Clinical Scientist, DR Physics, Non-Ionising Radiation, Band 7

Job description

Job responsibilities

1. Provision of Clinical Services/Clinical Responsibilities

1.1 Test/calibrate a range of patient critical clinical equipment of varying complexity following existing procedures using technical equipment, including acceptance/commissioning testing.

a. Reviewing and analysing results for compliance with manufacturers specification and current safety standards.

b. Making decisions regarding the acceptance/suspension of the use of non-ionising equipment.

c. Organising external calibration of testing equipment and undertake internal cross-calibrations.

1.2 Liaise with a variety of healthcare professionals to report results of work, advise on safety and quality at various stages of the equipment lifecycle.

1.3 To support supervisors (e.g. AORPs, MRRP, LPS) & clinical teams with risk assessments, local rules and periodic safety audits to review compliance with safety legislation & Trust Policy. Report audit findings to assist users with continuous improvement.

1.4 Suggest and implement improvements in accuracy and/or efficiency of RA and QA processes, e.g. through analysis automation.

1.5 To support the non-ionising radiation lead with investigations of specific issues and incidents and make recommendations.

1.6 An understanding of patient and staff risks arising from equipment failure and staff error and should understand Risk Management processes.

1.7 Contribute to multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing Medical Physics services and/or improving equipment performance, patient access to services and patient experience

1.8 Support the planning & safety recommendations for new purchases, installations and facilities using non-ionising radiation, working under supervision of senior advisors (e.g. AORPA, MRSE, LPA). Collating and analysing complex data provided by the clinical team, architects, project managers and equipment suppliers to asses and report on required specifications.

1.9 Become familiar with and abide by the local quality systems. Participate in the development and routine operation of quality systems including writing new procedures for own area of work to ensure they conform with Statutory Regulations, Approved Codes of Practice.

1.10 Assist with training other staff, students (e.g. STP) and customers. This will involve the preparation of training materials and delivery of training.

2. Professional Development, Education and Training

2.1 The post-holder must maintain an up-to-date knowledge of non-ionising radiation physics and relevant legislation in order to carry out the duties of the post. This will be achieved by attending relevant local and national meetings and by private study.

2.2 The post-holder must keep an accurate Continuing Professional Development Portfolio as evidence of this and should be enrolled on an appropriate CPD scheme.

3. Management and Leadership

3.1 To be responsible for the safe use of expensive equipment.

3.2 Engage with other stakeholders as applicable when working on multidisciplinary projects.

4. Planning and Organisation

4.1 To be responsible for the prioritisation and management own work, working flexibly where necessary, to ensure a good professional timely response is given to those using the medical physics service

4.2 Attend and participate in DR physics team & other meetings as required e.g. clinical governance, Radiation Safety Committee, project implementation etc.

5. Research and Development

5.1 Support and undertake research and development projects in Medical Physics and other Trust departments as agreed with the Non-ionising radiation lead. Present work at national and international scientific meetings.

6. Communications and Working Relationships

6.1 The post holder must have good communication skills and be able to communicate with a wide cross-section of people including clinical & non-clinical staff e.g. procurement, IT, estates, device manufacturers, external contactors,other Clinical Scientists for exchange of information & networking.

6.2 Ability to document findings and recommendations clearly, both verbally and in written reports.

6.3 Openly question and challenge practice in a constructive way, so that standards are continually evaluated and improved.

6.4 May be required to present technical work at local and national meetings.

7. General Working Conditions

7.1 Lifting individual items of equipment up to 18kg (including in and out of a car for transportation). Transporting loads of up to 30kg on an equipment trolley across hospital sites.

7.2 Report writing, requiring long periods of concentration, sometimes all day, working at a PC daily.

7.3 Working in strong static magnetic field environments. Requirement to pass MRI safety screening for static fields.

7.4 The post-holder must be able to prioritise & manage own workload and is required to have a flexible attitude to working hours to minimise disruption to patient services, sometimes with short notice. This may involve starting work early, finishing late or working the occasional Saturday.

Person Specification

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Good Honours degree in Physics & MSc in Medical Physics
• Good understanding of non-ionising radiation physics
• Experience of performing equipment QA for non-ionising radiation equipment (Ultrasound and/or UV, MRI, Laser)
• Good understanding of the requirements of non-ionising radiation protection legislation

Desirable

• Experience of working in other areas of Medical Physics
• HCPC Registration
• Experience of risk management processes
• Evidence of maintaining CPD

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

Great Western Road

Gloucester

GL1 3NN

Employer's website

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