Diabetic Eye Screener County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a band 3 screener with the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme. The NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme aims to reduce the risk of sight loss among people with diabetes through the early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Screening using digital photography is currently offered to all eligible people with diabetes from the age of 12 years old who reside in County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.

As well as digital photography using a fundus camera, the postholder will be required to use Optical Coherence Tomography Eye Scanners (OCT) which is used to identify referable Maculopathy. Full training will be given.

The postholder will be the first contact for patients attending the screening service and will be expected to support service users through the screening process and to ensure they are fully informed as to the expectations/limitations of screening.

The programme has 9 venues across County Durham and Darlington.

There will be a health screeners diploma in diabetic eye screening, which is to be successfully completed within one year of commencement to the post.

Effective verbal and written communication skills and understand the importance of timely communication.

Ability to establish and maintain working relationships within a multi-disciplinary team.

Ability to work effectively within a team.

Ability to work effectively under minimal supervision, as part of the multi-disciplinary team.

Able to demonstrate empathy, sensitivity and compassion towards patients, putting patients at the centre of our thinking.

Good organisational, time management and problem solving skills

Able to identify, report and seek advice in a situation of risk.

Ability to access computerised records to retrieve personal information.

Contribute to clear concise patient records and documentation adhering to national standards and trust policies and procedures.

Contribute to a safe and clean working environment and ensure the clinical area is prepared and maintained as appropriate and in line with the Trust Infection Prevention and Health and Safety Policies.

Responsible for installing equipment and setting up allocated room(s), using identified protocols and the operational procedures of both the service and designated screening location.