Mammographer Radiographer

Job overview

Mammographer Radiographer – Band 6 (Band 5 if mammography training required)

Department: Breast Imaging

Location: Forrest Centre, Northampton General Hospital

Mammographer Radiographer - 30 hours per week - part-time (hours worked on a day shift basis 8am-8pm Monday – Sunday)

The Breast Imaging Department at Northampton General Hospital (NGH) is extending our core working hours/days to meet the demands on our service. This exciting change for the unit means we are recruiting a Mammographer Radiographer/ Radiographer due to an internal promotion by the current post holder.

We are looking for an experienced radiographer with a UK postgraduate qualification in mammography for the band 6, or a passionate and enthusiastic radiographer who wishes to specialise in mammography and undertake the relevant training (band 5). The role will rise to a band 6 following successful completion of training and proof of competence.

(Band 6 if qualified mammographer - if trainee, band 5 until a qualified mammographer)

Main duties of the job

To work as a trained mammographer (or trainee mammographer), within the Breast Screening Unit performing mammograms in line with the NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP), and providing a diagnostic service to the breast symptomatic surgical pathway.

In addition you will be involved with Family History screening, assessment, follow-up and symptomatic mammography within the Forrest Centre. Further requirements include assisting in stereo-tactic  and US interventional procedures.

The post holder is required to provide holistic, compassionate and empathetic care to the service users/patients, supporting them during either pathway to ensure they receive the best possible care.

All of the clinical team are required to work closely with other specialities across the organisation, so excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required.

You will be a proactive team member who is willing to take on responsibility when needed, and have a flexible approach to the needs of the department.

As a trained radiographer mammographer, you will be responsible for supervising and training trainee mammographers and Assistant/Associate Practitioners.

Required to ensure that we continue to work to the National Quality Assurance Standards and IRMER regulations.

Please see the job description and person specification for more detailed information.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To perform mammographic screening of asymptomatic women at the mobile and static units including:

• Ensuring clinic paperwork and supplies are available (transporting these to and from the mobile unit)
• Explaining the procedure to the women
• Giving information and advice where appropriate

In the breast cancer diagnosis and assessment clinic, work as an integral part of a multi-disciplinary team.

• Know local protocols for assessment clinics
• Taking specialised mammographic views including spot compression, magnification and tomosynthesis.
• Assisting with stereotactic and ultrasound biopsy procedures.
• Assisting with stereotactic and ultrasound localisation procedures.

Critical evaluation of all images resulting from the above, including repeating an image or taking further views where necessary.

Use of digital equipment.

Perform mammography on women attending from symptomatic breast clinic including specialised views where necessary.

To image breast specimens.

Work alone in a radiographer led, breast cancer follow-up, and family history clinics.

Supervision of movement of articulated mobile screening unit. Supervision of outside contractors.

Perform mammography on women attending “special needs” clinics who may have a physical disability or learning difficulties, with information of breast awareness.

Responsibility for ceasing screening procedures where consent is withdrawn.

Discuss with carers of special needs women, possible resultant outcomes from breast cancer screening

Performing daily/weekly and monthly QA on the digital mammography and ultrasound equipment in accordance with the local QA procedure.  Informing the Superintendent Radiographer/QA Lead if they are out of parameters and know the protocol to suspend screening.

Daily maintenance and cleaning of equipment, inform the Superintendent Radiographer of any faults.

To input and interpret QA data on the computer.

To be proficient in the use of CRIS and QA computer data packages such as excel spreadsheets.

Know the local protocols for “Right Results” reporting and ensure all paperwork is correctly completed.

Maintain professional standards and participate in CPD.

Attend multi-disciplinary meetings when possible.

Assist in the training of Radiographers and Assistant/Associate Practitioners.

Work within the protocols of the department’s Quality Management System.

Know and work within regulations governing:

• IR(ME)R
• Radiation Protection
• COSHH
• Health and Safety
• Fire
• Data protection

Attend departmental meetings where possible and be actively involved in the improvement of the unit, ensuring a professional and forward-thinking approach.

Attend mandatory training required by the Trust.

Recognise and report faults to a senior member of staff as soon as identified as per the department’s protocols.

Involvement in departmental audits and surveys.

Support the administration processes within the unit.