Senior Therapeutic Radiographer Radiotherapy

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Duties:

Clinical/Technical

Take responsibility for the correct interpretation, application and delivery of routine and complex Radiotherapy treatment prescriptions using advanced clinical skills

Ensure that highly specialist Radiotherapy equipment is used safely and accurately within the tolerances defined for the technique/ procedure and in accordance with manufacturers guidance and departmental protocols.

Undertake verification processes evaluating the accuracy of treatment using portal imaging or CBCT, ensuring that results are systematically analysed to maintain treatment accuracy.

Clinically justify any deviation from department protocols or predetermined tolerances keeping appropriate records and calling on other members of the multidisciplinary team for further advice / action as necessary.

Ensure that in-vivo dosimetry measurements are undertaken for patients receiving external beam treatment and act on measurements that are out of tolerance.

Undertake treatment localisation and verification using CT scanner and virtual simulator acquiring appropriate images and ensuring that all setup information is recorded accurately and unambiguously, including undertaking cannulation and IV contrast administration.

Identify and undertake appropriate pre-treatment processes including:

o Patient scheduling

o Production of vsim treatment plans

o Input and checking of treatment critical data using the patient management system (Mosaiq)

o Transfer of images

o Electronic checking of complex treatment prescriptions

o Collation of all treatment accessories and requirements prior to the patients first visit

Evaluate results of these processes and take appropriate action in line with departmental procedures.

Liaise with other members of the multidisciplinary team to coordinate treatment related processes to ensure a seamless pathway for the patient. This will include:

o Arranging the manufacture of immobilisation devices, lead masks and other treatment accessories

o Scheduling of patients to comply with Chemotherapy / Radiotherapy clinical trials

o Transport arrangements

o On treatment reviews and follow up appointments

Undertake Out of Hours and On-Call duties to support full service delivery.

Patient care

Provide written and verbal information to patients and carers on all aspects of Radiotherapy treatment and its associated side effects and reactions ensuring that explanations are appropriate to the patients comprehension and level of understanding

Plan and implement an appropriate supportive care package for patients liaising with other departments, professionals and agencies to optimise support before during and after treatment

Educate, motivate and reassure patients to ensure compliance with treatment regimens assessing the patients physical and emotional state on a daily basis to ensure that it is appropriate to proceed with treatment

Management

Supervise, train and assess less experienced staff and students in the workplace, setting high standards and enabling them to develop their professional skills

Deputise for the Team Leaders in all technical aspects of work within the treatment room, in the day to day management of the treatment unit (including management of junior staff and students) and its workload / appointments

Professional Development

Undertake training / updates required to operate all equipment safely, effectively and to maximise its therapeutic / diagnostic potential

Participate in Continuing Professional Development activities including Trust Mandatory training, sharing knowledge and cascade training where appropriate

Be involved research and development within the department as required facilitating the implementation of evidence based practice

Quality Assurance

Ensure that all diagnostic and therapeutic equipment is used according to manufacturers guidelines and departmental policies seeking advice from appropriate

Contribute to the development, implementation and audit of radiotherapy quality procedures and work instructions

Be familiar with quality assurance tests for designated equipment, performing the tests as required to assess the units fitness for clinical use, reporting any deviations or faults in line with departmental protocols

Report all Clinical incidents in line with departmental policy

Communication

Ensure that any records relating to the planning, treatment and care of patient are accurately recorded and maintained as per departmental / trust policy

Seek appropriate support and guidance regarding any concerns related to the accuracy of a treatment.

Report any malfunctions / breakdown of equipment to the appropriately.

Communicate and receive sensitive information, maintaining patient confidentiality at all times

Communicate with Cancer patients and their carers in a sensitive and reassuring manner in order to ensure that each patient understands the treatment of procedure for which they are undergoing.

Clinical Governance

Be responsible and accountable for own actions in accordance with the HCPC Radiographers Professional Code of Conduct

Work within the standards and requirements of Quality Management System and contribute to the development, implementation and audit of radiotherapy quality procedures and work instructions.

To understand and comply with professional, statutory and trust policies and procedures (e.g. SCOR Code of Professional conduct)

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc Radiotherapy or equivalent

Desirable

• Post graduate education in a related subject
• Leadership training (such as ILM or Edward Jenner)
• Cannulation and IV contrast qualification (preferably with SOR accreditation)
• Mentor / assessor training

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Knowledge of a wide range of Radiotherapy techniques and associated requirements for patient care
• Awareness of IR(ME)R regulations and their implication for Radiotherapy practice
• Able to communicate complex or sensitive information in a manner which aids understanding and compliance
• Able to work under pressure
• Good organiser able to prioritise tasks for self and others
• Able to motivate and enable junior staff to work to their full potential
• Undertaken CPD and uses learning to improve practice

Desirable

• Knowledge of new developments in Radiotherapy treatment

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Caring and empathetic
• Works well as part of a team
• Able to work effectively in an emotionally charged environment
• Inspires confidence in patients and colleagues

Experience

Essential

• Post qualification experience using current Radiotherapy equipment and verification systems

Desirable

• Acting up experience at band 6 level
• Previous experience / training on Elekta Linacs or Mosaiq

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)