Associate mammographer (apprentice trainee)

This is an exciting apprenticeship to train as an associate mammographer*. During the training you will be on the band 2 pay scale. You must be aged 18 on commencement of the training course. On successful completion, you will work as a band 4 associate mammographer. The role is in the Breast Imaging team at the Primrose Breast Care Centre, Derriford Hospital. The breast imaging team delivers the NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) and the symptomatic breast imaging services. Your role will be to take routine two-view mammography, to the NHSBSP standards. The screening programme has a mobile mammography unit, visiting towns in the rural area, and a static screening site in Plymouth.
You will need to get to the screening locations, being able to drive and having access to a car is essential. Non drivers will be expected to take lessons and pass their test during the apprenticeship. This aspect is not funded by the NHS.
The training programme is 12 to 18 months. Practical clinical training will take place in the Primrose Breast Care Centre and at the screening sites. The academic aspect will be through an approved training provider.
Applications are invited from candidates enthusiastic to learn a skill in the healthcare setting.

• This post is open to female applicants only. A genuine occupational qualification applies to this post under section 6 of the Sex Discrimination Act of 1975 and therefore it is restricted to female applicants only (ref NHS BSP).
• To carry out routine mammograms to a high standard on clients from the National Breast Screening Programme and on patients from the symptomatic service.
• To provide support to the breast screening team.
• To maintain high standards in Quality Assurance as required by the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme.
• To facilitate the throughput of patients attending the breast imaging department so optimising the use of all resources and minimising delays.
• To assist the clinician or Advanced Practitioner during investigations as required.

To work at University Hospital Plymouth, the static screening site in Plymouth City Centre and on the mobile breast screening unit at various screening locations, which can be remote, within the catchment of the screening programme (to include: Torpoint, Saltash, Liskeard, Launceston, Bude, Tavistock, Ivybridge and Kingsbridge).

We have a mobile unit which for screening for women in outlying areas. You will be required to drive yourself to these sites. A city centre unit provides screening for women living more centrally. In the Hospital Breast Unit we have two Mammography Machines, both with Tomographic capabilities, a Prone Stereotactic breast biopsy system, and three ultrasound machines.

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate and maintain a high standard of imaging and communication skills within this busy unit. A proactive approach to maintaining CPD is expected. The workload will involve screening and symptomatic imaging, assessment and one-stop clinics. Some weekend work will be required.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

• Prepare screening clients or patients, equipment and work environment for clinical mammography
• Operate specialist mammography equipment safely and within departmental policy and procedures.
• Reassure advise and support screening clients or patients using effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Produce high quality mammographic images in line with NHSBSP TR/TP standards.
• Maintain comprehensive and accurate records.
• Be competent in the use of all IT and image management system.
• Promote and maintain professional practice.
• Evaluate own technical performance and suggest improvement strategies.
• Perform and document routine quality assurance tests on mammographic equipment.
• Monitor equipment performance and report exceptional results to the supervising mammographer.
• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary breast care team.
• Always adhere to IR(ME)R regulations.
• Always provide an excellent standard of care for women
• Convey information clearly and concisely to patients and/or carers as appropriate.
• Assist in the general preparation and cleaning of work areas and maintain stock levels from stores within the unit.
• Assist as with patients undergoing breast ultrasound and where necessary assist with dressing and undressing.
• Adhere to all aspects of the regulations pertaining to COSHH, Departmental Operating Procedures, and observe the Local Rules relating to radiation safety, thereby maintaining a safe working environment.
• Assess the potential risks to staff and patients prior to beginning an examination.
• Assess any infection risks and employ necessary precautions. There will be occasional contact with body fluids, foul linen, fleas, lice etc.
• Always follow examination protocols.
• Prioritise the workload, to maintain efficient and effective patient throughput at all times.
• Attend training courses where appropriate and as identified by the personal development review programme, so ensuring that his/her skills and knowledge meet the changing requirements of the post.
• Respond to the changing needs of the department daily by providing a flexible approach to the working day, thus maintaining the existing excellent standard of service and the continuing promotion of good working relationships.
• To work towards and register as an associate member of the Society of Radiographers.