Job summary
Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust are currently offering this exciting opportunity for a Bone Densitometry (DEXA) Scanning Technician to join our friendly team. The Bone Densitometry (DEXA) service is based at the Queen Alexandra Hospital. Scanning approximately 3750 patients per year on a Hologic Horizon-A QDR Scanner for diagnosis and monitoring of osteoporosis.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for a part time (17.5 hours) Bone Densitometry (DEXA) Scanning Technician. This role is to provide specialised technical support in Bone Densitometry, involving a broad range of highly complex specialised technical work, both routine work and non-routine work while acting as an operator for scanning under the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017.
Note, this part-time post will support our evening clinics, which run from Monday to Thursday. Please, get in touch, with any questions about the working patterns, or options for flexibility.
About us
Our patients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes our hospital stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for getting it right for patients, colleagues, and our community, you will find a home at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.
The health and wellbeing of our staff is at the forefront of everything we do. We are proud to be able to offer our staff some fantastic benefits including our on-site Nursery, access to our free Beach Hut for those long summer days, our on-site Wellness Centre including a gym and a swimming pool, access to our fantastic staff networks including LGBTQ, Race Equality and DisAbility, and awards ceremonies to recognise your achievements. We believe we can offer support to all of our staff when they need it the most.
We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veterans status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.
Job description
Job responsibilities
This post is only open for applications for individuals employed within the Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Care System
Organisations within scope are as follows:
- Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board
- Southern Health Foundation Trust
- Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust
- University Hospital Southampton
- Solent NHS Trust
- South Central Ambulance Service
- Isle of Wight NHS Trust
- Hampshire Hospitals
Salary: Band 5 £13,986- £17,025 per annum
Hours: Part time - 17.5 hours per week
Permanent position
Key Responsibilities:
Work is performed per policies and protocols, without direct supervision, to tolerances and standards as required for: Determination of bone density for diagnosis/monitoring of osteoporosis. Radiation Protection Health and Safety
The scanner is specialised, able to assess Hips and Spine, also to evaluate Forearms, and to image Vertebral Fracture Analysis and Whole-Body. Therefore this equipment must be operated within the intended bone densitometry scope. Thus QC tests and patient scans must be performed following written procedures in the Quality Management System only.
Whether assessing the bone density at baseline or comparison, when undertaking imaging of a patient or phantom it is important that the positioning and processing are accurate. For unusual findings, the post holder must recognise the issue, repeat the procedure (as appropriate) and/or report for investigation to Bone Densitometry Specialist, Consultant Rheumatologist or Medical Physics Expert.
The software is specialised, including application software (e.g. Microsoft Office) and utility software (e.g. Radiology). Therefore the post holder must be capable of learning to use this software. For example, spreadsheets in Excel, and proprietary software record updates like CRIS.
You will need to be able to prioritise own work and manage your own time, taking into account service demands and resources as appropriate. You will have a strong ability to work, lead as well as be part of a team, excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Whilst experience of DXA scanning is advantageous, training can be provided you, initially at Band 4 till qualified via ROS Operator Course.
In return for working with us you will be supported to focus on your training and development needs. The trust is rolling out a new talent management programme, and we will follow this to build your skillset if you are looking to further your NHS career. Additional benefits are generous annual leave, starting with 27 days plus bank holidays, enrolment into the NHS pension scheme, and NHS discount offers.
For more information please refer to the enclosed Job Description
Job description
Job responsibilities
This post is only open for applications for individuals employed within the Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Care System
Organisations within scope are as follows:
- Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board
- Southern Health Foundation Trust
- Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust
- University Hospital Southampton
- Solent NHS Trust
- South Central Ambulance Service
- Isle of Wight NHS Trust
- Hampshire Hospitals
Salary: Band 5 £13,986- £17,025 per annum
Hours: Part time - 17.5 hours per week
Permanent position
Key Responsibilities:
Work is performed per policies and protocols, without direct supervision, to tolerances and standards as required for: Determination of bone density for diagnosis/monitoring of osteoporosis. Radiation Protection Health and Safety
The scanner is specialised, able to assess Hips and Spine, also to evaluate Forearms, and to image Vertebral Fracture Analysis and Whole-Body. Therefore this equipment must be operated within the intended bone densitometry scope. Thus QC tests and patient scans must be performed following written procedures in the Quality Management System only.
Whether assessing the bone density at baseline or comparison, when undertaking imaging of a patient or phantom it is important that the positioning and processing are accurate. For unusual findings, the post holder must recognise the issue, repeat the procedure (as appropriate) and/or report for investigation to Bone Densitometry Specialist, Consultant Rheumatologist or Medical Physics Expert.
The software is specialised, including application software (e.g. Microsoft Office) and utility software (e.g. Radiology). Therefore the post holder must be capable of learning to use this software. For example, spreadsheets in Excel, and proprietary software record updates like CRIS.
You will need to be able to prioritise own work and manage your own time, taking into account service demands and resources as appropriate. You will have a strong ability to work, lead as well as be part of a team, excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Whilst experience of DXA scanning is advantageous, training can be provided you, initially at Band 4 till qualified via ROS Operator Course.
In return for working with us you will be supported to focus on your training and development needs. The trust is rolling out a new talent management programme, and we will follow this to build your skillset if you are looking to further your NHS career. Additional benefits are generous annual leave, starting with 27 days plus bank holidays, enrolment into the NHS pension scheme, and NHS discount offers.
For more information please refer to the enclosed Job Description
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Knowledge of scientific and clinical aspects of the service and related professional issues.
- Highly developed physical accuracy and dexterity, and good spatial awareness.
- Technically practical with an analytical approach to problem solving.
- Able to use computers, spreadsheets and other software packages.
- Good understanding of hazards posed by, and precautions needed with ionising radiation.
- Well organised and able to manage, prioritise own work and of others and work with care and diligence.
- Able to work in a team and independently, and supervise individuals or small groups.
Qualifications
Essential
- BTEC (CNC) or equivalent.
- Experience working as Radiographer/Technician in Bone Densitometry.
- Completion of course for National Training Scheme in Bone Densitometry.
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Responsive and flexible attitude /approach.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Ability to act and ensure delivery.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Knowledge of scientific and clinical aspects of the service and related professional issues.
- Highly developed physical accuracy and dexterity, and good spatial awareness.
- Technically practical with an analytical approach to problem solving.
- Able to use computers, spreadsheets and other software packages.
- Good understanding of hazards posed by, and precautions needed with ionising radiation.
- Well organised and able to manage, prioritise own work and of others and work with care and diligence.
- Able to work in a team and independently, and supervise individuals or small groups.
Qualifications
Essential
- BTEC (CNC) or equivalent.
- Experience working as Radiographer/Technician in Bone Densitometry.
- Completion of course for National Training Scheme in Bone Densitometry.
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Responsive and flexible attitude /approach.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Ability to act and ensure delivery.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
