To perform the role competently without direct supervision. Liaise with medical personnel and review pertinent notes to assess whether it is appropriate to approach families. Accurately identify which babies require hearing screening and select the tests required for the individual baby at the time of screen based on national protocols. To undertake routine NHSP screening tests in line with policy and to seek advice from the NHSP Local Manager or Deputy when required.
Prioritise and organise workload and work in a flexible manner to ensure that the maximum number of babies are completed as inpatients. Explain the hearing screen and the test procedure to families addressing all queries raised; ensuring that families are able to make fully informed decisions and to give valid informed consent. At times, tact and persuasive skills are required to overcome barriers to understanding. It may be necessary to ascertain whether interpreters are required and to arrange appropriate interpreting facilities.
To ensure that a calm, sensitive and empathetic approach is taken when dealing with new parents in potentially emotional circumstances. To maintain a professional approach to Newborn Hearing Screening when exposed to unpleasant conditions which inevitably arise when working with families shortly after the delivery of a new baby. To maintain the mental effort required to undertake numerous routine tests and procedures within a shift. At times, individual routine tests can be lengthy and may require concentration and physical effort to work in a restricted position for a prolonged period of time.
Effectively and sensitively inform family of results in an honest and accurate manner as per NHSP protocol. This potentially includes imparting negative test results and then discussing the possible causes of this, the necessity for further testing and making the required referral to Audiology. Inform other relevant professionals orally and in writing of screening results and any further action required. Through parental interview, and liaison with other professionals, identify factors which may influence the requirement for targeted follow up.
To accurately record clinical data obtained during the screen onto a complex National Database. Data entry contributes to Key Performance Indicator figures and nationally available records. On occasions it may be necessary to input the screen results for other staff. Maintain and calibrate complex medical equipment and report any faults to the NHSP Local Manager or Deputy.
Assess and maintain consumable stock and literature availability. To undertake local and national training to ensure a good understanding of routine NHSP test procedures and accompanying theoretical knowledge. To participate in training to strive to increase personal knowledge and to allow for equipment updates and technical advance and changes to national and local policies. If asked, to comment on proposed changes to local policy to facilitate service development.
To assist the NHSP Local Manager with data collection for the purpose of audit. To demonstrate own duties to other healthcare professionals or new/less experienced staff. To participate in the training of new staff by means of supervision. To analyse situations and make judgments as to whether clearly defined protocols have been adhered to.
To inform the Local NHSP Manager of any errors or process failures. To take professional responsibility for reporting concerns which fall outside the remit of a newborn hearing screener to appropriate Maternity staff. Attend meetings as designated by the NHSP Local Manager. Any other duties requested by the manager in the general scope of the post

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