Senior Radiographer

Job overview

We now have a vacancy for a pre-treatment senior radiographer at the Christie, Withington site.  Applicants should have expert knowledge of mould room, pre-treatment and be proficient in cannulation and the administration of contrast. Post holders should be quick to learn new skills as well as the ability to develop novel techniques and disseminate learning on a regular basis. We can offer a flexible working arrangement; job shares would be considered and would encourage individuals to enquire with Scott Hudson if interested. Please apply through NHS Jobs/Trac.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with experience in the radiotherapy pre- treatment department. The role involves rotating through CT scanners, vsim planning and cannulation departments. The successful candidate will be expected to lead the pre- treatment team in a designated area together with other permanent pretreatment band 6 staff. Reporting to the superintendents on a daily basis with expectation to organise a busy workload with the highest level of patient care.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To ensure that the highly complex pre-treatment radiotherapy imaging equipment is safe and accurate to operate, both for staff and patient, undertaking the appropriate machine checks and reporting any variances, faults and malfunctions.
• Using highly complex equipment such as CT simulators and MR scanners, including the administration of contrast, to provide accurate radiotherapy planning scans, in order to plan radiotherapy treatment for a diverse range of patients.
• Providing accurate written instructions of treatment set-up to ensure accurate treatment reproducibility ensuring that radiotherapy may be delivered accurately and reproducibly and in accordance with the quality system.
• Using highly complex equipment and software for virtual simulation of radiotherapy treatments in order to produce accurate treatment plans in accordance with the quality system.
• Electronic dispatch of pre-treatment images to relevant sections of the radiotherapy and treatment planning departments .
• Cannulation of patients for IV contrast and competence for relevant PGD for contrast media and emergency drugs for the management of side effects in accordance with trust policies.
• Monitor and assess patient’s condition and liaise with the multidisciplinary team to ensure appropriate care, referral, information and support is offered to all patients. Administer appropriate drug prescriptions as prescribed by clinicians.
• Produce highly complex immobilisation devices for use in radiotherapy treatment to ensure accurate treatment and reproducibility so that radiotherapy may be delivered accurately and reproducibly and in accordance with the quality system.
• Ensure the team follows appropriate systems and working methods to achieve the safe, timely achievement of workload targets.
• Ensure the team keeps accurate records and comply with necessary policies and procedures.
• Analyse systematically and evaluate all data and information relevant to patients’ diagnosis, ensuring the patient and their relatives are treated with dignity and respect at all times.
• Communicate confidential sensitive information, and provide emotional support, to patients and their carers/relatives including children and the terminally ill.
• Provide information to patients and their carers with regard to the radiotherapy pathway and expected side effects.
• To communicate accurate and timely information with all other disciplines involved along the patients pathway.
• With the team in the assigned area, patients and the wider multidisciplinary team manage areas of conflict and escalate as necessary.
• To provide, receive and use sensitive information maintaining patient confidentiality at all times in line with information governance legislation.
• Apply safe and effective moving and handling skills in order to protect patients and staff, abide by Health and safety legislation in the workplace.
• Minimise risk of cross infection through contamination by bodily fluids/matter. In accordance of the infection control policy.
• To implement the procedures and work instructions described for the department in ISO9001/2015 and report any variances.
• Maintenance of treatment skills and knowledge and understanding of advanced radiotherapy techniques and technology including VMAT, IMRT, FFF, Stereotactic and protons.
• Contribute to development of the quality system by reviewing and writing work instructions and operating procedures.
• Ensure all work and actions comply with local rules and current UK Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 and IRMER Regulations 2018.
• Be aware of and participate in the audit and research within the department and the implementation of new processes and techniques.
• Undertake training and competency to dispense medication under Patient Group Direction (PGD).
• Participate in the extended shift system, bank holidays, weekend working and on-call.
• Any other duties negotiated with the post holder, to develop their role in the organisation.
• To achieve all the competencies as outlined by the pre-treatment manager within a suitable and agreed time frame.
• Awareness of the process to report safeguarding issues and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
• Apply and abide by trust principals and behaviours.
• Awareness of the process to report safeguarding issues and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
• As a Senior Radiographer you will be expected to lead, co-ordinate, supervise and manage a team of staff operating in radiotherapy pre-treatment and act as lead practitioner, making assessments and key decisions in regard to workload management, patient care and treatment.
• As a Senior Radiographer you will be expected to provide mentorship and guidance for rotational staff, irrespective of grade and be a good role model.
• Act as a mentor cannulation of patients for IV contrast and a link worker for relevant PGD for contrast media and emergency drugs for the management of side effects in accordance with trust policies.
• Participate in an annual Personal Development Review.
• Attend all essential training and clinical updates as required.
• Be capable of assimilating new ideas and techniques and have an ability to assess their value.
• Assist in the supervision and training/teaching of pre-registration students and new members of staff and all learners.
• Highlight to line manager all issues of inadequate performance, including capability and poor professional standards, for students and employees.  Provide evidence where necessary and requested.
• Take personal responsibility for compliance with essential training.