Bank - Health Care Assistant (Ultrasound) in Macclesfield

Vernova Healthcare Ultrasound Service is a busy and dynamic department providing high-quality, patient-centered, non-obstetric ultrasound care. We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable bank staff to join our friendly and supportive team, assisting sonographers across multiple sites.

Main duties of the job

• Patient Care Assistance
  • Verify patient identification against referrals
  • Prepare patients for their examinations
  • Support sonographers during and between scans, including acting as a chaperone
  • Assist with maintaining appointment schedules
• Health, Safety and Compliance
  • Maintain a clean and safe scanning environment
  • Adhere to infection prevention and control practices
  • Follow established procedures, protocols, and guidelines
• Administrative and Clerical Tasks
  • Use the Computerised Radiology Information System (CRIS) for patient documentation
  • Manage and upload images to the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS)

About us

Vernova Healthcare CIC is a social enterprise healthcare service provider owned by GPs in East Cheshire. As a Community Interest Company (CIC), it operates on a strictly not-for-profit basis, and any surpluses generated are re-invested for the benefit of the people of East Cheshire. Vernova is an employing authority for the NHS Pension Scheme. We offer a supportive and pleasant working environment, along with attractive hourly rates of pay.

Job responsibilities

• Assist with Patient Care whilst Supporting the Sonographer
  • Check patient identification against referral and appointment system in order to support the sonographer in undertaking the requested examination(s)
  • Receive patients into the scanning room and prepare them for the examination
  • Have a clear understanding of all examinations carried out in the service and the preparation required prior to the examination
  • Provide support and information to patients, carers and relatives where appropriate
  • Signpost / guide patients to the toilet as required
  • Support the sonographer whilst they are undertaking examinations and chaperone during examinations, especially intimate examinations
  • Use equipment and accessories appropriately
  • Support keeping patient appointments on time to aid in the smooth running of the service and maintaining high standards of patient experience
• Communicate effectively and ensure smooth running of the service
  • Ensure effective communication with other staff, patients and members of the public maintaining patient confidentiality at all times
  • Ensure that enquiries are dealt with promptly and efficiently
  • Attend staff meetings and contribute to the smooth running of the service
  • Be prepared to work flexible hours according to the needs of the service
  • Participate in audit and quality control programmes if required
• Maintain a safe working environment
  • Maintain a safe and clean working environment within the scanning room
  • Adhere to infection prevention and control good practice
  • Adhere to all standard procedures, protocols and guidelines
  • Understand the policies and procedures of Vernova Healthcare CIC
  • Report any incidents or accidents and broken equipment to line manager
• Perform Clerical Duties
  • Use the Computerised Radiology Information System (CRIS) for the purposes of patient identification and recording attendance
  • Upload images from the mobile scanner to the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) in accordance with defined procedures
  • Assist with checking and ordering of consumables required by the service
• Other Duties
  • Provide cover for other Ultrasound Healthcare Assistants as required
  • Undertake other duties as requested, appropriate to the rate of pay for the post

Accountability

Responsible Professional - Principal Sonographers
Responsible Manager - Clinical Services Nurse Supervisor

Standard paragraphs for all job descriptions

• Maintain a broad understanding of the work of Vernova Healthcare CIC as a whole, and actively contribute ideas for the improvement of service provision.
• Ensure own actions contribute to the maintenance of quality service provision.
• Be responsible for self-development of skills and competencies through participation in training and development activities and keep up to date technical and professional knowledge relevant to the post.
• Participate in the CIC's performance appraisal system and undertake any identified training and development related to the post.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues.
• Be aware of and work within the CIC's Equality and Diversity Policy and treat all contacts, staff or clients with dignity and respect.
• Abide by all relevant policies including Confidentiality and Data Protection. Breaches may lead to disciplinary action.
• Ensure the health and safety of oneself and others while at work.
• Report accidents and hazards, participate in accident prevention and abide by moving and handling guidelines.
• Contribute to risk control and use the incident reporting system to alert management of incidents or near misses that may compromise quality of services.
• Recognise duties may change with full discussion and consent.

Confidentiality

Working within Vernova Healthcare CIC you may gain knowledge of confidential matters that may include personal and medical information about patients and staff. Such information must be considered strictly confidential and must not be discussed or disclosed. Failure to observe confidentiality could lead to disciplinary action.

This is not intended to be a comprehensive description of the duties of the post. The post holder may be required to undertake other related duties not specifically mentioned above. Any changes to this role specification will be made in consultation with the post holder.

Person Specification

Skills, Knowledge and Competencies

• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Good communication skills spoken and written English.
• Knowledge of Infection Prevention and Control as applicable to the services provided.
• Ability to provide patient-centred care, taking the needs of individuals into account.
• Ability to cope with pressure.
• Knowledge and understanding of local safeguarding procedures.
• Organisational and time management skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of diversity issues and ability to work in a non-discriminatory way.
• Excellent team working skills.
• Knowledge of Computerised Radiology Information System (CRIS).

Experience

• Experience in the provision of clinical support services to patients.
• Experience of team working in a clinical environment.
• Experience of working as an ultrasound healthcare assistant.

Qualifications

• Good standard of general education (Including GCSE in Maths and English).
• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in Healthcare Related Subject.
• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in Healthcare Related Subject.

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.