Radiology Department Assistant

Job responsibilities

Clinical

1. Ensure a high standard of clinical care within the department, supporting more junior staff to do likewise by technical excellence.

2. Assist patients prior to, during and after imaging examinations.

3. Assist with the preparation of examination rooms prior to commencement of a clinical list.

4. Assist with the preparation of patients before and after examinations, including helping them to change when necessary.

5. Assist with completion of patient questionnaires which are undertaken prior to Imaging examinations/ procedures.

6. Give clear explanations of the procedure prior to the examination taking place.

7. Liaise with other departments regarding transport of patients, keeping them informed of any problems that may arise.

8. Respond to the care needs of the patient with patience and empathy that promotes privacy and dignity.

9. Support staff and colleagues in their roles including environment, equipment and patient care, chaperone, patient transfer, reception, telephone, image and medical records handling, computer use and data input.

10. Reassure patients prior to examinations, maintaining sufficient knowledge of imaging examinations to support patients and put them at ease without reference to clinical staff.

11. When trained and deemed competent, undertake clinical activities, using appropriate equipment such as IV Cannulation, positioning of patients or placement of MR coils ensuring documentation is completed appropriately following procedure.

12. Interact with staff and the general public both face to face and via the telephone in a calm and professional manner.

13. Recognise the signs of deteriorating health and command assistance from clinical staff as required for the purposes of patient care and advice.

14. Maintain emergency equipment within the area, performing daily checks and utilising such equipment appropriately in an emergency situation.

15. Comply with all aspects of the local rules for radiation protection and current legislative requirements including the Ionising Radiation Regulations.

16. Utilise appropriate personal protective equipment.

17. Where relevant, have the knowledge and skills to identify and report any faults in equipment to the radiographer/ sonographer in charge, assist in organising local minor repairs according to Trust procedures.

18. Ensure appropriate and safe disposal of clinical waste.

19. Help maintain a high standard of cleanliness within the clinical areas, viewing areas and patient waiting / changing areas, including toilets.

20. Assist with cleaning and care of imaging systems and other equipment.

21. Act as chaperone and support the patient in examinations.

22. Work efficiently without supervision, organising and prioritising work, and liaising with clinics and wards to optimise service.

23. To participate in multi-disciplinary team working.

24. Maintain accurate and concise patient records using the relevant computerised system.

25. Use and promote correct manual handling techniques.

26. Take delivery of new stock, checking off goods received against delivery note and place in storeroom ensuring storage encourages efficient stock rotation.

27. The post holder will work within the Imaging Community Satellite sites as required.

Clinical Governance

1. To comply with Trust and local policies, including attendance at specified mandatory training sessions.

2. To comply with departmental and organisational policies and procedures, including reporting of all accidents and incidents.

3. To contribute to the implementation and promotion of a quality Imaging service.

4. Identify potential hazards by monitoring the condition of equipment within the department and reporting any defects in a timely manner.

5. All employees of the Trust are required to carry out their duties with due regard to the fair access policy and respect the cultural beliefs and customs held by clients and staff.

Education, Experience and Research

1. Participate in research, surveys or audits as required.

2. Participate in departmental Quality assurance programme and any relevant audits of working practice as and when required.

3. Participate in appropriate personal development programmes as required.

Communication

1. To maintain a polite, courteous, and professional attitude to staff and patients at all times.

2. To maintain effective and efficient communication links within the department and with other directorates, promoting a positive image of the department.

3. Communicate with a wide range of patients undergoing imaging examinations and provide an explanation of ongoing care and support as needed.

4. To communicate information to patients with empathy, providing reassurance and understanding in order to encourage cooperation in the examination/ procedure.

5. Communicate with patients who may have difficulty in understanding or where English is not the first language.

6. The post holder will liaise with staff from all departments in the trust.

7. Provide and receive complex or sensitive information requiring tact or persuasive skills.

8. Must be able to demonstrate the English language proficiency level required for this post.

Professional

1. Undertake internal and external training where required (incl. IV cannulation, Induction training, CPR, manual handling, infection control and COSHH and any other appropriate managerial, professional, and technical course) and utilise these skills in the application of the knowledge gained.

2. Be a reflective practitioner and participate in the staff appraisal scheme and Personal Development Review (PDR) as an appraisee.

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE English and Math's or equivalent.
• National Care Certificate or commitment to complete as part of the induction process.
• Vocational (NVQ) qualifications level 3 in care or equivalent experience.

Desirable

• Cannulation Training

Experience

Essential

• Experience working in the NHS in a clinical setting.
• Experience of working as part of a team.
• Knowledge and understanding of Trust and department policies and procedures after a short period of induction and training
• Computer literacy for the use of department computer system and PACS. Following a short period of induction and training

Desirable

• Previous Experience of Working in a Radiology department

Skills, Knowledge & Aptitudes

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Able to use own initiative and work under pressure
• Ability to support colleagues and work as part of a team.
• Excellent and effective communication skills
• Ability to demonstrate compassionate values and behaviors.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations. IR(ME)R.
• Knowledge of MR safety procedures.
• Competent in cannulation.

Physical attributes

Essential

• Professional appearance
• Able to wear radiation protective equipment for short periods if required.
• Able to operate manual handling aids as provided by the department including patient slide boards, sheets, hoists and trolleys.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Demonstrates commitment to task.
• Demonstrate positive attitude
• Works on own initiative
• Works as a team player
• Demonstrates a positive and empathetic approach to patient care.
• Able to demonstrate Trust values and behaviors in day-to-day approach to work
• Demonstrates a commitment to quality.
• Commitment to the continuous development of staff and self.
• Commitment to developing culture of openness and partnership
• Able to act as an ambassador for the service and department
• Positive approach to change.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).