Fixed-Term Band 6 Diagnostic Radiographer

Job overview

Whittington Health NHS Trust Acute Patient Access, Clinical Support Services and Women's Health (ACW) ICSU

Band 6 Radiographer

Contract - Fixed Term (12 months)

Full-time 37.5 hours a week

The post holder will be expected to operate within a competency framework and participate in the 24/7 shift system including days/nights and weekends.

Main duties of the job

Act independently in the assessment of referrals for X-Ray examinations, taking full responsibility for the justification of general X-Ray examinations (under guidance of Imaging Protocols) in order to reduce unnecessary ionizing radiation exposure of patients in accordance with IR (ME) R 2017.

Supervise and assist fellow Radiographers in the process above if required.

Maintain a high level of expertise in the safe operation of X-Ray equipment and manage faults effectively and in accordance with guidance given in induction.

To comply with and contribute to the implementation of departmental and professional policies and procedures such as

a. Health +Safety including risk assessment and COSHH

b. Radiation Protection Procedures IRR 2017

c. Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposures) Regulations 2017 (IR (ME)R 2017).

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To manage the general x-ray area encompassing the mobile, x-ray, theatre and porter staff to ensure the workload is appropriately managed and that lunch breaks can be taken.
• To ensure that checks are done in the area of work to ensure that no images are unsent and no exams left incomplete from the day before or the day at work.
• To become familiar with the organisational structure and appraiser with whom career goals and aspirations can be discussed.
• To actively contribute to changes in policy/procedure
• Work as part of a team to ensure effective communication and delivery of care.
• To obtain patient consent and co-operation for examinations with implied or written consent as appropriate.
• Prioritise workload depending on the severity of a patient condition and the direct impact on their management.
• Liaise with fellow healthcare workers and referring clinicians to provide a high quality imaging service to patients.
• Provide advice to clinicians on the nature of a diagnostic image either verbally to identify possible pathology, escalate concerning images immediately to a radiologist or the referrer immediately.
• Act in accordance with Information Governance when handling patient data or discussing confidential information in areas shared with other patients.
• Work independently when providing an on call and shift service to patients requiring urgent imaging due to acute trauma or illness.
• To participate in the shift system using Health Roster to request annual leave and establish shift rotation.
• Be able to exercise personal responsibility and make decisions in complex and unpredictable circumstances e.g. Prioritizing patients according to clinical need in a multiple trauma situation.
• Maintain moderate physical effort at several points during the shift positioning and manoeuvring patients, equipment and lead shielding.
• Utilise highly advanced hand/eye co-ordination and physical manipulation skills to achieve the best possible imaging in challenging conditions.
• Concentrate on Imaging procedures without distraction often monitoring several tasks simultaneously to ensure patient safety and optimal Imaging.
• Working with challenging patients or in emotionally challenging situations with unwell patients either in trauma or oncology settings.
• Have skill in adapting imaging technique for patients with injuries and illness, and utilise developed motivational and persuasive skills to acquire correct position and reduce mobility to produce an acceptable diagnostic image
• To undertake portable X-Ray examinations on the wards, A&E Resus and Theatres, ensuring radiation protection of patients, staff and visitors.
• Be actively involved in the training and assessment of Student Radiographers on clinical placement, providing direct supervision at all times. Maintain the required knowledge and skills to provide effective training, keeping up to date with current advances in technology and diagnostic techniques.
• Using knowledge and skills attained through experience, training and CPD be actively involved in the training and development of more junior members of staff.
• Undertake IV cannulation for patients requiring the injection of contrast media following the required training and assessment of competence.
• Competency expectations will vary according to the modality competency framework however there is an expectation that after competencies are signed off the Band 6 radiographer will be able to operate independently
• To participate in mandatory training and actively pursue Continuous Professional Development keeping an up to date personal record
• Maintain knowledge of technological and technical advances in methods of diagnostic Imaging in order to promote a culture of continuous improvement within the department.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.