Mammographer Practitioner

Job overview

The role of Mammography Practitioner is to provide and maintain a high standard of mammography for all patients and clients attending for breast imaging. To work alongside Advanced Practitioners in interventional procedures assisting in core biopsies, VAB’s and localisations. To undertake daily, weekly and monthly quality control tests in line with the department’s quality assurance programme and report any equipment malfunction or image deterioration promptly. Regular self-assessment and peer review of performance associated with service audit is integral to the role. Mammography is undertaken for the East Lancashire Breast Screening service at mobile sites across East Lancashire and the main Breast Imaging Unit at Burnley General Hospital and for the Trust Symptomatic Breast Service.

Main duties of the job

. Perform all mammography examinations to the highest standard with precision and speed in line with the NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) guidelines, and ensure that the client/patient episode is documented and carried out in accordance with departmental protocol

• Use relevant knowledge, clinical experience, and departmental protocols to select the appropriate mammographic projections and exposures to ensure optimum diagnostic imaging
• Participate in the updating of procedures and protocols to reflect changes in practice
• Evaluation of mammography images to assess diagnostic quality and adequacy
• Adhere to departmental protocols and procedures including Ionising Radiation Regulations (2017) and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017
• Undertake vetting of mammography requests for symptomatic and family history patients, ensuring all imaging request provide sufficient and relevant clinical information for justification in accordance with IR(ME)R 2017
• Actively participate and be responsible for equipment quality control and safety checks
• Undertake clinical duties in the service in accordance with the service staffing rota
• Perform assessment mammography and provide technical and clinical assistance in all mammographic interventional procedures

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

. Actively participate and be responsible for equipment quality control and safety checks as defined in the departmental quality control manual, documenting all test parameters, and reporting any equipment faults and/or test results outside acceptable limits to the QA Radiographer, Operational Lead or Breast Imaging Manager, recording any action taken

. Provide professional support, guidance, and leadership to less experienced members of staff, including trainee mammography practitioners, assistant practitioners, mammography assistants and radiography students

• Be proficient in assisting clinicians during biopsy procedures using basic nursing techniques as required
• Ensure a high level of environmental quality is achieved by always maintaining cleanliness and tidiness in all areas whilst complying with infection control policies
• To be able to critically appraise quality standards of mammography to ensure a high-quality diagnostic service (through regular self-assessment and peer review processes).

. Communicate with all referrers to ensure imaging requests are justifiable and the clinical information provided facilitates the appropriate imaging techniques being employed in accordance with IR(ME)R 2017

• To work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide the highest standards of patient care
• Ensure the screening examination is acceptable to clients by communicating effectively and demonstrating sensitivity and consideration at all stages of the process, ensuring that individuals are well prepared for the examinations they undergo, whilst gaining their willing co-operation.
• Encourage re-attendance for subsequent screening rounds by using interpersonal skills and offering support and advice, particularly to agitated and anxious clients
• Communicate effectively with those patients/clients who do not have English as their first language
• To continually participate in the promotion of the Breast Screening Service, breast awareness and general health promotion, empowering clients through support and education
• Provide the highest level of care and support to all users of the service, including relatives and carers
• Whilst not responsible for issuing “bad news” the post-holder must have the ability to communicate sensitively to patients whilst carrying out diagnostic tests in clinics where women are often anxious
• Ensure that any clinical abnormalities are reported back to the reporting consultant or advanced practitioner as per protocol, to assist in diagnosis.

Undertake appropriate, documented Continuing Professional Development in accordance with the requirements of the HCPC.

• Participate in mandatory and other relevant Trust training
• Participate in role extension, and attending courses, conferences or meetings as deemed necessary
• Undertake regular Personal Development Review (PDR) with the relevant senior member of staff
• Be responsible for monitoring personal performance and technical recall rate in accordance with NHSBSP mammographic standards
• Participate in the training of trainee Mammography Practitioners, Assistant Practitioners, Clinical Assistants and Student Radiographers in liaison with the formal mentor

To participate in service audit and presentation of associated findings to peer group

• Participate in service development initiatives
• Always maintain an efficient workflow in all areas of the service

Ensure Professional Registration is renewed in appropriate timescale

• Maintain an awareness of current issues, views, research, and policy changes in all professional and relevant health associated issues
• Adhere to the Society of Radiographers Professional Conduct Code
• Maintain patient/client confidentiality

Post holders are expected to work flexibly within their pay band. They should be expected to carry out activities for which they are competent. Alternatively, they may carry out the additional duties if they are receiving support or training in order to obtain the recognised level of competence.