Bank Mammography Radiographer

Job overview

The Breast Imaging Team at Northampton General Hospital are looking for a qualified mammography radiographer to join the bank to support the department on an ad-hoc basis.

The applicants must hold a postgraduate qualification in mammography.

The service supports a breast screening population of @60,000 women in Central and West Northamptonshire, and provides a symptomatic service for the county. This is provided by a static unit with 2 mammography units and 2 ultrasound rooms and 2 mobile screening units.  Assessment and symptomatic appointments are offered at the Forrest centre, Northampton General Hospital.

We have digital Mammography units with Tomosynthesis and Contrast Enhanced capabilities. We use digital biopsy equipment with tomo biopsy capability and have a Bard EnCor Enspire vacuum biopsy system.

We are an extremely progressive department with a true 4 tier staffing structure.

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our specialist team and support us when required.

There is a requirement for the successful applicant to participate in the screening programme and therefore you will need a full driving licence and use of a car when working on the outlying mobile units.

Main duties of the job

To work as a trained mammographer, within the Breast Screening Unit performing mammograms in line with the NHS Breast Screening Programme and providing a diagnostic service, to the breast symptomatic surgical pathway.

The post holder is required to provide holistic, compassionate and empathetic care to the service users, supporting them during either pathway to ensure they receive the best possible care.

The role requires working at the main static unit at NGH, but also out on the two mobile breast screening units that are located around the county. Therefore it is essential that the post holder must have a full UK license and use of a car.

As a trained radiographer mammographer, you will be responsible for supervising Assistant Practitioners.

Required to ensure that we continue to work to the National Quality Assurance Standards.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To perform mammographic screening of asymptomatic women at the mobile and static units including:

• -          Ensuring clinic paperwork and supplies are available (transporting these to and from the mobile unit) -          Explaining the procedure to the women -          Giving information and advice where appropriate

In the breast cancer diagnosis and assessment clinic, work as an integral part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Know local protocols for assessment clinics

Taking specialised mammographic views including spot compression, magnification and tomosynthesis.

Assisting with stereotactic and ultrasound biopsy procedures.

Assisting with stereotactic and ultrasound localisation procedures.    Critical evaluation of all images resulting from the above, including repeating an image or taking further views where necessary.

Use of digital equipment.

Perform mammography on women attending from symptomatic breast clinic including specialised views where necessary.

To image breast specimens.

Work alone in radiographer led, breast cancer follow-up, and family history clinics.  Supervision of movement of articulated mobile screening unit. Supervision of outside contractors.

Perform mammography on women attending “special needs” clinics who may have a physical disability or learning difficulties, with information of breast awareness.

Responsibility for ceasing screening procedures where consent is withdrawn.

Discuss with carers of special needs women, possible resultant outcomes from breast cancer screening

Performing daily/weekly and monthly QA on the X-ray sets, ultrasound and digital equipment in accordance with the local QA procedure.

Informing the Superintendent Radiographer/QA Lead if they are out of parameters and know the protocol to suspend screening.

Daily maintenance and cleaning of equipment, inform the Superintendent Radiographer of any faults.

To input and interpret QA data on the computer.

To be proficient in the use of CRIS and QA computer data packages.

Know the local protocols for “Right Results” reporting and ensure all paperwork is correctly completed

Maintain professional standards and taking part in CPD.

Attend weekly multi-disciplinary meetings when possible.

Assist in the training of radiographers and assistant practitioners.

Work within the protocols of the department’s Quality Management System.

Know and work within regulations governing:

• -          Radiation Protection -          IRMER -          COSHH -          Health and Safety -          Fire -          Data protection

Attend departmental meetings where possible and be actively involved in the improvement of the unit.

Attend mandatory training required by the trust.

Recognise and report faults to a senior member of staff as soon as identified as per the department’s protocols.