Radiology Department Assistant

Job overview

To work as part of the Breast screening radiology team supporting advanced practitioner radiographers and radiologists in their role, in order to enhance departmental processes and optimise equipment utilisation, and clinic times.

To work in various clinical areas as required. To be able to work in The Breast Screening Departments at RHCH and at BNH, where required, due to clinic needs.

Main duties of the job

The main duty of the RDA will be to assist the radiologist in the ultrasound room, with patients setting out sterile trolleys and helping with procedures, both in Winchester and Basingstoke hospitals as required.

There are other roles involved, including helping the radiographers in clinics, PACS processing of images both in the department and to and from mobile vans. Roles within the office would include booking appointments by phone, and computer, so some computer skills would be essential.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To care for patients during and after their imaging examination, respecting the rights of privacy and confidentiality.
• ·
• To work Primarily in the Breast screening ultrasound room, assisting advanced practitioner Radiographers and Radiologists, during symptomatic and assessment clinics, At both RHCH and BNH hospital sites.
• To aid radiographers in the x-ray room and clerical staff in the office, on occasion.
• To ensure that high standards are maintained throughout the department in terms of dress and cleanliness (including changing linen and tidying of area).
• To use hospital IT systems and record and input data.
• To have a flexible approach to working patterns in order to meet the continuing needs of the service.
• To adapt to different settings within the professional area.
• To recognise and respond sensitively and appropriately to individual patients’ needs (including manual handling and dressing/undressing requirements).
• To care for accessory equipment (which may include cleaning), as required, ultrasound equipment and trolleys.
• To provide chaperone, escort services as required.
• To initiate appropriate emergency procedures.
• Push trolleys, beds wheelchairs; move lifting equipment; move patients with the assistance of mechanical aids where required
• The safe movement of people and goods including (but not limited to):
• o Patients
• o Mail
• o Medical Records
• o Pharmacy supplies
• o Sterile supplies
• o Waste (Domestic; confidential; clinical and cytotoxic waste)
• o Linen
• o Office furniture and equipment
• To work effectively and safely within the defined areas of practice, observing department procedures and policies, including:

o IR(ME)R Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations

o Local Rules

o Manual Handling procedures

CUSTOMER CARE FOR PATIENTS AND/OR SERVICE USERS

• To work within the Breast Screening Department, and to undertake escort duties and equipment collection/delivery to other departments as required.
• To be responsible for the care of equipment within your charge and the maintenance of a clean and tidy work environment.
• The post holder will have frequent use of VDU equipment.The post holder will have frequent exposure to body fluids and infection risks which will be managed as per Trust protocol.
• The post holder will provide clinical technical services, setting up trolleys using aseptic technique, clean equipment e.g. Ultrasound probes and trolleys, after use.
• The post holder will be required to have high levels of concentration during some procedures such as biopsies and Magtrace injections.
• To monitor and maintain accurate clinical observations of patients’ conditions and report any change to the Radiologist/Radiographer/ Nurse in charge as appropriate for all Radiology modalities. (once trained and competent).
• To minimise risk by ensuring good practice is maintained at all times.
• To adopt a pro-active approach to Clinical Governance, Clinical Incident Reporting; and identify and report any untoward incidents involving patients, staff or equipment as soon as possible and in accordance with Hospital/Departmental Policy.
• To demonstrate accountability for actions for self and others.
• Be able to contribute to SOPs, training materials, under the supervision of the line manager.

COMMUNICATION

• To establish and maintain close and harmonious relationships with all staff to ensure an effective exchange of information.
• To provide and receive routine information requiring tact or persuasive skills, overcoming patient anxiety and communication difficulties.
• Specific areas of communication are: Colleagues: To pass on relevant information in order to ensure efficiency and safety. To liaise with the porters and support to ensure efficient patient movement processes. Managers: To report any concerns, including low stock levels, damaged equipment, etc. Carers/Relatives: To pass on advice or instructions and ensure there has been understanding. Other hospital agencies: To communicate by telephone or by writing, which may include liaising with wards, stock suppliers, transport, etc.

PLANNING AND ORGANISATION

• To assist with the organisation of a clinical workload. This will include planning ahead and organising patients to be brought from the wards on time.
• To ensure worklists are kept to time and in the correct order.

BUDGETARY AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

• To ensure resources are used as effectively as possible and waste is kept to a minimum.

STAFF MANAGEMENT

• To ensure professional codes of conduct are adhered to.
• Refer concerns to line manager e.g. performance, attendance or conduct.

TEACHING, TRAINING AND RESEARCH RESPONSIBILITIES

• To attend relevant audit presentations as necessary.
• To assist with data collection for departmental audits.
• To participate in the Quality Assurance programmes.
• To train new/temporary staff in probe cleaning process.

Applicant requirements

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.