Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Band 6 MRI Radiographer to join our specialist imaging team at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust. This role encompasses the full range of responsibilities expected at Band 6 level, including clinical excellence, leadership, and mentoring of junior staff.
The MRI service is delivered across two sites: the acute hospital at Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) and the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) hub at St Margarets Hospital. Both sites operate a 7-day service with standard shifts running from 8:00am to 8:00pm. The department currently houses two MRI scanners, with plans underway to install a third, expanding capacity and service provision.
The post holder will be expected to supervise and support newly qualified radiographers, students, and assistant practitioners, ensuring safe and effective practice until they reach full competency. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a growing service within a forward-thinking Trust that actively supports professional development and innovation.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will:
Deliver high-quality MRI services in accordance with departmental protocols and Trust standards.
Communicate effectively with patients, relatives, clinicians, and colleagues across the organisation.
Uphold patient confidentiality and data protection principles at all times.
Work collaboratively within a specialist MRI team and independently with minimal supervision.
Supervise and support student radiographers, Band 5 radiographers, assistant practitioners, and radiology department assistants.
Adhere to MRI safety standards and local safety procedures.
Plan and prioritise personal workload to meet clinical and operational demands.
Work flexibly, including evenings and weekends, within contracted hours.
Take responsibility for personal development and maintain a record of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Accurately update patient records using both manual and electronic systems.
Participate in departmental quality assurance and audit programmes.
Attend all mandatory training as required by the Trust.
Ensure the safe and appropriate use of high-value MRI equipment.
Promptly report equipment faults and malfunctions to the Superintendent Radiographer, maintaining appropriate documentation.
Report incidents and potential hazards in line with Trust policies and procedures.
About us
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.
This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.
Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.
Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Duties and responsibilities
- Safely operating MRI equipment across both hospital sites, ensuring optimal image quality and patient safety.
- Communicating clearly with patients prior to examination to confirm identity, obtain consent, and assess pregnancy status where applicable. This includes patients with language barriers or cognitive impairments.
- Maintaining professional and legal accountability for all clinical actions and decisions.
- Positioning and handling patients in accordance with Manual Handling Protocols to obtain diagnostic images, which may involve light to moderate lifting.
- Assessing image quality and determining diagnostic adequacy.
- Safely manoeuvring MRI equipment and accessories without risk to self or others.
- Managing multiple, often competing demands while maintaining focus and accuracy.
- Identifying gross pathology on MRI images and expediting reporting when necessary.
- Complying with all relevant legislation and Trust policies, including the Data Protection Act, Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH, and local MRI safety rules.
- Undertaking additional duties as delegated by the MRI Superintendent Radiographer, Radiology General Manager, or Clinical Radiology Manager.
- Participating in annual performance appraisals and setting professional development objectives.
- Maintaining a professional appearance and attitude at all times, acting as an ambassador for the radiology department and the wider Trust.
This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Such changes will be made after discussion between the post holder and the manager. All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure.
Systems & equipment
- To be responsible for the safe use of MRI equipment within the department.
- To move MRI equipment in a way that will not cause harm to self or others
- To take an active role in the implementation of IT and Radiology projects, such as the implementation of RIS, PACS, PAS, electronic requesting.
Decisions & Judgements
- To comply with MRI magnet safety regulations, as instructed by the Superintendent Radiographer and Departmental Process.
- To communicate with a broad range of patients prior to examination, to ensure consent is obtained, identification is confirmed and if applicable pregnancy status is established. This may include patients whose first language is not English or those who have difficulty understanding due to their medical condition.
- To be able to recognise gross pathology on MRI images and expedite reporting process if necessary.
Communications & Relationships
- To communicate effectively with patients, relatives, peers, clinicians, and other staff throughout the organisation
- To report problems and equipment malfunctions quickly to the Superintendent Radiographer, keeping records as directed
Physicals and Mental Challenges
- To move MRI equipment in a way that will not cause harm to self or others
- To be able to deal with many, often conflicting, demands on attention at the same time, while remaining focused on current task
- To be able to recognise gross pathology on MRI images and expedite the reporting process if necessary.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Duties and responsibilities
- Safely operating MRI equipment across both hospital sites, ensuring optimal image quality and patient safety.
- Communicating clearly with patients prior to examination to confirm identity, obtain consent, and assess pregnancy status where applicable. This includes patients with language barriers or cognitive impairments.
- Maintaining professional and legal accountability for all clinical actions and decisions.
- Positioning and handling patients in accordance with Manual Handling Protocols to obtain diagnostic images, which may involve light to moderate lifting.
- Assessing image quality and determining diagnostic adequacy.
- Safely manoeuvring MRI equipment and accessories without risk to self or others.
- Managing multiple, often competing demands while maintaining focus and accuracy.
- Identifying gross pathology on MRI images and expediting reporting when necessary.
- Complying with all relevant legislation and Trust policies, including the Data Protection Act, Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH, and local MRI safety rules.
- Undertaking additional duties as delegated by the MRI Superintendent Radiographer, Radiology General Manager, or Clinical Radiology Manager.
- Participating in annual performance appraisals and setting professional development objectives.
- Maintaining a professional appearance and attitude at all times, acting as an ambassador for the radiology department and the wider Trust.
This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Such changes will be made after discussion between the post holder and the manager. All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure.
Systems & equipment
- To be responsible for the safe use of MRI equipment within the department.
- To move MRI equipment in a way that will not cause harm to self or others
- To take an active role in the implementation of IT and Radiology projects, such as the implementation of RIS, PACS, PAS, electronic requesting.
Decisions & Judgements
- To comply with MRI magnet safety regulations, as instructed by the Superintendent Radiographer and Departmental Process.
- To communicate with a broad range of patients prior to examination, to ensure consent is obtained, identification is confirmed and if applicable pregnancy status is established. This may include patients whose first language is not English or those who have difficulty understanding due to their medical condition.
- To be able to recognise gross pathology on MRI images and expedite reporting process if necessary.
Communications & Relationships
- To communicate effectively with patients, relatives, peers, clinicians, and other staff throughout the organisation
- To report problems and equipment malfunctions quickly to the Superintendent Radiographer, keeping records as directed
Physicals and Mental Challenges
- To move MRI equipment in a way that will not cause harm to self or others
- To be able to deal with many, often conflicting, demands on attention at the same time, while remaining focused on current task
- To be able to recognise gross pathology on MRI images and expedite the reporting process if necessary.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC Registration as a Radiographer
- BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Imaging or equivalent
Desirable
- Post-graduate qualification in relevant field
- PACS and/or IT qualifications
Experience
Essential
- NHS experience as a student or employee
- Experience with difficult and challenging situations
- Ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision
Desirable
- Experience with mentoring and training
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC Registration as a Radiographer
- BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Imaging or equivalent
Desirable
- Post-graduate qualification in relevant field
- PACS and/or IT qualifications
Experience
Essential
- NHS experience as a student or employee
- Experience with difficult and challenging situations
- Ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision
Desirable
- Experience with mentoring and training
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.
