Job summary
The post-holder will be expected to demonstrate a high level of skill and expertise in multiple modalities, ideally to include plain film, computed tomography (CT), interventional and cardiac cath lab. In addition, they will be required to demonstrate levels of responsibility and initiative that supports junior staff and the aims of the department. They will instigate and/or complete tasks to support or improve patient care and service provision. They will support and participate in extended practice for radiographers. The department services are provided over 7 days per week and the post-holder will be expected to work core hours (Mon-Fri 9-5) and out of hours when required. The role demands the post-holder to work closely with other modality leads and clinicians to further advance radiology services.
Main duties of the job
- To assess and clinically authorise referrals to radiology in line with the National Regulations, Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IR(ME)R, 2017) and local protocols.
- Act in the role of an Operator and Practitioner*, within own scope of practice. To clinically justify imaging requests from the clinical information provided referring to the work area's Protocols & Technique Guidelines as a reference if necessary.
*as defined in IR(ME)R 20017
- To undertake the comprehensive assessment and appropriate examination of patients including those with diverse/complex/multi pathological presentation. This may necessitate the use of advanced investigative and analytical skills to assess and evaluate different imaging options to obtain the best outcome for the patient.
- To apply the notification and escalation of serious and unexpected findings.
- To contribute to the quarterly Image Optimisation Group, liaising with modality leads to further improve imaging quality and explore methods of dose optimisation.
- Responsible for the management of workflow, responding to changes in demand for radiology services, this may include liaising with other clinical and non-clinical departments within and outside the hospital to provide a service.
About us
The Diagnostic Imaging department at North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust is a busy department supporting a large range of services, including stroke, HIV medicine and a busy sickle cell disorder service. We have one of the busiest A&E units in London, and the work reflects this.
The Diagnostic Imaging department is based mainly on 2 levels within the new build of the hospital, including 1 Canon Aquilion Prime SP CT scanner and 1 Canon Aquilion One Prism CT scanner, 1 Philips Achieve MRI scanner and 1 Siemens Magnetom Sola MRI scanner, 1 GE and 1 Siemens digital fluoroscopy unit to perform interventional procedures, and 5 Siemens Ysio Max general radiography rooms serving inpatients, outpatients, A&E clinics, and GP services. We undertake a large range of orthopaedic theatre procedures and have recently acquired 3 new Philips Zenition 70 flat panel detector systems. We have a busy ultrasound department with 3 general rooms, and 7 gynaecology and maternity rooms opened in our new maternity wing. Nuclear medicine imaging is provided on site. A new cardiac catheter lab was installed in 2014.
The department has a long tradition of radiographer development, with radiographers reporting the appendicular and axial skeleton, chest, abdomen, ultrasound and mammograms. We perform almost 200,000 examinations per annum and the workload can be busy and challenging.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities:
- To assess and clinically authorise referrals to radiology in line with the National Regulations, Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IR(ME)R, 2017) and local protocols.
- Act in the role of an Operator and Practitioner*, within own scope of practice. To clinically justify imaging requests from the clinical information provided referring to the work areas Protocols & Technique Guidelines as a reference if necessary.
*as defined in IR(ME)R 2017
- To undertake the comprehensive assessment and appropriate examination of patients including those with diverse/complex/multi pathological presentation. This may necessitate the use of advanced investigative and analytical skills to assess and evaluate different imaging options to obtain the best outcome for the patient.
- To expedite the reporting of images where an abnormality that would affect patient management has been detected.
- To accept clinical responsibility for a designated caseload of patients within this specialist field and organise this effectively and efficiently with regard to clinical priorities and allocation of resources.
- To work effectively to provide the optimum level of service, with an unpredictable workload.
- To liaise with the referrer when clarification regarding selection of the most clinically appropriate imaging examination is required.
- To ensure a high standard of clinical care for patients within the department including monitoring the standard of care delivered by colleagues.
- To provide clinical guidance, advice and assistance relating to specialised radiographic techniques and procedures to medical staff, junior radiographers, student radiographers and helpers/assistants, developing their clinical knowledge and skills.
- To provide advice to patients regarding their referral and their hospital attendance, for example, radiation protection issues, Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), interpretation services and freedom of information services.
- To assess individual patients understanding of the diagnostic procedure, ensuring valid consent to the procedure is obtained, working within the legal framework for patients who lack the capacity to consent to treatment.
