Job responsibilities
Main purpose of job:
The key purpose is to assist with
the provision of Gamma Knife services providing high quality and safe treatment
for patients, to assist in changes to the patient pathway which are being
introduced as part of our commitment for continuous improvement and to adopt
best practice.
In this role, the Radiographer
must:
- Have
a positive and can do attitude in delivering worldclass patient care
- Take
personal responsibility for promoting a safe environment and safe patient care
by identifying areas of risk and following the Incident, Serious Incidents and
Near Misses reporting policy and procedures.
- Comply
with Amethyst UK / QSRC policies for personal and patient safety and for
prevention of healthcare-associated infection (HCAI); this includes a
requirement for rigorous and consistent compliance with policies for hand
hygiene, use of personal protective equipment and safe disposal of sharps.
- Be
aware of and adhere to all policies and procedures, the Health and Safety at
Work Act and the Data Protection Act (GDPR)
- Maintain
confidentiality at all times
- Whilst
this role will be based at QSRC, London, there will occasionally be a
requirement to work at other Gamma Knife Centres which form part of the
Amethyst UK network (eg: Thornbury Radiosurgery Centre, Sheffield) providing
cover, when necessary
Main Areas of Responsibility:
Be
professionally and legally accountable for your clinical practice as an authorised
IR(ME)R Operator
To
ensure that all patients receive a high standard of care promoting the
principles of Best Practice
To
carry out quality assurance checks to ensure the Gamma Knife is acceptable for
accurate clinical use on a daily basis
To
deputise, when necessary, for the Senior Radiographer
Maintain
a safe working environment by ensuring safe systems of working and compliance
with health and safety requirements
To
assist in pre-assessment clinics
Ensure
the complete and accurate content of documented patient related data ensuring
compliance with Information Security & Data Protection legislation
Ensure
that any incidents and complaints are recorded and reported to the Senior
Radiographer and relevant personnel
To
follow the Quality Management System framework and report any breaches, accidents
and incidents to the Lead Radiographer and any other relevant personnel
To
participate in quality audits
Assist
the Senior Radiographer to undertake administrative / reporting tasks (e.g.
arranging out-patient and pre-assessment appointments) as required
To
provide information to patients and their carers, supporting them to make an
informed decision about their care / treatment with particular reference to the
technical aspects of Gamma Knife treatment and post treatment care. This
includes explaining complex issues to patients who may have no previous
knowledge of Gamma Knife, using highly developed communication skills when
barriers to understanding and communication may exist.
To
respond to emergency situations in a calm and practical manner, taking direction
from the Senior / Lead Radiographer. This may involve assisting and following
emergency procedures, where necessary to reach a safe outcome and provide
optimum care.
To
assist in evaluating and improving processes by using quality audit, annual
policy review and critically reviewing new evidence to ensure development of
clinical practice.
Ensure
efficient, accurate, patient-focused pre treatment and delivery of Gamma Knife
treatment
Use
excellent communication skills to provide and receive highly confidential,
sensitive and complicated patient information
Familiarisation
and compliance with all appropriate national policies, NHS service
specifications and local procedures and guidelines
Ensure
a programme of personal mandatory training is undertaken and to pursue
Continuous Professional Development opportunities
To
establish a good working relationship with all staff within the Gamma Knife
Centre and with members of the UCLH/NHNN Gamma Knife team to deliver a patient
centred, seamless service
Put
patients first. Focus on their care, taking a proactive approach to their needs
A
drive to achieve results, setting clear goals and standards to deliver and do things better
Be
willing to adapt to changing circumstances by positively embracing new and
different ideas, approaches and ways of working
Be
honest, confident, listen and learn, always behaving in a way that is
consistent with the company values
Communication, Engagement, Involvement and Patient Experience
Assist
patients & provide information and support relevant to their needs
Participate
in the promotion and maintenance of effective communication with the patient
and their carer(s)
Complete
patient documentation correctly, appropriately and in a timely manner
Maintain
patient confidentiality
Maintain
professional boundaries and working relationships with patients and colleagues
Personal and People Development
Participate
in annual staff appraisal
Attend
orientation programmes, mandatory training sessions and annual updates
Be
responsible for developing and sustaining own knowledge, clinical skills and
professional awareness in accordance with CPD requirements and maintain a professional profile
Take
part in reflection and appropriate learning from practice, in order to maintain
and develop competence and performance
Health, Safety & Security
Be
accountable for and ensure own competence in practice, e.g. use of specialised
equipment
Develop
an awareness of personal responsibility with regard to maintenance of a clean environment that is
conducive to safe and ethical practice
Be
aware of own personal / professional limitations and seek help of others to
maintain safe practice
Identify
potential risks for all staff, patients and visitors and adhere to relevant
incident reporting procedures
Adhere
to policies, Local Rules and procedures
Service Improvement
Assist
in the development, implementation and monitoring of standards, guidelines, policies
and care pathways
Contribute
to the setting and monitoring of measurable standards of care and be
accountable for maintaining standards
Deliver
care based on current evidence, best practice and validated research when available
Quality
Ensure
a welcoming, caring and safe environment is provided for the patient and their family / visitors / carers
Comply
with the requirements of the Quality Management System
Undertake
Quality Assurance test as per the Quality Management System
Uphold
quality initiatives that improve customer care and enhance the interface
between staff, patients and visitors
Be
aware of the role of the radiographer in handling complaints in accordance with
policy
Participate
in audit process for monitoring and reviewing patient care quality
Equality and Diversity
Carry
out duties and responsibilities with regard to the Companys Equal Opportunity
policy
Recognise
the importance of peoples rights and act in accordance with legislation,
policies and procedures
Act
in ways that acknowledge and recognise peoples expressed beliefs, preferences
and choices; respecting diversity and valuing people as individuals
Take
account of own behaviour and its effect on others
Provision of care to meet health and wellbeing needs
Ensure
the highest standards of care putting the patient needs first
Act
as an advocate for the patient, providing information and directing them to the
relevant support services where appropriate
Take
the appropriate action to address any issues or risks
Ensure
that treatments prescribed by consultants are carried out effectively, safely and accurately
Ensure
safe and timely transfer of patients in accordance with QSRC policy
Ensure
safe discharge of patients in accordance with QSRC Discharge Policy
Information Processing
Use
electronic patient records (EPR) and develop other computer literacy skills
Collect
/ record data accurately in accordance with professional guidelines and Core
Standards
Team-wide responsibilities:
To demonstrate a way of working
that embraces the company values to Deliver high-quality treatment and care
at all times to patients
To support effective and efficient
systems, processes and procedures for best patient care.
To maintain a clean, safe
environment ensuring adherence to the Centres standards of cleanliness,
hygiene and infection control.
To
lead by example and encourage praise and good practice, working with an
approach to accept advice about your own practice and progress continuous
improvement in your role.
To
take proactive responsibility for your own appraisal, development plan and the
completion of objectives, throughout the annual cycle.
To
pro-actively participate and support any internal and external audit
requirements, as directed.
To
observe and comply with Infection Control standards, and uniform / dress code
requirements, policies and procedures in a clinical area.
Key working relationships:
Managing
Director and the wider management team
Senior
Radiographer & Manager
Centre
Manager
UCLH/NHNN
Gamma Knife Team Members
New
and existing patients, users and their companions
Service
providers, suppliers and partner organisations
Professional
Organisations and Networks.
