HealthJobsUK

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Job Summary: 

• Accountable to Head of Imaging and General Radiography Lead.
• To provide an efficient, effective and safe x-ray service for patients attending A&E x-ray.

·         Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and strategies for improving services for users.

·          To ensure demonstration of radiographic imaging to a high standard and in a professional manner, working to departmental guidelines.

·         To ensure delivery of an efficient and effective 24 hour emergency radiography service.

• To undertake the Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) role for A&E x-ray.
• If the successful candidate has qualifications in skeletal reporting, to interpret radiographic images.

Key Result Areas and Performance:                     

·         Responsibility for the day-to-day leadership and development of the Accident and Emergency x-ray service and to ensure a high quality x-ray service to patients and the referring clinicians.

·         To demonstrate expert knowledge of A&E radiography and provide advice and support for less experienced staff, ensuring high radiographic standards are maintained.

·         Demonstrate evidence of good anatomical, physiological and pathological knowledge to assist in the clinical justification of radiography referrals in line with both national regulations Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IRMER 2017) and local protocols.

·         To comply with the IR(ME)R Radiation Regulations and assess the clinical justification of referrals to ensure that the benefit to the patient outweighs the radiation risk associated with the examination.

·         To monitor standards of Radiation protection and ensure that doses to patients and staff are compliant with ALARP principles. To act as a patient and staff advocate in Radiation protection issues minimising their exposure to radiation.

·         To act as a point of advice for imaging referrers and patient enquiries relating to their referral and act as a liaison when clarification is required, regarding selection of the most clinically appropriate radiographic examination.

·         To assess specific communication needs of individual patients and ensure that they have agreed to exposure to Ionising Radiation prior to the examination.

·         Establish and maintain communication with individuals and groups about difficult or complex matters.

·         To communicate effectively and empathetically with patients and their escorts prior to, during and after an examination.

·         To ensure that the correct images are presented for reporting purposes in a timely and accurate manner.

·         To ensure that urgent findings are communicated and patients are directed accordingly.

·         To ensure appropriate infection control measures are utilised where necessary paying particular attention to personal protection as well as the management of equipment and linens.

·         To be fully competent with the operation of CR and DR x-ray equipment within the department.

·         To be responsible for the designated area of work. To plan, prioritise and organise workload efficiently and effectively.

·         To liaise with other departments/wards within the hospital and various external sources in order to provide a quality service to patients and clinicians.

·         To effectively liaise with all disciplines of staff within the Radiology department giving support and advice where necessary.

·         To participate in the safe transfer of patients and equipment within the department and Hospital, using manual handling guidelines and risk assessment.

·         To monitor and report deficits in the data integrity of the Information systems and PACS in use in the department.

·         To reflect on systems of work and communicate areas of deficit or potential advancement.

·         To report clinical, non-clinical and radiation incidents in line with Trust and Departmental Risk Management policies.

·         To lead on regular Quality Assurance testing and be actively involved in the QA programme for General    x-ray equipment with the emphasis on dose reduction including compliance with working protocols and current quality standards ensuring that written records are kept.

·         To attend compulsory staff training courses

·         Instigate and generate audit and research projects as appropriate, to ensure continuing evaluation of service and practice. Implementing any resultant required developments, changes and innovations to practice.

·         To establish and lead A&E quality group and be pro-active in the sharing of good practice within own area and in close collaboration with senior management.

Financial

·         Maintain and safely use highly specialised and expensive equipment used by self and others.

·         Be responsible for the efficient management of daily resources, including staffing and consumables for your designated area.

Work force

·         To ensure accurate recording on the Radiology Information System patient information and examination details including confirmation of examination and consumables used and dose received by patient.

·         Attend staff meetings and contribute to processes in development and planning of radiology services.

·         To attend any meetings as required by the Head of Imaging or Service Manager for Radiology.

·         Participate in the recruitment, selection and interview of Radiographic staff and Radiographic Department Assistants as required.

·         To undertake regular appraisals on designated staff, setting objectives and implementing training and development plans.

·         To participate in the assessment of Radiographer competencies.

·         To participate in the induction and training of student radiographers.

·         To take every opportunity for self-development.

·         Support role extension, development and training in specialist area.

Partnerships

Communications and Relationships

·         To use personal leadership to motivate and promote a high level of moral in the department.

·         To promote good relations with other directorates and hospitals

·         To offer advice and guidance to patients and carers on radiology procedures and radiation issues taking due consideration of patients conditions.

·         To inform and promote radiology guidelines to medical and other healthcare professionals.

·         To communicate to patients and their families’ complex and sensitive information obtained from procedures, the implications, risks and treatments.

·         To obtain informed consent from patients prior to undertaking procedures as appropriate to individual circumstances