- Applying a high level of manual dexterity in the acquisition of accurate, high quality diagnostic images, whilst accommodating a full range of patient presentations and adapting standard technique when necessary. This may include performing some extremely specialised and rarely performed techniques.
- To match the clinical indications presented by the referrer to the most appropriate departmental protocol and act as a source of advice to others in the request and selection of the most appropriate imaging series.
- Liaise with appropriate bodies in matters of patient safety, for example the child protection team.
- To operate advanced software on specialist radiological equipment, requiring excellent hand-eye co-ordination and manual dexterity.
- To review images (own and others) to ensure that appropriate additional images are taken prior to the patient leaving the department.
- To demonstrate and encourage reflective practice based on knowledge and skills.
- To ensure that images are presented for reporting purposes in a timely and accurate manner.
- To recognise and act upon radiographic abnormalities detected and those brought for advice, within the appropriate system of work.
- To have full team-leader responsibilities within the clinical area/department.
- Provide advice to radiographic staff, clinicians and radiologists with regard to specialised radiographic technique within their area of expertise. To work, without supervision, taking legal responsibility and accountability for all aspects of work.
- To ensure relevant infection control measures are implemented and utilised where necessary, using appropriate personal protective equipment; including the safe management of equipment and linens contaminated by bodily fluids. Where necessary, seeking professional advice.
- To ensure that workload is scheduled to minimise the infection risk to others.
- To be responsible for the care, comfort, and clinical well-being of the patient, during their examination whilst in the X-ray department. This includes the use of monitoring equipment, or the administration of oxygen or suction as required.
- To ascertain from patient, patients guardian or the referrer, patients suitability for receipt of intravenous contrast media.
- To use evidence-based practice to enhance the radiographic service.
Plain Film Reporting:
- To provide reports for one or more Radiographer image reporting disciplines in compliance with the local radiographer reporting policy.
- To actively partake in the monthly reporting radiographer audit.
- To apply the notification and escalation of serious and unexpected findings.
- To contribute to the radiology radiographic discrepancy meeting.
- To support developments in radiographer reporting to enhance patient care across the service.
- Support the reporting team, management and clinical leads in meeting operational and strategic targets and improving the quality of patient care within Radiology.
- To establish an environment of support for reporting radiographer trainees and for other professions with whom the post holder would have close contacts.
Operational Responsibilities:
- To contribute to the quarterly Image Optimisation Group, liaising with modality leads to further improve imaging quality and explore methods of dose optimisation.
- Responsible for the .management of workflow, responding to changes in demand for radiology services, this may include liaising with other clinical and non-clinical departments within and outside the hospital to provide a service.
- Day to day organisation of staff and workload to provide an effective and efficient service.
- To act as liaison between the team and other staff members.
- Be able to solve problems, using the resources available in unforeseen circumstances able to address and provide solutions to service delivery problems in unforeseen circumstances, using the available resources effectively to maintain smooth delivery of service/patient care.
- To provide guidance to external users of the service regarding the deployment of radiographic resources e.g., theatre and ward usage.
- To participate in the safe transfer of patients and equipment within the department and hospital, using Trust manual handling guidelines and risk assessments.
- Responsible for the management of change which affects the specialist services.
- To devise, supervise and monitor systems of work, reporting/notifying areas for improvement to the head of diagnostic imaging.
- To organise, attend, lead and contribute to regular departmental meetings.
- Disseminate information to others in specialist clinical areas.
- To report deficits in the data integrity of IT systems in use within Radiology and the Trust.
- Undertake first line fault investigations within the department for system and equipment faults.
- To ensure (including the monitoring of others) that the input of patient data into Radiology IT systems within the specialist area is accurate.
- To support and assist in the training of radiology, clerical and medical staff on Radiology IT systems.
- To be able to implement back up measures in times of system failure, ensuring that accurate patient and examination data is recorded.
- Be able to retrieve photographic and digital images including image manipulation/recovery from radiology systems.
- Ability to manoeuvre equipment in confined and/or sterile environments.
- Initiate remedial action to address equipment faults/malfunctions. Notifying and taking appropriate action where necessary.
- Liaise with teams which are not part of radiology to manage workflow effectively; for example, portering, domestic services, A&E floor managers and contractors.
