Radiographer (XR06)

Job description

Job responsibilities

The job holder will be a state registered Radiographer with the HCPC and work as an autonomous Radiographic Practitioner undertaking a wide range of CT examinations. The job holder will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team providing a high-quality radiology service for patients, adhering to policies and procedures as specified by the Trust and Radiology Management Team. The job holder is responsible for performing with the highest standard of patient care and technical practice in their clinical area whilst imaging patients and will adhere to the codes of conduct of behaviours of the professional body, The College of Radiographers and the HCPC. They will ensure the interests of the patient are always maintained, including acting as a patients advocate as necessary. There is a requirement to participate in a 24/7 shift pattern.

Principle Duties & Areas of Responsibility:

Comply with LTHT Radiation Safety policies including Local Rules and Employers Procedures in line with National Regulations eg IRR17 and IRMER2017

Work to local protocols.

o Act in the role of Operator* while carrying out all aspects of clinical imaging employing the appropriate work areas

o Protocols *as defined in IR(ME)R 2017

o Following entitlement will act in the role of Practitioner* in accordance with LTHT IR(ME)R Employers procedures and following departmental protocols to justify and authorise medical exposures

Act as a patient advocate in radiation protection issues.

o Ensure patients have given informed consent prior to radiographic examinations and where necessary advise them of the potential risks

Apply a high level of manual dexterity in acquiring accurate, high quality diagnostic images, adapting standard technique when necessary.

o Operate advanced software on specialist radiological equipment, requiring excellent hand-eye co-ordination and manual dexterity.

Review images and identify and act upon any abnormalities detected and where necessary, to seek advice when additional images may be required prior to patient departure from the department.

Ensure that images are presented for reporting purposes in a timely and accurate manner.

Ensure appropriate infection control measures are utilised, paying particular attention to personal protection as well as the management of equipment and linen contaminated by bodily fluids.

Responsible for the care, comfort, and clinical well-being of the patient during the radiological examination. This includes the monitoring or administration of pre-prescribed oxygen under direct supervision

Liaison with safeguarding and external agencies when suspicion of patient in danger, for example, child protection team

Taking an active role in audit, development, and research (on an occasional basis)

Understand the emergency procedures in the departments worked in and responsibilities in a MAJAX

To cannulate patients and administer medicines under appropriate clinical prescription or Patient group directive.

Demonstrate reflective practice based on knowledge and skills so as to formulate and deliver diagnostic imaging based on sound knowledge of evidence-based practice and imaging options using clinical assessment, reasoning and skills and knowledge of other techniques.

Administrative/Operational Responsibilities:

To effectively liaise with all disciplines of staff

Participate in the safe transfer of patients and equipment within the department and hospital, using manual handling guidelines and risk assessments.

Communicate negotiated changes to staff rosters to a senior radiographer. Organise personal workload in line with clinical priorities.

Report deficits in the data integrity of the Radiology Information System (RIS) and Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS).

Report clinical, non-clinical and radiation incidents in line with Trust and departmental risk management policies.

Enter accurate patient and examination data into RIS and Maintain accurate records at all times.

Understand the contingencies required when electronic systems fail.

Familiar with the range of technical applications available on Imaging Equipment.

Ensure that equipment faults are reported to the relevant Senior Radiographer.

Assist in regular Quality Assurance (QA), including equipment testing.

Equipment duties:

o Wear personal protective equipment when required

o Care for, check and maintain high standards of cleanliness of clinical equipment to minimise spread of infection

o Maintaining high standards of cleanliness in examination rooms to minimise spread of infection

o Ensure safe disposal of linen and clinical waste from the department

o As part of the radiology team ensure all equipment is maintained to a high standard and used appropriately.

Multi-disciplinary Team working and Communication Skills:

o Assess specific communication needs of individual patients, where there may be barriers with communication e.g. complex/sensitive nature of information.

o Communicate effectively and empathetically with patients and their escorts prior to, during and after an examination.

o Work as part of the multi-disciplinary team within and without the radiology department, taking responsibility for defined tasks as determined by a Senior Radiographer.

o Act as a source of information for Radiology Assistants and students

o Maintain effective verbal and/or written communication and working relationships, with patients, colleagues, other hospital staff, relatives and visitors

o Recognise the potential for conflict in relationships and seek to minimise this and contribute to effective communication and team working.

o Ensure that the confidentiality of all information gained in the course of undertaking the role is safeguarded and maintained in accordance with professional, local and national guidelines and regulations e.g. Data Protection Act (1998).

o Recognise and report when a patients well-being may be at risk by reporting to safeguarding

Information and Record Keeping:

o Ensure written and electronic records are maintained accurately and timely for self and others.

o Ensure the computerised picture archiving and communication system is the accurate record of the examinations undertake on every patient imaged.

o Participate in ethically approved audit projects, including gathering evidence for best practice assessment, either of their own work, that of the department or others, as required.

Other duties:

o Assist in promoting the overall aims of the department.

o Assist in the supervision and clinical instruction of undergraduate radiography students and other trainees.

o When required provide mentorship and/or preceptorship support

o Complete formalised weekly report forms for under-graduate radiography students, in accordance with University requirement

o Work with others to evaluate use of resources to develop high standards of patient care and achieve value for money initiatives.

o Maintain and develop an appropriate level of professional knowledge and understanding to enable the safe delivery of practice.

o Participate in the individual performance review system.

o Participate in personal development needs that may be identified by the team manager or in the appraisal process in an agreed timeframe.

o Responsible for own mandatory training and ensure it is up to date

o Supervise safe work practices of NHS staff and students in a hazardous environment.

o Attend departmental meetings when required

o Additional duties as requested by the management team, commensurate with the grade

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc (or equivalent) in Diagnostic Radiography
• Diploma of the College in Radiographers (Diagnostic)
• State Registration (HCPC)
• Current NHS experience and evidence
• Evidence of CPD to satisfy HCPC requirements

Desirable

• Attendance at further courses such as post-graduate, IV cannulation, Student Assessment, Red Dot etc

Skills & behaviours

Essential

• Communication skills enabling the Radiographer to work with effectively with both patients and staff
• Professional attitude and appearance including punctuality
• Advanced computer skills
• Motivated team worker with ability to delegate tasks to junior staff and radiography helpers/assistants, thus demonstrating leadership qualities and responsibilities.
• Ability to work under pressure whilst producing high quality diagnostic images and providing a high quality of patient care

Desirable

• Previous experience operating GE or Siemens CT equipment

Experience

Essential

• Substantial experience working as a CT radiographer (or willing to work towards a training programme under annex 21)
• Knowledge of a wide range of general and specialised radiography e.g. through academic study at post graduate study or equivalent. (or willing to work towards a training programme under annex 21)
• Ability to maintain a safe working environment, following trust and national policies and procedures including applying IR(ME)R (2017) and IRR(2017)

Desirable

• Knowledge of Iodinated Contrast Media risks and exclusions including recognising the signs and symptoms of a reaction
• Knowledge of current protocols in CT for key pathways
• Knowledge of patient diversity and how to modify radiographic technique
• Knowledge of pathologies which may affect patient management, and radiographic technique

Other Criteria

Essential

• Commitment to undergo all training requirements of the post
• Ability to wear radiation monitoring device.

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.

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

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)