QA/QC Radiographer

Job description

Job responsibilities

Quality Assurance and Control

Liaise with Regional SQAS and Medical Physics Service to provide images and data for regional reviews and audit as required.

Ensures compliance with NHS and NHSBSP Security policy and information governance requirements, including maintenance and control of system access levels, user accounts and passwords.

Participates in the development and on-going delivery of the Quality Management system in conjunction with the Superintendent Radiographer / Programme Manager and Operational Manager

Has in-depth knowledge and understanding of NHSBSP guidelines and quality standards and ensures these are upheld.

Monitors quality of Radiographic technique to ensure 97% of images are technically adequate and less than 3% of clients are recalled for repeat examination.

Participates in peer review of images and works with colleagues to identify problems and trends and provides solutions.

Responsible for monitoring and interpretation of Quality Assurance and Quality Control data across all sites, providing advice, recommendations and taking remedial action where appropriate to ensure compliance with NHSBSP national guidelines.

Has in-depth knowledge to interpret Quality Assurance and Control test results and know when and how to take remedial action.

To ensure all equipment is maintained as per the prescribed contract schedules and any repairs are actioned appropriately.

To participate in Medical/Clinical Audit of examinations.

To ensure all equipment is maintained as per the prescribed contract schedules and any repairs are actioned appropriately.

Maintain equipment fault report records at both local and national level.

To liaise with IRS to ensure equipment surveys are carried out in a timely manner and any recommendations are acted on within the required timescales.

Ensures that Departmental Radiation Procedures comply with the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) regulations (IR(ME)R 2017.

Mammographic Imaging & Imaging for Breast Biopsy

To undertake high quality screening mammography at base unit, static and mobile screening units.

To undertake high quality mammography and associated specialised radiographic techniques at assessment and symptomatic clinics.

To carry out mammography examinations that are adequate for radiological interpretation in 97% of cases.

To perform regular QA tests on the X-ray equipment (mobile and static) and ensure that results are accurately logged; where results are outside agreed parameters, take actions to resolve the problem.

To check and document identity and demographic details of patients/clients according to departmental practice for screening and symptomatic patients/clients.

To note any reported breast problems and observe and note any significant clinical signs and symptoms according to QMS standard operating procedures whilst not raising anxiety levels in the clients/ patients.

To ensure clients/patients receive a comprehensive explanation about the mammogram and expected time for receiving their results.

To perform accurate standard mammography examinations in a sensitive and professional manner, adhering to time constraints and be able to adapt techniques to individual patients/clients.

To perform specialised mammography views in assessment and symptomatic clinics as well as using specialised equipment to allow radiologists to perform accurate biopsies on impalpable lesions.

To be aware of the needs of individual women and be able to communicate effectively with clients/patients who come from different backgrounds, or who may have challenging behaviour, learning or physical disabilities, or who have just been given bad news.

To demonstrate and communicate empathy and sensitivity in sometimes highly emotive atmospheres ensuring that complex and sensitive information is understood by patients and carers.

To adhere to departmental regulations with particular regard to IR(ME)R 2017, IRR17 and local rules of practice.

To take part in regular radiographic audit and image analysis sessions of mammography standards to maintain a technical repeat rate of less than 3%.

To communicate effectively with clients and patients to ensure they understand the screening or symptomatic pathway.

Professional, Education and Training

To maintain a professional attitude at all times, maintaining and developing the role of the profession in accordance with the HCPC Code of Conduct.

To ensure patient/client confidentiality is maintained at all times in accordance with Trust policy.

Participate in personal and peer film review to ensure adherence to the most recent NHSBSP targets.

To be continually aware of data, policies and guidelines pertaining to the NHSBSP.

Participate in regional breast screening service review and contribute to achieving appropriate targets and standards.

Responsible for imparting knowledge relating to Quality Assurance and Quality Control to colleagues within Breast imaging.

Managerial

In the absence of the Superintendent Radiographer or Deputy Superintendent Radiographer, reallocate duties as necessary to ensure clinics run efficiently and effective maintaining service provision.

Statutory:

To work at all times in a safe and responsible manner, ensuring that his/her own work practices comply with Unit and Directorate Policies on Health and Safety, COSSH, Security and Radiation Protection, and that any hazards are brought to the attention of the Radiographer in Charge.

To ensure that you have read, understood and signed the local radiation rules.

External Liaison:

To liaise with other disciplines in the Trust and to foster good communications within the department and the hospital.

Other:

Any other Ad Hoc duties that may be required.

Participate in any out of hours programme that is currently in operation or implemented in the future.

On-going requirement for moderate physical effort and repetitive movement under a time constraint.

On-going requirement for driving (average 1 Hour) to mobiles/static units.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Diploma/Degree in Radiography HCPC Registration.
• Possess a Post Graduate Award in Mammography Practice.
• Evidence of relevant courses/CPD.

Personal

Essential

• Ability to carry out concurrent activities.
• Willing and able to travel to various breast imaging sites including mobile screening locations.

Experience

Essential

• Extensive experience in mammography.
• Experience of Quality Assurance and Quality Control.

Desirable

• Experience in the use of clinical systems within the NHS.
• Experience in both a breast screening and symptomatic imaging environment.
• Experience writing protocols/guidelines and patient care pathways using research-based evidence.

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Comprehensive knowledge of the NHS Breast Screening Programme including policies, guidelines and technical knowledge of specialist mammography equipment.
• Comprehensive understanding or IRMER regulations.
• Knowledge of Clinical of Governance including Quality Assurance and Audit.
• Knowledge of Risk Assessment.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrates commitment to own personal/professional development.
• Ability to pass on skills and knowledge to others.
• Willing to undertake further training.

Desirable

• Able to use Microsoft Office applications, particularly Outlook, Word, and some knowledge of Excel and Powerpoint.

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

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

Charles Hastings Way

Worcester

Worcestershire

WR5 1DD

Employer's website

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