- Required to draft policies and change working practice dependent on service need.
Core Knowledge and Understanding
- An understanding of the organisational structure and working practices of the organisation with regard to the provision of high-quality radiography services, and trust policies relevant to the specialist area.
- To possess a high degree of personal and professional autonomy with the ability to make sound clinical judgements and critical decisions regarding the patients welfare
- To have a working knowledge and be guided by broad professional/clinical policies and standards e.g., those set by the College and Society of Radiographers, the Healthcare Professions Council, and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities:
- To assess and clinically authorise referrals to radiology in line with the National Regulations, Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IR(ME)R, 2017) and local protocols.
- Act in the role of an Operator and Practitioner*, within own scope of practice. To clinically justify imaging requests from the clinical information provided referring to the work areas Protocols & Technique Guidelines as a reference if necessary.
*as defined in IR(ME)R 2017
- To undertake the comprehensive assessment and appropriate examination of patients including those with diverse/complex/multi pathological presentation. This may necessitate the use of advanced investigative and analytical skills to assess and evaluate different imaging options to obtain the best outcome for the patient.
- To expedite the reporting of images where an abnormality that would affect patient management has been detected.
- To accept clinical responsibility for a designated caseload of patients within this specialist field and organise this effectively and efficiently with regard to clinical priorities and allocation of resources.
- To work effectively to provide the optimum level of service, with an unpredictable workload.
- To liaise with the referrer when clarification regarding selection of the most clinically appropriate imaging examination is required.
- To ensure a high standard of clinical care for patients within the department including monitoring the standard of care delivered by colleagues.
- To provide clinical guidance, advice and assistance relating to specialised radiographic techniques and procedures to medical staff, junior radiographers, student radiographers and helpers/assistants, developing their clinical knowledge and skills.
- To provide advice to patients regarding their referral and their hospital attendance, for example, radiation protection issues, Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), interpretation services and freedom of information services.
- To assess individual patients understanding of the diagnostic procedure, ensuring valid consent to the procedure is obtained, working within the legal framework for patients who lack the capacity to consent to treatment.
- Applying a high level of manual dexterity in the acquisition of accurate, high quality diagnostic images, whilst accommodating a full range of patient presentations and adapting standard technique when necessary. This may include performing some extremely specialised and rarely performed techniques.
- To match the clinical indications presented by the referrer to the most appropriate departmental protocol and act as a source of advice to others in the request and selection of the most appropriate imaging series.
- Liaise with appropriate bodies in matters of patient safety, for example the child protection team.
- To operate advanced software on specialist radiological equipment, requiring excellent hand-eye co-ordination and manual dexterity.
- To review images (own and others) to ensure that appropriate additional images are taken prior to the patient leaving the department.
- To demonstrate and encourage reflective practice based on knowledge and skills.
- To ensure that images are presented for reporting purposes in a timely and accurate manner.
- To recognise and act upon radiographic abnormalities detected and those brought for advice, within the appropriate system of work.
- To have full team-leader responsibilities within the clinical area/department.
- Provide advice to radiographic staff, clinicians and radiologists with regard to specialised radiographic technique within their area of expertise. To work, without supervision, taking legal responsibility and accountability for all aspects of work.
- To ensure relevant infection control measures are implemented and utilised where necessary, using appropriate personal protective equipment; including the safe management of equipment and linens contaminated by bodily fluids. Where necessary, seeking professional advice.
- To ensure that workload is scheduled to minimise the infection risk to others.
- To be responsible for the care, comfort, and clinical well-being of the patient, during their examination whilst in the X-ray department. This includes the use of monitoring equipment, or the administration of oxygen or suction as required.
- To ascertain from patient, patients guardian or the referrer, patients suitability for receipt of intravenous contrast media.
- To use evidence-based practice to enhance the radiographic service.
Plain Film Reporting:
- To provide reports for one or more Radiographer image reporting disciplines in compliance with the local radiographer reporting policy.
- To actively partake in the monthly reporting radiographer audit.
- To apply the notification and escalation of serious and unexpected findings.
- To contribute to the radiology radiographic discrepancy meeting.
- To support developments in radiographer reporting to enhance patient care across the service.
- Support the reporting team, management and clinical leads in meeting operational and strategic targets and improving the quality of patient care within Radiology.
