Job responsibilities
Provide high quality professional, scientific and technical expertise and support to ensure the safe, accurate and effective use of ionising and non ionising radiation.
Fulfil the statutory role of Medical Physics Expert (IR(ME)R 2017), including the investigation of radiation incidents and the provision of advice on all physics aspects of diagnostic imaging optimisation.
Fulfil the role of MRSE including advising on the safe scanning of implants and the design of new MRI facilities
Provide individual patient radiation dose and risk assessment as required, for example, patients undergoing a procedure during pregnancy or in the advent of an accidental exposure. Participate in the investigation of suspected incidents of accidental or unintended exposure to patients, including reporting to external agencies.
Responsible for commissioning and quality assurance of diagnostic X ray, MRI, ultrasound and laser equipment, both within the Trust and for external contracts.
Provide analysis and interpretation of highly complex diagnostic tests and report findings to clinical and other technical staff.
Provide scientific advice and assistance in the assessment and procurement of diagnostic equipment including all x-radiographic, MRI, ultrasound and laser equipment (To include writing of specifications, tender evaluation and final selection).
Responsible for the evaluation of new trials ensuring consistent procedures and protocols, and compliance with all relevant statutory regulations, and to advise the R & D Department and Clinicians on the appropriateness of those trials. To liaise with Clinical Directors, Lead Clinicians, Consultant Medical Staff, Radiology Services Manager, radiographers and other Medical Physics Experts, within and outside the Trust, in determining all relevant factors relating to the radiation risks associated with clinical trials.
Responsible for designing and developing a comprehensive independent commissioning quality assurance and calibration programme for MR scanners, to ensure that they operate at or above performance standards.
Responsible for acceptance testing of Magnetic Resonance imaging Equipment at the Trust.
Provide MR scientific safety advice for patients and staff. Advising all hospital personnel, and outside contractors, on safe working practices in, and near to, the MR scanners. In liaison with MR Consultants and MR Superintendent Radiographer develops policies and procedures for scanning. Providing advice on MR compatibility of implants and devices to staff and patients.
Develop and implement Magnetic Resonance safety training to a variety of audiences (radiologists, radiographers, assistants, domestic and estate staff) tailoring content and style to their needs.
Provide highly specialist scientific advice on MR techniques and equipment to Radiologists and other medical staff, for the benefit of patients. Develop the service to engage further in clinical aspects including developing MRI pulse sequences and aid clinical staff in the interpretation and manipulation of complex data. Investigates the reason for unusual test results, or patient images, and determines the best course of action.
Undertake MR service development in liaison with medical staff, radiographers and managers.
Support the work of the Radiation Protection Advisers.
Participate in the investigation of suspected incidents of accidental exposure of staff or members of the public, including reporting to external agencies.
Carry out critical examinations of new equipment on behalf of the Radiation Protection Adviser, as required.
Carry out risk assessments on procedures, equipment and facilities involving either ionising or non-ionising radiation, including risk assessments on new installations prior to clinical use.
Responsible for calculating radiation shielding for new installations in line with statutory requirements for patient and staff safety and advising on the adequacy of existing shielding, including liaison with architects on site plans and appropriate cost effective shielding material. Responsible for field measurements of ionising radiation dose levels and on site measurements of the radiation attenuation properties of the building materials used in construction of facilities.
Development and implementation of long term plans for/changes in service delivery to the trust as required by Head of Radiation safety Services and development of new services both for the trust and other sites, as per contracts. Assisting in the preparation of service level agreements and contracts, including costing those services.
To participate in the formulation of trust wide policies for radiation protection and to write local rules and standard operating procedures for radiation protection and quality assurance.
Responsibility for the line management of staff within the section as required by the Head of Section.
Ensure optimum utilisation of available resources, arranging for the purchase of specialist equipment and assistance with allocation of section budget.
Participate in research and development in the area of diagnostic imaging, including presenting papers at local and national scientific meetings. Where appropriate to seek to protect intellectual property rights for potential commercial exploitation.
Participate in activities associated with the National Arrangements for Incidents involving Radiation (NAIR) scheme.
Keep abreast of scientific and technical developments related to the work of the section, attending such conferences, seminars, etc as may be agreed.
Create, organise and deliver teaching and training sessions for physics staff, clinicians, radiographers and other staff groups, as required.
Supervise trainee clinical scientists and other trainees within the section. This will include initiation and supervision of MSc research and other projects associated with training.
Participate in a program of continuing professional development (CPD) to maintain status as a state registered clinical scientist and encourage and assist all staff in the section to undertake CPD.
To contribute to Clinical Governance activities and resolution of risk management issues in the department and the Trust and to carry out all duties in accordance with the requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Act, relevant Statutory Regulations, Approved Codes of Conduct and Local Rules.
To participate in wider departmental management tasks and meetings as required by the head of department.
To undertake other duties that may be appropriate in order to meet the needs of the service.
