Head of Radiology Physics

Job overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic Clinical Scientist with MPE and RPA accreditations and a background in providing scientific leadership and support in Radiology Physics.

Please Note: MPE accreditation is essential for this role. We may be able to consider candidates who are close to submitting a portfolio for RPA accreditation within an agreed time frame.

Radiology Physics is part of the Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering Department, which has a high profile within the Trust and is building networks with other Trusts and Universities. We support a wide range of Diagnostic Radiology facilities, including CT, Mammography, Cardiac and the Kent Interventional Radiology Centre. Committed to providing a high quality, safe and effective service, we are able to offer opportunities for career development and progression within a vibrant, progressive and supportive team.

Main duties of the job

Main duties of job

• helping to ensure that a safe and effective Radiology Physics service is provided to the East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (EKHUFT)
• the delegated day-to-day scientific, technical, clinical and regulatory aspects of the Radiology Physics service
• the delegated day-to-day managerial aspects of the Radiology Physics service, in conjunction with the operational lead
• being the lead Medical Physics Expert under the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (IR(ME)R 2017) for Diagnostic Radiology, leading the equipment assessment program, including specification, acceptance testing, commissioning, quality assurance and optimisation of complex imaging equipment, acting with a high degree of autonomy when dealing with varied and specialist issues.
• leading on the investigation of complex radiation dosimetry issues and advising on the associated risks.
• calculating dose and risk in the event of planned, unintended or accidental exposures including to the unborn child, and advising clinicians.
• providing / overseeing specialist radiation protection teaching and training to a range of staff groups and being the training lead for STP and Route 2 within the section.
• being  an appointed Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) under the Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 (IRR 2017) to EKHUFT.
• improving the delivery of the Radiology Physics services and conducting research and development.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Detailed JD and main responsibilities

Acting as a Radiation Protection Adviser, (RPA), Medical Physics Expert (MPE) and Operator for Radiology within the Trust and other healthcare organisations, fulfilling the legal requirements of IRR, IR(ME)R and associated guidelines / approved codes of practice. Providing expert advice at all     levels on highly complex issues, including:

• Specification, selection, commissioning and routine assessment of highly complex and patient-critical equipment for X-ray imaging, in an efficient and timely manner.
• The design of new or modified radiation facilities including sophisticated shielding calculations and surveys to ensure staff and the public are protected in accordance with the limits and recommendations set in national legislation.
• Regular IRR and IR(ME)R compliance audits of radiation facilities
• Managing programs for the examination, testing and calibration of radiation protection and quality assurance equipment in accordance with national guidance and best practice.
• Clinical incident investigation, including notification of clinically significant incidents to the Care Quality Commission; advising when  the patient and IR(ME)R duty holders need to be notified.
• Incident investigation and reporting, including notification of serious incidents to the Health and Safety Executive.
• Specific risk assessments for patients, staff and members of public relating to radiation exposure.
• Leading on Trust input and response to external reviews and audits from the Care Quality Commission and Health and Safety Executive regarding the use of ionising radiation in imaging.
• Optimisation programs, dose audits and local diagnostic reference level setting for radiographic equipment.
• Assisting clinical teams in the implementation of new techniques and diagnostic procedures using X-ray imaging equipment
• Devising assessment methodologies for a wide-range of imaging equipment to establish and maintain diagnostic suitability and radiation safety.
• Creation and review of IR(ME)R Employer’s Procedures in collaboration with clinical staff.
• Oversight of the development, testing, validation and full documentation of software tools required for the Radiology Physics service.
• Provision of MPE advice to clinical trials involving X-ray imaging.
• Keeping scientific and clinical developments in Diagnostic Radiology under review. Working with Radiographers, Radiologists and other medical staff to introduce new techniques for patient processes so as to provide the highest standards of imaging.
• Advising the Head of Clinical Physics and the Head of Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering on issues relating to Radiology Physics.
• Producing and maintaining good documentation for protocols and procedures of the  Radiology Physics service and assisting in the development and maintenance of the ISO accredited quality system.
• Maintaining agreed statistics and producing the required data for regulatory agencies