provision and subsequently the quality
at point of care, the post holder may occasionally have to escalate to the programme manager,
the need to suspend (temporarily or permanently) screening personnel from performing scans.
11.14 In the event of a significant incident which is found to be due to poor performance/inadequate
training of the screening technician, the post holder will be expected contribute to the
investigation.
11.15 To have responsibility for the Health, Safety and Welfare of self and others and to comply at all
times with the requirement of the Health and Safety Regulations.
11.16 To ensure confidentiality at all times, only releasing confidential information obtained during the
course of employment to those acting in an official capacity in accordance with the provisions of
the Data Protection Act and its amendments.
11.17 To work in accordance with the Trust’s Equal Opportunities policy to eliminate unlawful
discrimination in relation to employment and service delivery.
11.18 To promote at all times equal opportunities for staff and patients in accordance with St George’s
Healthcare policies to ensure that no person receives less favourable treatment than another on
the grounds of: age; disability; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race
(ethnicity); religion or belief; sex (gender); gender reassignment or sexual orientation.
11.19 To ensure skills are up-to-date and relevant to the role, to follow relevant Trust policies and
professional codes and to maintain registration where this is a requirement of the role.
11.20 To comply with St. George’s Healthcare No Smoking Policies.
11.21 To undertake such duties as may be required from time to time as are consistent with the
responsibilities of the grade and the needs of the service.

Fully participate in the Trust’s appraisal system review and personal development planning process on an
annual basis.

Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with line manager as
part of the personal development planning process.

Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed
timescales.
Contribute positively to the effectiveness and efficiency of the teams in which he/she works.
Undertake any other duties at the request of the line manager which are commensurate with the role,
including project work, internal job rotation and absence cover.
Abide by the Data Protection Act 1998, by ensuring that all computerised information related to patients and
other members of staff to which he/she has access in the course of employment, is regarded as strictly
confidential. This rule applies to written information. Failure to adhere to this instruction will be regarded as
serious misconduct and lead to disciplinary action.

In the event of a major incident or civil unrest all local trust employees will be expected to report for duty on
notification. All local trust employees are also expected to play an active part in training and preparation for a
major incident or civil unrest.

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All Hospital staff, both clinical and non-clinical, have an overriding duty of care to patients and are expected
to comply fully with best practice standards. You have a responsibility to comply with Trust policies for
personal and patient safety and for prevention of healthcare-associated infection (HCAI); this includes a
requirement for rigorous and consistent compliance with Trust policies for hand hygiene, use of personal
protective equipment and safe disposal of sharps. Knowledge, skills and behaviour in the workplace should
reflect this; at annual appraisal you will be asked about application of practice measures known to be
effective in reducing HCAI.

The local NHS Trust operates a non-smoking policy that all staff must adhere to.

The local NHS Trust is committed to delivering a high standard of Staff Induction. It is compulsory, therefore,
that employees undergo all aspects of Staff Induction as soon as possible after their appointment.
Annual leave entitlement is an inclusive allowance, equivalent to 27 days plus bank holidays. This allowance
will increase to the equivalent of 29 days plus bank holidays after 5 years’ service and 33 days plus bank
holidays after 10 years’ service. Annual leave entitlement is pro-rated for part time staff.

This job description is not an exhaustive document but is a reflection of the current position. Details
and emphasis may change in line with service needs after consultation with the post holder.

St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and operates a No Smoking
Policy.

Agreed by:

Manager ……………………………………………………… Date ………………

Elizabeth Barlow-Taylor: AAA Programme Manager

Post Holder ………………..………………………………... Date ………………

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 Person Specification

Job Title: Screening Technician – Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening Programme
Band: 5
Factor Essential at Recruitment Desirable at Recruitment Method of Requirements
Assessment Essential at KSF
2nd Gateway
Qualifications and Training:
Qualifications  AAA Screening accreditation (NAAASP  Specialist Training & I/A/T Specialist
approved training course for screening short courses to Training:
technicians) Diploma level NAAASP
 Good standard of general education (5 approved
GCSE or equivalent, incl Human Biology)
training course
for screening
technicians
Experience  Familiarity with personal computers  ECDL I/A
 Experience of working within a clinical
environment
 Experience of working with the public
Skills  Frequent requirement for mental I/A
concentration for short durations but
which requires a high level of accuracy.

 Good verbal skills I/A

Communication
 Clear spoken and written English
/Relationship
 Legible handwriting
 Politeness and patience
 Good communication skills.
 Caring & sensitive
 Ability to work within a team and to
effectively liaise with people at all levels.
 Ability to make unsupervised
Analytical/ I/A/T
judgements on patient enquiries and
judgmental problems.
 Awareness of when to request advice
from senior staff
 Good organisational skills
Planning/ I/A
 Flexible & independent approach to
organisational
work
 Ability to work under pressure
 Ability to work accurately on own
initiative
 Attention to detail

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  Accurate data entry skills for data  Familiarity with data
IT I/A/T
transcription, patient and colleague transcription
communication.  Familiarity with
 Familiarity with keyboard use computer systems
 Experience of email, word processing  Previous experience
and spreadsheets and their associated of using SMaRT, the
programs/software. NHS AAA Screening
Programme
administration
system
 Experience of
databases and
presentation
software and their
associated programs.
 Reliable health record.
Physical Skills I/A
 Good hand eye co-ordination.
 Able to drive and occasionally use public
transport for approximately 1-4 hours a
day and travel within the catchment
area of the programme on a daily basis
 On a daily basis, use and transport heavy
but portable ultrasound machines and
supplies to screening locations as
required, some of which are off-site and
cannot be reached by public transport.
 Manipulates ultrasound equipment with
high degree of accuracy and precision
for maximum image optimisation.
 Safely and accurately manoeuvre
equipment and patients for ultrasound
scans.
 Able to transport, set up and prepare
equipment for scanning and safely
dismantle and remove equipment as
needed.
Knowledge  Understanding of hospital environment I/A
and patient care & confidentiality
 Understanding of commonly used
medical terminology
Other
 Clean full British driving licence I/A
 Use of own vehicle for work purposes /
or principle name on insurance (must be
eligible for business insurance)
 May be some occasional exposure to
unpleasant conditions and inclement
weather
 Regular VDU usage

Key:
I = Interview A = Application Form T = Practical Test

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