University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Clinical Technologist in Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection

This job is now closed

Job summary

Applications are invited for the position of Lead Clinical Technologist within the Clinical & Radiation Physics Group of the Directorate of Healthcare Science & Technology.

The Clinical and Radiation Physics Group provides scientific and technical support services for diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine and radiation protection within the NHS, private and academic sectors.

You will be responsible for delivering aspects of the quality assurance programme and radiation protection services for radiology equipment. You will act as the professional lead for the technical and support staff in the group. You will need to have excellent communication skills, be motivated and hard working.

For further information or to arrange an informal visit please contact Rob Loader, Head of Clinical & Radiation Physics, Tel 01752 439669, robert.loader@nhs.net.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Main duties of the job

Providing technical support, oversight and advice regarding the Quality Assurance programme for diagnostic X-ray equipment. Managing a small team of healthcare scientists to ensure X-ray systems are tested to appropriate professional standards at appropriate levels of radiation dose and image quality. Support to all aspects of radiation protection, dosimetry and teaching will be required.

Applicants should possess a relevant degree in Clinical Technology or equivalent. Appropriate registration (e.g. RCT/AHCS Practitioner register/HCPC) is required. Applications are also invited from Clinical Technologists or graduates with experience in the discipline that could achieve registration in the next 12-18 months for appointment at a lower band until registration is achieved. Applications will be considered for applicants with considerable demonstrable experience who are not on the RCT/AHCS register

The post will be based at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth. A full driving licence is essential as the post involves travel to other sites. Due to the nature of the work performed, some work outside normal working hours may be occasionally required.

The Clinical & Radiation Physics Group has an excellent reputation with internal and external customers. We work closely with our clinical colleagues to deliver high quality, safe and patient centred radiological services imaging services. We have a history of working collaboratively with colleagues in other departments in the South West.

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Date posted

07 June 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£43,742 to £50,056 a year Per Annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

216-AH-C5348624

Job locations

Clinical & Radiation Physics

Derriford Hospital

Plymouth

PL6 8DH

Job description

Job responsibilities

1. Clinical Technical

Diagnostic Radiology / Radiation Protection

1.1 Participate in the programme of routine and non-routine performance testing of radiological equipment. In particular act as lead for dental equipment.

1.2 Perform accurate and complex measurements on a range of x-ray and imaging equipment including computed tomography (CT) scanners, projection x-ray systems (computed radiology & digital radiology), dental x-ray systems and fluoroscopic imaging systems.

1.3 Analyse test results obtained using the appropriate database and spreadsheets, produce reports of the findings, present and discuss these with the Head of section and other physicists.

1.4 Support the RPA/MPE and Clinical Scientists in the provision, advice and support to the Trust and other customers regarding the safe uses of ionising radiation.

1.5 Assist in implementing legislation in radiation protection.

1.7 Act as an Operator and carry out practical tasks of medical exposures, under the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017.

1.8 Provide bespoke reports to the Radiation Safety Committee and senior staff.

1.9 Provide preparation and decontamination support to Radionuclide therapies including I-131, Lu-177 and Ra-226.

1.10 In conjunction with the Trusts Radiation Protection Advisers, help to draft and review Local Rules and Radiation Risk Assessments as required by the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017.

2. Managerial

2.1 Professional lead for technical and support staff including appraisal.

2.2 Responsibility for training and competence of technical & support staff.

2.2 Overall technical responsibility for management of occupational and environmental dosimetry service.

2.3 Overall responsibility to ensure radiation safety and dosimetry equipment is appropriately maintained and calibrated.

2.4 Plan, prioritise and manage own workload and contribute towards the planning of work programmes with others.

2.5 Plan, prioritise and manage QA programmes for nominated areas including external dental customers.

2.6 Develop and maintain systems to support the work of the service including spreadsheets and database.

3. Teaching, Training and Research

3.1 Provide technical support to Medical Physics Experts for assessments of Clinical Trials.

3.2 Participate in the training programmes provided by the service.

3.3 Participate and present in the Team training meetings.

4. Professional

4.1 Maintain records of CPD in accordance with relevant professional standards.

4.2 Keep abreast of the latest scientific and technical developments and their applications in medical and associated fields and attend suitable seminars and courses as part of training and personal development and to further the work of the department.

4.3 Ensure that all activities are carried out within a quality framework and conform to Statutory Regulations, Approved Codes of Practice and local safety rules.

5. Communication

5.1 Provide written and oral reports to staff and customers providing advice and interpretation where required.

5.2 Provide support and advice to users of the personal dosimetry service

5.3 Liaise with other healthcare scientists and other professional staff, e.g., radiographers, nurses, medical staff.

6. Quality and Clinical Governance

6.1 Follow procedures for record keeping and maintain accurate records of all work carried out.

6.2 Participate in Service Line and Trust-wide corporate and clinical governance initiatives as appropriate.

6.3 Be familiar with and contribute to relevant quality management systems, procedures and work instructions.

6.4 Propose changes to quality documentation for own work areas.

6.5 Be familiar with the Trusts adverse incident reporting procedure.

6.6 Participate in audit and review of the service.

7. Miscellaneous

Work hours necessary for the proper and efficient performance of the work. The department currently provides routine services from 08.30 to 17.30 Monday to Friday. Staff will be occasionally required to work flexibly outside these hours including some weekends. Duties include travel to other departments and work on premises of other NHS and non-NHS premises.
When working in other departments, the appointee will liaise with local heads of department, medical consultants, superintendents, nursing sisters etc. and representatives of outside agencies. The post holder will behave courteously and professionally at all times and seek to ensure that the highest level of service is provided.
Perform other appropriate duties which may be required from time to time by the Head of Clinical & Radiation Physics.
Take all precautions when dealing with ionising radiation hazards, and any biological hazards encountered (particularly with equipment used for interventional procedures).
The post holder may be called upon at any time (during and outside normal working hours) for assistance (with others) in emergencies involving radiation and radioactive materials:
Provide cover, where available, for an emergency service to act in case of such accidents within the Trust, including the Trust Major Incident Plan for CBRN incidents involving radiation and radioactivity.