Chest Reporting Radiographer

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical and Professional

1. Independently interpret chest radiographs to establish a diagnosis, influencing patient management and treatment for a comprehensive range of pathologies.

2. Utilise various communication methods to ensure that imaging results are effectively communicated to support timely patient management.

3. Manage own specialist workload effectively, often balancing multiple tasks and meeting conflicting deadlines.

4. Use advanced clinical judgement to enable independent decision-making.

5. Assume full responsibility and accountability for own professional actions.

6. Recommend alternative imaging, where appropriate, to facilitate a diagnosis in accordance with the patients care pathway.

7. Discuss cases of suboptimal imaging with the appropriate radiographic staff, providing developmental feedback where required. Assist with problem-solving to maintain a high level of image quality within the department.

8. Collate studies for discussion at REALM and reporting radiographer meetings.

9. To work with reporting radiographer colleagues and Radiologists to contribute to the development of evidence-based practice and local protocols.

10. Accept referrals from other disciplines, adhering to Ionising Regulations (Medical Exposures) Regulation, IR(ME)R on justification of procedures and advise other disciplines on the safe use of ionising radiation.

11. Undertake a range of radiographic procedures unsupervised, applying adaptation of technique where required. Apply a variety of general radiographic skills in unusual general and trauma situations.

12. Organise own workload in liaison with other relevant staff members to ensure efficient and effective utilisation of the Radiographer reporting service.

13. Ensure high professional and technical standards are maintained at all times, advising more junior radiographers as may be required.

14. Ensure the safe and efficient use of X-Ray and associated equipment. Demonstrate an active role in daily maintenance and quality assurance checks.

15. Report equipment malfunctions and maintain comprehensive and accurate records of faults, ensuring that staff are kept up to date as to the working status of equipment.

16. Have a good fundamental understanding of IR(ME)R and IRR; working closely with the Radiation Protection Supervisors to continuously evaluate and monitor systems and practices.

17. Function as a Practitioner and Operator under the IR(ME)R as required.

18. To oversee the day to day organisation of the radiographic services. Arrange inpatient transport, liaising with ward and departmental staff when required.

19. Ensure high professional and technical standards are maintained at all times, advising junior radiographers as required.

20. Take responsibility for the patient whilst under your care, maintaining dignity, physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs.

21. Record radiation dose information and pregnancy status (where appropriate) on the radiology electronic record.

22. Ensure requirements of radiation administration and protection are observed as identified in the department local rules, procedure protocols and guidelines and offer advice to other disciplines on the correct use of ionising radiation.

23. Be able to competently and confidently utilise a range of IT systems including the Trust Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) and Radiology Information System (RIS).

24. Participate in the A&E abnormal pattern recognition system, advising colleagues and carrying out additional imaging as appropriate.

25. Prioritise workload according to clinical urgency, taking into account any relevant targets e.g. 4- hour A&E target.

26. Be proficient in controlling violence and aggression and talk down skills for when working single-handed in department when on call, training can be provided if needed.

27. Manipulate complex, expensive instruments ensuring safe use of equipment.

28. Provide appropriate level of clinical supervision for radiography students in general imaging.

29. Ensure effective communication with all grades of staff, carers and patients.

30. Maintain up to date mandatory training as required.

31. Work in line with Trust and departmental policies and procedures, the SOR code of conduct and the HCPC standards of conduct, performance and ethics at all times.

32. Act in accordance with WSFT FIRST values at all times.

Leadership & Management

33. Take overall responsibility for the quality of work in that area, supporting colleagues and closely supervising those in training. Undertake the role of duty/senior radiographer as required.

34. Encourage cohesive working between different areas and imaging modalities, monitoring patient throughput, redistributing resources where necessary and promoting a collaborative approach to the delivery of imaging services.

35. Demonstrate a positive and professional approach at all times, acting as a role model for the department.

36. Attend and contribute to Radiology departmental meetings when required.

37. Ensure protocols and standard operating procedures relating to chest imaging, image quality and reporting pathways are implemented and kept up to date.

38. Lead the team in your area of work, co-ordinating patient flow, staff breaks and overseeing operational performance.

39. Undertake additional responsibilities as delegated by the Service Manager or Head of Radiography as and when required. Assume the role of deputy as required.

Teaching, Training & Education

40. Maintain own Continued Professional Development in line with HCPC requirements, particularly in relation to image reporting.

41. Participate in the clinical education of student radiographers, working closely with the student co-ordinators and supervisors, ensuring the clinical learning objectives are met.

42. Participate in the Trusts appraisal programme, for own personal development and to appraise junior radiographers.

43. Act as a mentor and support trainee reporting radiographers as required.

44. Carry out teaching for medical staff/junior Doctors as required to support the education of chest imaging and results interpretation.

Governance

45. Participate in the departments QSI process as required.

46. Record incidents and near misses on the Trust electronic incident reporting system.

47. Undertake regular peer-review audit to assess accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of reports.

48. Participate in wider audit projects to develop and enhance the service, particularly in relation to radiographer reporting and quality. Provide timely statistical data analysis in relation to radiographer reporting as required.

49. Attend reporting REALM meetings and feedback relevant discussions to departmental Radiographers.

50. Develop and manage risk assessments as required.

Person Specification

Education and qualifications

Essential

• oRecognised post-graduate qualification in chest x-ray reporting.
• oDegree or equivalent in Diagnostic Radiography.
• oValid HCPC registration.

Desirable

• oPrevious demonstrable chest x-ray reporting experience within a busy, acute NHS Trust.

Experience and knowledge

Essential

• oSubstantial post-qualification experience in general radiography covering a broad range of examinations.
• oDemonstrable experience in chest x-ray reporting. Able to report autonomously and confidently.
• oA good understanding of the Quality Standard for Imaging (QSI).

Desirable

• oPrevious experience in audit and governance activities.
• oEvidence of recent CPD activities relating to chest x- ray reporting.
• oPrevious experience of quality/accreditation process.

Skills and abilities

Essential

• oGood leadership skills
• oAbility to effectively communicate with all grades of staff using a range of communication methods.
• oConfident and assertive, but diplomatic and approachable.
• oAble to work as part of a team and independently, managing own time and workload as well as that of others.
• oCommitment to own personal development
• oAble to use own initiative.
• oAble to work well under pressure.
• oConfident to represent the department at meetings as required.

Desirable

• oGood ability to deal with conflict and manage difficult situations.

Personal qualities

Essential

• oAmbitious
• oAble to cope with stressful and emotional circumstances.
• oFlexible approach to working hours and duties.
• oAble to respond well to developmental feedback and apply reflection techniques to enhance performance.

Desirable

• oWillingness and ability to travel to and work at other WSFT base sites if required.

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).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust

Address

West Suffolk Hospital

Hardwick Lane

Bury St Edmunds

IP33 2QZ

Employer's website

https://www.wsh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)