Radiographer/Technologist Nuclear Medicine

Job overview

We are seeking a Band 6 (Radiographer or Technologist) for the Nuclear Medicine department at the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford.

At our department at the Royal Surrey there are three SPECT/CT systems, all of which have diagnostic CT capability and one is a digital CZT system, and we have recently installed a DEXA scanner.

Our department is based in St Luke’s Cancer Centre, but we deliver a full range of diagnostic nuclear medicine tests to both adult and paediatric patients, as well as providing a comprehensive Molecular Radiotherapy service (including I-131 for benign and malignant thyroid disease, Y-90 SIRT, Lu-177 DOTATATE and Ra-223 Xofigo).  We actively support training and development within our team, and have recently established an apprenticeship scheme in Nuclear Medicine Technology.

The department is also active in research, with close links to the University of Surrey and other partners, and an active portfolio of clinical trials of Molecular Radiotherapy.

For more information please contact Ioannis Vrettos Nuclear Medicine Service Manager on 01483 571122 ext: 6704 or e-mail [email protected]

Main duties of the job

service to patients attending for diagnostic investigations and radionuclide therapies.

To undertake nuclear medicine examinations as an Operator in accordance with the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017.

To be responsible for the acquisition and processing of data from diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures ensuring high quality and accurate diagnostic results whilst conforming to the relevant radiation protection and health and safety regulations

To be actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the Nuclear Medicine Dept.

To liaise with a wide range of staff groups including clinicians, nurses, scientists, radiographers and technologists to ensure a safe and effective services

To assist with the training and supervision of staff and students from this Trust and other hospital trusts when required.

The post holder will be expected to work flexibly in supporting the Trust with 7 day working, extended working days and cross site working as necessary.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To undertake nuclear medicine examinations as an Operator and in accordance with the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposures) Regulations 2017.

To schedule and perform a wide range of diagnostic Nuclear Medicine procedures which include static and dynamic imaging, whole-body scanning, gated acquisition, SPECT and SPECT/CT imaging and in vivo investigations, such as GFR and SeHCAT studies.

To ensure the welfare and safety of patients while in the Department, providing assistance and guidance during investigations, obtaining additional support when necessary

To communicate both verbally and written, highly complex, sensitive and contentious information to a variety of people, and demonstrate empathy and reassurance when there are barriers to understanding.  Examples of this include: explaining radiation hazards to patients i.e. carers and comforters,  dealing with oncology patients, pediatrics, pregnant, acute and chronically ill patients, ensuring that patients have received and understood  information and preparation required for particular examinations.

To assess the suitability of individual patients to undergo a requested examination, adjusting the procedure where necessary.  Discussing difficulties with referring clinicians when required.

To administer diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals to patients in a variety of methods including: intravenous, oral, inhalation and intradermal.  This will involve calculating correct volumes of material for administration, withdrawing required volume of material, confirming correct amount of the radioactive material for administration, administering the radiopharmaceutical in accordance with agreed protocols, completing associated documentation and ensuring that the patient is aware of any radiation protection measures they are required to follow, issuing written instruction as necessary.  To carry out intravenous cannulation in accordance with the Trust cannulation policy

To carry out imaging procedures in accordance with locally agreed protocols and use own judgment when necessary to ensure images and data are acquired to the highest professional standards.

Prepare, analyze and present data for reporting.  Analysis includes judgment of optimum shape and position of computer-generated regions around anatomical structures and inspection for interim and final results for validity.

To assess the need for the withdrawal of medications which affect the outcome of Nuclear Medicine procedures and the need for additional drugs which may be required as part of a specific Nuclear Medicine protocol. To administer drugs given as an adjunct to Nuclear Medicine procedures in a safe and appropriate way utilising knowledge of dose, administration techniques and possible side effects

To assist with arrangement of routine workload, prioritizing work according to clinical requirement, this may include supervision of junior staff, providing assistance and advice as required

To use a wide range of specialist nuclear medicine equipment, including hybrid imaging equipment, radiation monitors, sample counting equipment and dose calibrators for the imaging, tracing and measuring of unsealed and sealed radioactive sources.

To perform daily camera and calibrator checks to ensure that systems are performing optimally and to ensure that any hazards or faults are reported accordingly

Prioritise and manage own workload.  Delegate any non-clinical duties to relevant staff as and when necessary

Assist with the day-to-day operation of the Department.  This will include advising on scheduling of appointments to comply with key performance indicators such as diagnostic waiting times and cancer waits and acting as duty radiographer when required.

Maintain careful record keeping of all work performed and other relevant functions such as waste disposal and stock records of radioactive materials.

Participate and contribute to departmental meetings.  This will include proposing changes to own working practices and procedures and review and revision of departmental policies and protocols.

To take responsibility for the work of other technical staff when they are performing work under the post holder’s direction

To liaise with the relevant ARSAC Certificate Holders, as appropriate, on any aspect of the service

Assist with training and supervision of trainees and provide instruction to varying degrees to staff.  This may include technologist trainees, student radiographers, physics trainees and student nurses.

Assist with the development of new techniques in conjunction with other staff groups, and take an active role with the introduction of new equipment and clinical techniques

Participate and support a variety of research and audit projects.

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of scientific and technical developments within specialist field.

Participate in an appropriate Continuing Professional Development scheme

Maintain State Registration or retain eligibility for Voluntary Register of Clinical Technologists or other approves professional body.

Work within the relevant legislation and professional guideline.  This includes:

Ionising Radiation Regulations (IRR 2017), Ionising Radiation (Medical

Exposure Regulations  IR(ME)R 2017, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA 1974), the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 20002 (COSHH), the Medicines Act 1968

To be familiar with Nuclear Medicine specific regulations such as Regulation 2 of the Medicines (Administration of Radioactive Substances) Regulations 1978 (MARS Regulations 1978), the Administration of Radioactive Substances Advisory Committee (ARSAC) and the Radioactive Material (Road Transport) Regulations 2009

Maintain requirements within the Trusts Statutory and Mandatory training programme

To set an example of professional work and behavior

To ensure safe and effective use of expensive and complex equipment

To be aware of, and comply with the Trust’s policies and procedures.

To undertake any other agreed duties specified by the Nuclear Medicine Service Manager consistent with the grade of the post.