Clinical Nuclear Medicine Technologist - Band 5/6

Job description

Job responsibilities

Nuclear Medicine is a pan-Trust department, with services on two sites (Grantham & Lincoln). There are three SPECT gamma cameras in total, one with CT and a centralised Radiopharmacy unit based on the Lincoln site. All sites are connected via a recently upgraded Hermes Medical image processing system.

4. Duties

Act as an Operator under IRMER (17) to carry out routine and specialist diagnostic Nuclear Medicine investigations on patients in a safe manner using complex imaging equipment (2 Dual headed Gamma Cameras one with SPECT/CT) in accordance with departmental protocols.

To perform computer analysis and process complex patient studies using a variety of software programs utilising knowledge of biological processes and anatomy including 3D anatomy for CT images and image registration.

Manufacture radiopharmaceuticals in isolators under aseptic conditions for administration to patients (e.g. intravenously, subcutaneously, orally and via inhalation).

To act as authorised person working to well defined procedures for the release of radiopharmaceutical products as per requirements of MHRA Specials license.

Aseptically dispense patient doses of radiopharmaceuticals using radionuclide calibrators employing dose decay calculations and dosing factors where appropriate to comply with IRMER (17) and IRR regulations.

Administer oral radioiodine therapy to patients.

Carry out routine and complex laboratory techniques.

Ensure results of procedures are of a standard that meets the requirements of the departmental Quality System.

Ensure performance of complex imaging equipment, calibrators and isolators within nuclear medicine are fit for purpose by carrying out daily routine quality control checks, as well as more complex monthly and quarterly test procedures.

Provide routine radiation protection advice to patients undergoing administration of radioactive materials and also to staff/relatives providing care to such patients, and ensure all parties understand the risks of exposure to ionising radiation. Complex situations requiring more specialised advice will be referred to the Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS)..

Perform intravenous and subcutaneous injections of radiopharmaceuticals, following Trust and departmental procedures to ensure safe practice.

Perform cannulation and administer associated drugs as part of the techniques required for the imaging of patients. (Renography, MPI stressing or I123 thyroid blockade).

Participate in carrying out clinical audit within the service.

None at present

4.3 Research and development

Participate in departmental research and clinical audit projects. Assist in the dissemination of findings and outcomes to internal peer group as well as external forums

Participate in regional and/or national benchmarking as required.

4.4 Teaching and Training

Assist Chief Technologist with the training of Trainee Clinical Technologists as well as new/less experienced technologists/scientific staff within Nuclear Medicine, by demonstrating own activities or workplace routines.

To carry out appraisals of bands 3-5 in the department as requested by the Chief Clinical Technologists if appropriate and following appraiser training.

Ensure all patient and investigative data is entered accurately and stored correctly in hard copy and/or robust electronic filing systems.

4.6 Professional

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of scientific and technical developments within specialist field.

Maintain State Registration (if applicable) or retain eligibility for Voluntary Register.

Enrol in IPEM Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme and ensure its criteria are met.

Attend relevant seminars/courses to update knowledge, enhance personal development and improve the clinical service.

Ensure all activities are carried out within the Trust and Departments quality framework and in compliance with statutory regulations, Health and Safety at Work Act, Local Rules, standard operating procedures (SOP), and approved codes of practice (COP).

The post-holder may be required to carry out other appropriate clinical-scientific functions as required within the professional role, as requested by the Head of Nuclear Medicine.

The post-holder may be required to work outside normal working hours on occasion, with time being paid back on a time off in lieu (TOIL) basis.

The post holder may occasionally be required to work across the trust on the Boston or Grantham sites as required and with prior arrangement. The main base will be at Lincoln.

