Diagnostic Radiographer (West Berkshire Community Hospital)

Job overview

An opportunity has arisen for a full time Band 6 Radiographer based at West Berkshire Community Hospital in Newbury, part of the Royal Berkshire NHS Trust. The Post holder is expected to work as part of the Community Imaging Team providing an effective Plain film,  CT and Dexa service. West Berkshire Community Hospital has been designated as a Community Diagnostic Hub and has been awarded significant investment to upgrade the General Xray equipment and install a Cone Beam CT Unit. West Berkshire Community Hospital provides Plain film, CT and Dexa imaging for walk-in GP referrals, Out/In patients, in addition to supporting the Minor Injury Unit. The post holder will be expected to take an active part in the departmental shift and weekend Rotas. Applicants must hold the DCR(R) or radiography degree equivalent and be state registered. They are also expected to demonstrate current CPD activity to show that they have reached a level of competence and autonomy appropriate to a band 6 Grade. Part time and job share will be considered.

West Berkshire Community Hospital is situated close to the M4 and stunning Berkshire countryside with good rail links to London. There are excellent training and study opportunities within the Radiology department.

For further information and to arrange an informal visit please contact Helen Atkins, Lead Radiographer on 01635 273380, [email protected] . Only those candidates with previous NHS experience should apply.

Main duties of the job

The postholder will act as a State Registered Radiographer and will participate in the provision of a plain film imaging services to a diversity of patients presenting to the Radiology Department of the West Berkshire Community Hospital (WBCH)

The postholder will provide an excellent standard of radiographic imaging and quality of patient care

The postholder will be a role model for the profession and will participate in the supervision, training and support of more junior staff

They will exercise autonomy within professional and managerial boundaries and be responsible for the prioritisation and organisation of own work activities in response to clinical and service needs

The post is based primarily at the Radiology Department of the West Berkshire Community Hospital, providing imaging support to the WBCH Minor Injuries Unit, Outpatient clinics, Wards operating at WBCH and to local GPs

The post holder will be expected to take an active part in the departmental shift and weekend Rotas.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Provides services primarily at West Berkshire Community Hospital but the postholder may be required to work at other sites, including the Radiology Departments of the Royal Berkshire Hospital, as required
• Rotates through CT, Plain Film and Dexa, as required and after appropriate training and competency assessment
• Performs cannulation for intravenous contrast administration, after appropriate training and assessment and works in accordance with Trust policy
• Works to a consistently high standard and ensures radiation doses are kept to a minimum using the ALARP principle and dose reduction factors
• Assesses and justifies referrals under IRR17, IR(ME)R 2017, following practitioner guidelines. Includes the assessment of complex and/or acute cases
• Makes autonomous decisions regarding the appropriateness of examinations as an aid to clinical diagnosis; works to a high standard of technique and patient positioning
• Follows established examination protocols and liaises, as required, with Consultant Radiologists regarding optimum technique
• Possesses specialist knowledge and experience as appropriate to grade; is able to function as a role model and provide support to more junior staff
• The post holder will be expected to take an active part in the departmental shift and weekend Rotas.
• Is responsible for ensuring accurate patient records, including radiation dose and exposure factors
• Participates in the Quality Assurance equipment testing programme
• Uses the Radiology Information System (RIS) for patient registration, ordering and scheduling; records accurate patient information relating to dose and use of consumables
• Uses the Picture Archive & Communication System (PACS) to ensure optimum image quality; reviews images and reports