Radiographer (XR07)

Job description

Job responsibilities

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Clinical Responsibilities

1. To act as Operator, Practitioner and, where necessary, Referrer within their own scope of practice, by clinically justifying examinations as defined in IR(ME)R 2017 and local protocols.

2. To be able to justify imaging request cards in accordance with IR(ME)R 2017 Section 6 Paragraph 5 and, in the absence of a Radiologist advise referring clinicians of the most appropriate investigation.

3. To collaborate with cardiologists and Lead CMRI Radiologists in the planning and evaluation of imaging protocols for patient examinations, in addition develop new protocols and techniques in line with technical advances in area of speciality and to ensure all staff within the department are trained accordingly.

4. To match the clinical indications presented by the referrer to a departmental protocol with the freedom to modify protocols where appropriate to optimise diagnostic information in view of clinical indications, imaging findings or patient condition.

5. To work as an autonomous practitioner using specialised skills to ensure optimum quality using lowest possible radiation doses where appropriate.

6. To have a high degree of professional/personal autonomy with the ability to make clinical judgements/decisions using knowledge, skills and experience with freedom/discretion to act independently.

7. To recognise and act upon unexpected critical findings on imaging in the absence of a radiologist, e.g. patients requiring acute admission or referral to specialist outpatient clinics.

8. To provide, receive and conclude highly sensitive and complex information.

9. To participate in clinical research projects relevant to the speciality.

10. Dependant on the area of speciality, the post holder will be able to perform roles previously undertaken by radiologists e.g interpret images/data to provide provisional and /or authorised reports, and / or undertake interventional procedures, e.g. biopsies / line insertions.

11. To ensure that infection control procedures and observation of sterile fields are utilised when necessary, paying particular attention to the protection of clients, staff and equipment during handling of pathological specimens if required.

12. To administer the appropriate drugs, radiopharmaceuticals, contrast agents by the correct method within their scope of work as authorised by the Trust.

13. To be aware of any contraindications to the above substances and the appropriate actions to take.

14. To assess and evaluate special needs of individual patients and tailor positioning and procedures to their clinical needs, which involve overcoming barriers to understanding.

15. To anticipate where patient communication difficulties might make completion of the pre examination checklist impossible and to implement alternative methods to ensure patient safety is maintained at all time.

16. To communicate effectively and empathetically with patients, in particularly be sensitive to patients anxieties.

17. To provide a safe environment for patients within their clinical area using safe handling guidelines and risk assessment procedures.

18. To act as point of advice and guidance for patient enquires regarding their referral and act as patient advocate.

19. To act as a point of advice for patient enquires regarding their referral / appointment, for and Liaison Service (PALS), Interpretation Services and hospital Transport.

20. Liaise with teams which are external to radiology, e.g. ward, clinics, hotel services and facilities.

21. To be aware of National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines appropriate to their speciality and be able to use this knowledge to steer patients through all issues relating to hospital attendance, e.g. radiation protection issues, Patient Advice the heath care pathway.

Operational Responsibilities

1. Take a leading role in the development and implementation of work policies and protocols within the specialist area.

2. To participate in the production of complex staffing rosters and workload.

3. Plan and prioritise workload including liaison with other disciplines.

4. To be responsible for setting and maintaining the standards for the radiographic service and ensuring junior staff comply with departmental and professional standards of practice.

5. To supervise imaging Quality Assurance tests, analyse and evaluate results and liaise with physicists and equipment engineers.

6. To encourage and develop all radiography staff by being responsible for monitoring their performance and implementing training and development programmes.

7. To be able to use expert knowledge and clinical judgement to determine the alteration of an examination from the departmental protocols without consultation with Cardiologists.

8. Delivery of service on a day to day basis, deputising for the Lead CMRI Lead Service manager when necessary.

9. Liaise with other departments and colleagues to ensure smooth and efficient service delivery and patient care.

10. To participate in the safe transfer of patients and equipment within the department and hospital using trust manual handling guidelines and risk assessments.

11. Collect, collate and analyse workload or other statistics required for departmental purposes or for service review.

12. To devise, implement and feedback on audit projects and promote evidenced based practice in order to develop and maintain a high quality patient focussed service.

Managerial Responsibilities

1. As delegated by the Lead CMRI Radiologists, undertake staff performance development reviews, and participate in the professional development process, including the production of individual personal development plans, that link to the Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF).

2. Provide guidance and support to all grades of staff.

3. To establish, monitor and maintain effective working relationships with staff from other disciplines in order to further the aims of radiology.

4. Support the superintendent in the day to day organisation and supervision of staff and equipment, taking into account workload and skill mix across the department.

5. Deploy resources effectively and efficiently to provide a high quality service to the patient.

6. To identify, record and prioritise faults on imaging equipment, reporting them to the appropriate authority, e.g. the equipment manufacturer. In addition take in to account the effect on the service to the patient and re-arrange the work lists accordingly to ensure minimum inconvenience to the patient.

7. To critically evaluate new equipment and accessories prior to procurement as delegated by the superintendent radiographer.

8. Assist in the recruitment and selection of new staff as delegated by the superintendent Radiographer.

9. To undertake first line complaint handling, dealing with radiographic problems in the absence of the Superintendent Radiographer.

10. To be aware of targets / co-ordination and escalation policies in use within the department / Trust.

Person Specification

Skills & behaviours -

Essential

• Advanced interpersonal & communication skills (verbal and non-verbal), with management, staff and patients
• Skills and knowledge to expand the patient's medical history by direct discussion and focussed questioning
• Understanding and exhibiting skills of a team leader, helping to motivate others within that team
• Ability to work independently and use own initiative to solve problems and make decisions

Desirable

• Communication skills enabling the radiographer to work with varying patients with different needs
• Leadership skills to manage personal/departmental workflow and motivate others
• Demonstrates The Leeds Way values & aligned with the Leeds seven commitments

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc (or equivalent) in Diagnostic Radiography
• Diploma of the College in Radiographers (Diagnostic)
• Registration (HPC)
• Evidence of commitment to undergo in-post training requirements

Desirable

• MSc in Radiography/higher diploma in Radiography
• Evidence of research in practice
• Post Graduate Qualification or equivalent in specialist area.
• Completion of IV cannulation training

Experience

Essential

• Evidence of experience in MRI specialised imaging
• Experience in first-line supervision or management
• Evidence of clinical practice and CPD to an appropriate level
• Understanding of specific legislation or guidance appropriate to MRI

Desirable

• Experience of quality assurance and audit programmes
• Experience or evidence of interest in cardiology
• Risk management including MRI safety

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF

Employer's website

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