5. Physical and Mental Skills

Knowledge, training and experience

• Advanced knowledge of relevant legislation, national standards, professional and other guidelines associated with Nuclear Medicine [IRR17, IR(ME)R17, ISO 9001, Health and Safety at Work, COSHH, GMP]
• Advanced knowledge of a broad range of routine and complex Nuclear Medicine imaging and non-imaging techniques.
• Advanced knowledge of risks to patient and staff arising from the use of ionising radiation.
• Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Communication skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for effective communication with patients, their carers and all hospital staff.
• Ability to train others from a range of clinical, technical and scientific groups.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient and staff information and other health service businesses in accordance with Trust Policy/Data Protection Act.

• Ability to make judgements involving a range of facts or situations, which require analysis, interpretation and comparison of a range of options.
• Ability to work independently and to use own initiative.
• Ability to source and evaluate a range of specialist information.
• Ability to use complex mathematical equations and to calculate individual radioactive doses (administered activities) for patients.
• Ability to deal with complex and unpredictable situations and solve problems as they arise.

Physical skills

• Ability to assist staff in manual handling of patients and equipment in the Clinic environment.
• Ability to dispense radioactive injections under aseptic conditions.
• Ability to perform intravenous, sub-cutaneous injections and canulate patients to administer radiopharmaceuticals and drugs.
• Ability to use complex interactive image processing software to analyse clinical data.
• Ability to carry out non imaging tests.

Ability to prioritise own workload in accordance with departmental policies and competing service demands.

Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability.

6. Responsibilities of the Post Holder

Patient Care

• Exhibits a courteous and professional manner towards patients referred to the Nuclear Medicine section of the Medical Physics Department; to ensure the highest level of service is provided.

Physical Resources

Uses equipment in a safe and effective manner to provide support of the delivery of Nuclear Medicine services

Human Resources

Day to day supervision and training of Trainee Technologists or less experienced staff within the Nuclear Medicine section.

Carries out protocols in accordance with relevant regulations/legislation/Trust policy and updates them as and when required by QSM.

7. Freedom to Act

Is guided by precedent and clearly defined occupational policies, protocols/procedures, or codes of conduct. Work is managed, rather than supervised, and results/outcomes are assessed at agreed intervals.

• Good keyboard skills.
• Excellent manual dexterity for extremely precise radiopharmaceutical production and radioisotope handling and administration.

Frequent requirement for prolonged concentration, including radiopharmaceutical preparation and nuclear medicine image processing in 2 and 3D.

Necessary to multitask and work under pressure to meet patients demands.

Exposure to distressing circumstances e.g. scanning terminally ill patients and dealing with their relatives.

Exposure to difficult and unpredictable clinical situations such as cardiac stressing clinic

Occasional requirements for dealing with verbal complaints from patients or clients of the service.

9. Outline of Working Conditions

Unavoidable exposure to unsealed ionising radiation.

Frequent unavoidable exposure to clinical waste, radioactive waste, and various chemicals covered by COSHH regulations.

Unavoidable exposure to patient samples e.g. urine and blood.

Occasional decontamination of clinic rooms and/or equipment will be necessary following unintended releases of radioactive material.

Working with VDUs for extended periods during imaging and image processing.

Working for extended periods in a reduced temperature laboratory environment (radiopharmacy).

Unavoidable periods of standing during manufacturing, dispensing, manipulating or injecting (i.e. static stooping) within laboratory or clinical context.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Honors degree in a relevant subject
• Post Grad Qualification in NM or related discipline
• Eligibility for RCT
• Intermediate life support (ILS)

Previous Experience

Essential

• Experience working in nuclear medicine imaging or closely related field.

Desirable

• Experience in radiopharmacy manufacture
• Experience in SPECT/CT imaging
• Experience in advanced imaging processing

Knowledge, skills, aptitudes

Essential

• Good IT skills, knowledge of office software packages (Word, Excel) and scientific applications.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate at all levels
• Ability to deal with complex and unpredictable situations

Specific requirements

Essential

• Ability to receive / impart complex information from / to patients and medical colleagues.
• Able to move/handle patients and equipment
• Good manual dexterity to safely manipulate radioactive materials in syringes etc.

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

United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

Lincoln County Hospital

Greetwell Road

Lincoln

LN1 3NE

Employer's website

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