Mammography Assistant Practitioner/ Associate Practitioner

Role: Assistant Practitioner / Mammography Associate
The role of an Assistant Practitioner / Mammography Associate is to undertake mammography images with precision and speed to a very high standard. Mammography is undertaken for the East Lancashire Breast Screening and Symptomatic Services at mobile sites across East Lancashire and the main Breast Imaging Department at Burnley General Teaching Hospital.

Key Responsibilities:

• Active participation in the daily quality control programme to detect any equipment malfunction or image deterioration.
• Self-assessment and peer review of performance associated with service audit is integral to the role.
• Provide chaperoning duties during ultrasound examinations and assist consultants and mammographers during assessment and symptomatic clinics to promote an effective and caring service.
• Participation in a rota that reflects 8:00am – 8:00pm and access to transport is essential for travel to the mobile unit sites.
• Perform all standard breast screening examinations to the highest standard with precision and speed in line with the NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) guidelines, ensuring that the client episode is documented and carried out in accordance with departmental protocol.
• Perform screening mammography at the base unit and at all the various sites in the community visited by the mobile breast screening unit.
• Utilize relevant knowledge, clinical experience, and departmental protocols to select appropriate mammographic projections and exposures to ensure optimum diagnostic imaging.
• Perform family history mammography examinations to the highest possible standards under the guidance and indirect supervision of a qualified mammographer.
• Conduct mammograms for symptomatic clinics, ensuring high standards for those who have not had breast cancer surgery, have a pacemaker, or have breast implants in place.
• Ensure all x-ray requests are checked by a qualified mammographer for justification before any procedure is carried out.
• Positively identify clients/patients prior to mammographic procedures and record all relevant details, clinical history, and current symptoms to aid diagnosis.
• Conduct technical evaluation of mammography images to assess diagnostic quality and adequacy.
• Adhere to departmental protocols and procedures including Ionising Radiation Regulations (2017) and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017.
• Participate in and be responsible for equipment quality control and safety checks as defined in the department quality control manual, recording all test parameters, and reporting any equipment faults and/or test results outside acceptable limits.
• Be proficient in assisting clinicians and mammographers during biopsy procedures using basic nursing techniques as required.
• Ensure biopsy samples are documented, correctly labelled, and sent to the appropriate designated area for transport to the laboratory.
• Maintain a high level of environmental quality by ensuring cleanliness and tidiness in all areas while complying with infection control policies.
• Assist with administration duties when required.
• Use of the Seno Iris for data transfer of appointments and images to and from the mobile breast screening unit.
• Ensure all areas are adequately stocked with linen and medical supplies, liaising with the appropriate staff members regarding stock control.
• Adopt a flexible approach to periods of work to meet the needs of the service.