Principal Radiographer

Job overview

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly skilled Principal Radiographer to help deliver a high-quality Radiology service.

This exciting role will provide the post holder the opportunity to play a key role in the move of the existing CT and X-Ray services, and the launch of a new MRI service at our new Moorfields and UCL Centre for Eye health site based at St Pancreas.

The successful applicant will have an extensive knowledge of MRI at senior level and excellent clinical skills in CT and X-Ray

Main duties of the job

The post holder is a highly skilled and experienced practitioner who leads research, audit, development, and training initiatives in MRI and CT. This position requires close collaboration with the MRI Superintendent, CT Superintendent, Senior Radiographers, Consultant Neuro-radiologists, Administrative Personnel and the Multidisciplinary Team.

As a qualified MRI Safety Officer (MRSO), the post holder will ensure the departmental adherence to safety protocols and leads risk-benefit analyses to optimise patient access to MRI.

This role is a blend of management and clinical practice. It is the expectation that the post holder would provide clinical cover in the absence of the CT and MRI Superintendents ensuring these services continue to provide high-quality imaging and patient care.

It is also expected that the post holder would assist the Radiology Services Manager in the overall leadership of the Radiology service.

To personally deliver high-quality MRI, CT, X-Ray & Fluoroscopy images for a range of ophthalmic and neurological conditions.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Act as deputy for the Radiology Services Manager as required.

In the absence of the MRI & CT Superintendent, oversee the daily operations of the MRI & CT service, including the organisation of workload and management of staff.

Provide leadership support to the Superintendents with the workload in the Radiology department, ensuring that high clinical standards are maintained, as well as and planning for future service needs.

Delegate, where appropriate, responsibilities (professional & organisational) to Superintendent Radiographers and provide management and leadership support for them to develop and maintain systems of staff induction, appraisal and training.

Support the MRI & CT Superintendents in the development of standards, guidelines, and protocols for MRI and CT scanning, challenging current best practices and aligning with national and local objectives.

Adapt the service to respond to long- and short-term demands. Ensure the daily workload is organised in line with clinical priorities. Working with the MRI and CT Superintendents when rearrangement of work lists is needed in case of equipment failure and be responsive to the inconvenience caused to patients by short notice cancellation of appointments.

Maintain a high degree of clinical expertise, being aware of current developments in MRI, CT and X-Ray imaging to ensure that high quality imaging is maintained.

Collaborates with the MRI & CT Superintendents throughout the enabling, installation, and commissioning stages, participating in project meetings, providing guidance to estate staff, and closely coordinating with the project manager.

Monitoring, reporting and acting on equipment faults, determining the severity of the problem and its probable impact on the service and Trust. Working with the Radiology Services Manager to be accountable for ensuring the Radiology service continuity plan is in place and ensure it is communicated to all relevant staff groups.

To undertake appraisals for the Band 7 Superintendent Radiographers.

To manage sickness/absence in line with Trust policy.

Clinical

This is a blended role of Management and Clinical work. It is the expectation that the post holder would provide cover in the absence of the CT and MRI Superintendents ensuring these services continue to provide high-quality imaging and patient care. Therefore, the post holder must be able to provide a wide range of high-quality Radiological images, which will include:

a) MRI for orbital and neurological conditions.

b) CT for orbital and neurological conditions.

c) X-Rays in department and in theatre.

d) Fluoroscopy for Dacrocystograms.

Adapting radiographer techniques for complex patients to ensure image quality is maintained.

Other clinical responsibilities would include;

a) Works in frequently distressing or emotional circumstances, providing care for patients with sight threatening conditions and cancer.

b) Takes responsibility for the welfare and comfort of patients while under the care of the Radiology department before, during, and after their examination.

c) Exhibits a high degree of emotional intelligence in addressing the needs of all patients and staff, respecting the principles of confidentiality, dignity, inclusion, equality and diversity.

d) Ensures patients are kept informed of any factors, such as delays, that are likely to affect them.

e) Provides full explanations of examinations and ensures that patients understand what is expected of them, prioritising safety throughout the process.

f) Using independent judgement and clinical expertise to adjust protocols for individualised patient care. Applies comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge of MRI & CT to modify imaging protocols as appropriate, considering patient condition and clinical information required.

g) Advises referring clinicians on the appropriateness of MRI & CT scans for patients, with particular attention to those with communication difficulties, those who have undergone complex surgeries, and individuals with internal or external devices (e.g., cardiac or neurological devices).

h) Serve as a MRI Safety Officer (MRSO), providing leadership and expertise in risk-benefit analyses to ensure optimal patient care.

i) Cannulation of patients and administering contrast media for MRI & CT scans in line with the department's protocol and Trust PGDs.

j) In the absence of the Radiologist, highlight any urgent findings to the Radiology Services Manager or referring clinician so action can be taken to communicate these in line with departmental SOP.

k) Vetting/Protocolling of X-Ray & CT examinations in line with justification under IR(ME)R 2024.

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.