- To establish an environment of support for reporting radiographer trainees and for other professions with whom the post holder would have close contacts.
Operational Responsibilities:
- To contribute to the quarterly Image Optimisation Group, liaising with modality leads to further improve imaging quality and explore methods of dose optimisation.
- Responsible for the .management of workflow, responding to changes in demand for radiology services, this may include liaising with other clinical and non-clinical departments within and outside the hospital to provide a service.
- Day to day organisation of staff and workload to provide an effective and efficient service.
- To act as liaison between the team and other staff members.
- Be able to solve problems, using the resources available in unforeseen circumstances able to address and provide solutions to service delivery problems in unforeseen circumstances, using the available resources effectively to maintain smooth delivery of service/patient care.
- To provide guidance to external users of the service regarding the deployment of radiographic resources e.g., theatre and ward usage.
- To participate in the safe transfer of patients and equipment within the department and hospital, using Trust manual handling guidelines and risk assessments.
- Responsible for the management of change which affects the specialist services.
- To devise, supervise and monitor systems of work, reporting/notifying areas for improvement to the head of diagnostic imaging.
- To organise, attend, lead and contribute to regular departmental meetings.
- Disseminate information to others in specialist clinical areas.
- To report deficits in the data integrity of IT systems in use within Radiology and the Trust.
- Undertake first line fault investigations within the department for system and equipment faults.
- To ensure (including the monitoring of others) that the input of patient data into Radiology IT systems within the specialist area is accurate.
- To support and assist in the training of radiology, clerical and medical staff on Radiology IT systems.
- To be able to implement back up measures in times of system failure, ensuring that accurate patient and examination data is recorded.
- Be able to retrieve photographic and digital images including image manipulation/recovery from radiology systems.
- Ability to manoeuvre equipment in confined and/or sterile environments.
- Initiate remedial action to address equipment faults/malfunctions. Notifying and taking appropriate action where necessary.
- Liaise with teams which are not part of radiology to manage workflow effectively; for example, portering, domestic services, A&E floor managers and contractors.
- Required to draft policies and change working practice dependent on service need.
Core Knowledge and Understanding
- An understanding of the organisational structure and working practices of the organisation with regard to the provision of high-quality radiography services, and trust policies relevant to the specialist area.
- To possess a high degree of personal and professional autonomy with the ability to make sound clinical judgements and critical decisions regarding the patients welfare
- To have a working knowledge and be guided by broad professional/clinical policies and standards e.g., those set by the College and Society of Radiographers, the Healthcare Professions Council, and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential
- BSc. (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography
- HCPC registration
Desirable
- Leadership qualification
- PgD or PgC in plain film reporting.
Skills and abilities
Essential
- Working knowledge of radiation governance and legislation
- Able to supervise the work of others and sensitively communicate areas for improvement
- Ability to write SOPs or other guidance
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- Adept in plain film, CT, cardiac and interventional imaging
- Able to manage equipment maintenance
Desirable
- Experience in delivering training and embedding new techniques or technology
- Use of Soliton RIS, Sectra PACS and CareFlow
Personal qualities
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to demonstrate empathy and to communicate with people from all backgrounds
- Able to explain complex matters in simple terms
- Willingness to collaborate and to work as part of an MDT
Other requirements
Essential
- Willingness to work flexibly
- Friendly, caring and approachable to patients and staff
Trust Values
Essential
- Demonstrable ability to meet Trust values
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential
- BSc. (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography
- HCPC registration
Desirable
- Leadership qualification
- PgD or PgC in plain film reporting.
Skills and abilities
Essential
- Working knowledge of radiation governance and legislation
- Able to supervise the work of others and sensitively communicate areas for improvement
- Ability to write SOPs or other guidance
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- Adept in plain film, CT, cardiac and interventional imaging
- Able to manage equipment maintenance
Desirable
- Experience in delivering training and embedding new techniques or technology
- Use of Soliton RIS, Sectra PACS and CareFlow
Personal qualities
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to demonstrate empathy and to communicate with people from all backgrounds
- Able to explain complex matters in simple terms
- Willingness to collaborate and to work as part of an MDT
Other requirements
Essential
- Willingness to work flexibly
- Friendly, caring and approachable to patients and staff
Trust Values
Essential
- Demonstrable ability to meet Trust values
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.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
