HealthJobsUK

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To support a clinical environment that is patient and public focused.
• To participate in the delivery of patient care and undertake clinical duties that are allocated and directly supervised by a registered health professional.
• Administer eye drops required during the clinical assessment, in compliance with protocols; reporting any adverse reactions and take appropriate action.
• Assess visual acuity in patients, using LogMar, Snellen and other relevant tests and record result accurately and clearly in patient’s record.
• Determine the prescription of patients’ glasses using a manual Focimeter and to assess the correct lens to be used for accurate visual field assessment.
• Perform automated visual field assessment for patients using the Humphrey Visual Field Analyser.
• Perform Optical Coherence Tomography and Stereo Optic Disc Imaging.
• Monitor and support patients through the diagnostic test procedures providing advice and instruction for patients in order to achieve accurate test results.
• Learn to recognise and rectify artefacts during testing that might represent a barrier to accuracy of results.
• Undertake a range of basic screening observations e.g. Pulse, Blood Pressure, Pulse Oximetry, Temperature, Blood glucose testing and Urinalysis ensuring that the outcome is accurately recorded in the patient records.
• Forward abnormal urine samples to a registered nurse.
• Report any changes in a patient’s condition to the nurse in charge and respond to clinical urgencies.
• Manual handling of patients, when necessary, to ensure appropriate positioning of the patient for tests.
• Observe the needs of patients, and if needs are of a clinical nature, inform the Nurse in Charge.
• Observe and report base line observations to qualified nurse or doctor.
• Ensure that investigation results are made available for appropriate clinical lead.
• Contribute to the promotion of health and prevention of illness, as directed by appropriate clinical lead.
• Plan and manage own clinic workload reporting all concerns to appropriate clinical lead.  
• Assist in the administration and preparation of clinics including the production and maintenance of medical records in line with ABUHB policies.
• At the request of nursing/medical staff undertake venepuncture, record electrocardiograms (no interpretation) and other physiological measurements.
• Escort patients as required to other hospital Departments/Wards.
• Act on own initiative when preparing patients for clinical examinations and procedures; offering reassurance and support to the patient, ensuring their privacy and dignity are maintained at all times.
• Clear away after procedures and report any hazards in the environment to departmental manager.
• Contribute to the maintenance of a clean and well maintained environment.
• Maintain general cleanliness of wheelchairs and trolleys/non-invasive equipment.
• To be a part of theatre on call service in out of working hours.
• To act in accordance with ABUHB policies and procedures.
• Ensure all accidents, incidents and complaints are reported and to assist in the investigation of them.
• Work with the ophthalmology team to improve service and be positive champion for any change proposed.
• Participate in ensuring adequate stock levels of equipment within the department, and replenish equipment after use.
• Communicate effectively with suppliers, procurements and senior staff.
• Resolve stock issues, including stock deficiency and damaged goods using own initiative.
• Initiate emergency orders if needed.
• Ensure weekly cycle counts are carried out to validate the accuracy of the inventory and ensure stock is being managed at agreed levels.
• To carry out good housekeeping duties to ensure cleanliness and tidiness of area.
• To be first point of contact for staff regarding procurement queries.
• To resolve queries regarding stock discrepancy, collection and uplift.
• To arrange return of stock under returns policy
• Assist with training of new staff to Omnicell system
• Have a personal duty of care in relation to equipment used throughout the course of duties.
• Show awareness of patient safeguarding and the procedure if a safeguarding concern is identified in line with ABUHB policy.
• Attend and participate in department meetings.
• Report any concerns regarding patient care or environment to the department manager.
• Be aware of Clinical Governance and act within ABUHB framework.
• Have an excellent telephone manner and communication skills.
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of staff from ancillary to Consultant Medical Staff, patients, relatives/carers and departmental visitors. This will include providing and receiving information in relation to patient conditions.
• Communicate effectively and sensitively with patients of all ages, ethnicity and learning ability, giving instructions and explanations to obtain optimum results from assessments and treatment being sensitive to patient needs and the requirements of the test.
• Work closely where necessary with interpreters, relatives and support workers to achieve patient comprehension and ensure consent.
• Provide clear and accurate written communication and documentation in patient’s records following Health Board guidelines.
• Provide advice and support, and demonstrate their own duties to new or less experienced employees.
• To undertake and complete ophthalmic level 3 training and competencies relevant to role including visual acuity, visual fields and imaging.
• The post holder will participate in departmental audit and quality initiatives pertinent to the role as necessary.