Part-time only, 18hrs per week (includes weekend work on a rotating schedule)
Would you like to make a difference to someone’s life???
An opportunity has arisen for three individuals to join our friendly and busy Newborn Hearing Screening Service. The service identifies babies that may have hearing loss to be referred for further testing so that habilitation or assistance can be offered at an early stage.
Covering 7 days a week on flexible rota system, the team screen all babies born in Chelsea & Westminster and West Middlesex Hospitals. We also provide outpatient clinics at each site for babies who have missed the screen in hospital or that move into the area.
This is a specialist role requiring an 18 month training period leading to the achievement of a nationally recognised, Level 3 Health Screener Diploma qualification.
To work independently carrying out hearing screening in newborn babies; accurately recording clinical and test data in accordance with clinical / professional guidelines and standard operating procedures. This post involves working across Chelsea and Westminster and West Middlesex Hospitals and the associated outpatient clinics. It involves the direct handling of newborn babies and contact with parents.
The successful candidates will be self-motivated, possess excellent communication skills, have good baby handling skills and be highly organized, working under pressure.
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites—Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital—along with award-winning clinics across North West London.
Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5 million, providing full clinical services, including maternity, A&E, and children’s services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health clinics. The Care Quality Commission rates us 'Good' in safety, effectiveness, care, and responsiveness, and 'Outstanding' in leadership and resource use.
We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and Westminster and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex.
We are committed to equal opportunities and believe that diversity drives innovation and excellence. As part of our dedication to equity, we actively welcome applications from individuals from the global majority, veterans and underrepresented communities. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that diverse teams bring and are committed to creating an environment where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered to succeed."
If you haven’t heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period.
Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.
- To identify babies that require screening on the Postnatal Wards, Special Care Baby Unit Birth Centre, Private Wings and Paediatric Wards in hospital.
- To prioritise babies in order of discharge times, ensuring enough time is given to complete babies requiring re-screens. This will include managing time effectively especially if working alone.
- To obtain informed consent from the parents using national guidelines followed by a discussion about the screening test, results and follow up arrangements of babies who require further testing, overcoming any barriers to understanding that may exist.
- To liaise effectively with parents, team members and other health care professionals, informing them of the screening outcomes as appropriate.
- To carry out the hearing screening of newborns to a high standard in accordance with national standard protocols and local procedures.
- Refer babies that need further testing and follow up care to the relevant Audiology departments, supporting anxious parents where required.
- To accurately record and download clinical test data onto the National Database, patient notes and PCHR.
- To establish a working rapport with other team members, leaving accurate and up-to-date information on a daily basis. This will include information on babies that are still awaiting NHS numbers or where there are specific data quality issues.
- To be responsible for keeping accurate records of inpatient missed babies on postnatal wards and SCBU, processing these in accordance with departmental procedures.
- Work independently making judgements according to experience and training but seeking advice where needed.
- To inform and liaise with the Programme Manager and Senior Screener on all aspects of hearing screening related to the role where difficulties arise, including reporting of discrepant data.
- To promote a professional, welcoming and caring environment endorsing a Family Friendly approach to care.
- To maintain up to date knowledge of procedures and policies relevant to this post.
- To maintain the confidentiality of the babies and their families at all times.
- To ensure the safety and security of equipment at all times and report any problems to the Programme Manager or Senior Screener at the earliest opportunity.
- To deal with anxious parents and their relatives with tact, persuasion, patience and discretion ensuring to retain their dignity, privacy and individuality at all times.
- To be aware of child protection issues, adhering to local procedures.
All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure. You must never undertake any duties that are outside your area of skill or knowledge level. If you are unsure you must seek clarification from a more senior member of staff.
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