Imaging Care Assistant

Job overview

The Medical Imaging Service Line at Derriford Hospital and its peripheral sites provide diagnostic and treatment pathways for a wide spectrum of emergency and elective patients from across the South West through the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), Ultrasound (US), Interventional Radiology (IR), Plain Film (PF), Nuclear Medicine and Fluoroscopy.

• To provide a high-quality service in any area of Derriford Hospital or outlying departments as required.
• All staff will be expected to undertake examinations on both public and private sector patients, and participate in an Agenda for Change compliant rota including 7 day working and 24 hour cover
• To support the effective delivery and operations of the Imaging department

The role of the Imaging Care Assistant is essential to safe and efficient patient flow across the department, responding to the needs of the service to provide support to patients and their clinician during their time in the department,

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Main duties of the job

• To facilitate the throughput of patients attending the Imaging Department so as to optimise the use of all resources and minimising delays. To support service delivery during weekdays, weekends, evenings, nights and bank holidays as part of a roster. This incorporates locations at Derriford Hospital , Derriford Research Park,, Derriford UTC,  Plymouth Community Diagnostic Centre and in the community in the pre hospital setting. To register and book in patients on the computerised radiology system (CRIS) when required. Book patients on to the portering system (synbiotix) Providing reassurance to patients using the departments giving information to patients about their procedures. Providing emotional and physical support to patients during their treatments. Reporting any faults with equipment. Take patient observations when required. Conduct point of care testing when required. Cannulate patients when required Doing patient observations

Assisting with the preparation and cleaning  of clinical rooms

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Accompanying patients to and from the scan room, providing advice to the patient on the correct way to change for their examination if required and where necessary assist with undressing and dressing.
• To assist Radiographers/Sonographers/Registrars/Radiologists during patient examination as required using manual handling skills & mechanical aids when appropriate.
• To ensure the scan rooms are clean, tidy and well stocked according to the requirements of each room at all times.
• To be familiar with imaging procedures of all modalities in order to be able to explain them to patients of all ages & abilities, carers & relatives & report any concerns to a radiographer.
• To provide support for anxious, emotional, frightened & terminally ill patients of all ages & their relatives.
• In the absence of the inpatient coordinator provide this role by assessing the clinical urgency of the patient, coordinate with the wards and input the tasks in to the portering system Synbiotix
• To transport patients to and from the department in wheelchairs or beds either alone or with a porter or colleague as necessary.  Also moving equipment from one modality to another,
• To assess any infection risks and use necessary precautions.  There may be on occasional contact with bodily fluids.  To be competent in infection control issues concerning medical equipment in all areas of imaging.
• To be able to organise and prioritise your own workload to maintain efficient and effective patient management.

• For further details please see attached JD&PS.