Job summary
- Main area
- DXA Radiographer
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 7
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- 22.5 hours per week (Part time)
- Job ref
- 216-LH-C6819904-A
- Employer
- University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
- Town
- Plymouth
- Salary
- per annum
- Closing
- 13/03/2025 23:59
Employer heading
Healthy Bones Reporting Specialist Practitioner (Radiographer)
NHS AfC: Band 7
Job overview
Healthy Bones at UHPT is a dedicated, close-knit team providing bone densitometry (DXA) scans and vertebral fracture assessments to patients across parts of Devon and Cornwall. Our service is equipped with two latest-technology DXA scanners, and we are committed to helping prevent fractures and supporting patients with their bone health.
We are looking for a fully DXA-qualified practitioner experienced in scanning and reporting. The Healthy Bones service is led by a Consultant Radiographer and supported by a small team of Reporting Specialist Radiographers.
We are looking for a passionate, hardworking, and committed individual to join our team. Teamwork is essential for the smooth and efficient operation of the service, and we are seeking someone who can contribute positively to this dynamic. You will be expected to carry out scans with precision and accuracy, ensuring reliable and consistent results. Additionally you will be involved in all aspects of the service including clinical audit and service improvement.
***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***
Main duties of the job
Reporting Specialist Practitioner for Healthy Bones/ Bone Densitometry (DXA).
Undertakes patient scans, analysis and diagnostic reporting of DXA scans.
Provides lifestyle advice to patients and information on treatment options.
Supports the Healthy Bones Consultant Practitioner (Clinical lead) in their role.
Supports day to day delivery of operational service, contributing to the overall smooth running of the Healthy Bones department by identifying areas of improvement and bringing these to the attention of the Clinical Lead.
Participates fully in clinical audit / clinical governance.
Supports the development and delivery of specialist training in Healthy Bones / Bone Densitometry for team and service users.
Working for our organisation
We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Patient/Client Care
Ensure efficient service provision through:
· Supporting appropriate scheduling of work (rotas for scanning, reporting, quality assurance and maintenance) by type and degree of urgency for both the hospital based scanner and the mobile DXA service.
· Assisting / leading in the management of work schedules of clinic staff.
· Supporting administrative procedures that are in place.
· Cooperation with colleagues throughout the Trust.
· Contribute to developing and improving the service, working with other staff to achieve this.
Supporting and participating in all clinical aspects of the Healthy Bones Service:
· Supporting clinicians or signposting in referral, reports and advice on all aspects of bone densitometry where appropriate
· Participating in audit and research carried out by the Healthy Bones service
Be responsible for independently carrying out a full range of patient investigations using the DXA scanner, including:
· Ensure patients meet the criteria to receive a DXA Scan. Where appropriate, ensure the patient has completed the Healthy Bones questionnaire.
· Explain the investigation and its purpose to patients, relatives and colleagues.
· Where necessary obtain additional clinical history and complete patient information sheets.
· Scan patients and assess the resulting images for adequacy, according to departmental procedures.
· Analyse scans using specialised computer software, ensuring that regions of interest are correctly selected and that any artefacts which may possibly reduce the reliability of the result are identified.
Be responsible for independently interpreting the results from investigations carried out on the DXA scanner and provide a report of the subsequent diagnosis to the referrer, including;
· Assess the scan images for unusual features which could affect normal interpretation and comment on these, when appropriate, in the report.
· Decide on the appropriate normal range, from published guidance, to apply to a particular subject’s results and provide a report of the diagnosis based on this.
· Provide treatment advice according to written departmental protocols.
Review referrals and authorise them for scanning, under protocol, if they are justified.
Carry out quality assurance tests on the equipment.
For further details please see the attached JD & PS.
Person specification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
- Demonstrable Post graduate experience in professional field
- Specialist proven knowledge and demonstrable experience in DXA scan techniques, analysis of measurement data, and clinical interpretation to be able to independently diagnose and report bone health for a range of conditions.
- Advanced level of understanding of radiation risk [to patients and staff
Desirable criteria
- Demonstrable experience in Bone Densitometry
- Demonstrable experience with GE and Hologic DXA scanners
- Well-developed IT skills, including Office suite and specialist software systems; able to manage, manipulate and report information
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- BSc or professional qualification (e.g. DCR) in relevant subject area or equivalent level of knowledge in clinical science.
- Professional registration with an appropriate body (e.g. HCPC)
- Specialist training in DXA to postgraduate level or equivalent plus practical experience (e.g. ROS Certificate of Competence of National Training Scheme for Bone Densitometry; University of Derby DXA Reporting for Clinicians).
Aptitude and Abilities
Essential criteria
- Excellent communication skills and proven ability to communicate effectively at all levels
- Able to plan, prioritise and manage own patient workload including making adjustments according to patient abilities and clinical needs.
- Able to supervise trainees and support admin team
Desirable criteria
- Proven ability to influence service improvement
- Able to plan service improvement
Employer certification / accreditation badges
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.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Jenny Evans
- Job title
- Consultant Practitioner (Radiographer)
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01752 439882
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