Job summary
Employer heading
Data Assistant
NHS AfC: Band 4
Job overview
We are looking to recruit a Data Assistant to join the Digital Diagnostics Team. The team are based in the Radiology Department, they manage the RIS and PACS systems. The RIS (Radiology Information System) stores all aspects of the patient's radiology appointment from receiving the request to attending the appointment and a report being created. PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) is the database that stores the imaging. PACS is used by clinicians in the radiology department and by clinicians in the Trust and community. PACS and RIS are integrated together and to other Trust systems to allow the flow of digital information. Both systems are considered critical systems and are used 24/7.
The PACS Manager and RIS Manager are responsible for maintaining these systems and ensuring that the information stored on them is accurate. They are supported by Data Assistants who do the daily data quality tasks. The Data Assistants ensure the information stored on the databases are correct, they also monitor the IEP (Image Exchange Portal) and migrate imported images to link with the patient’s records. PACS and RIS experience is not essential but would be beneficial.
Main duties of the job
The Data Assistant’s role is to support the PACS manager and the RIS manager in keeping all patient and departmental data up to date and correct by planned, ad hoc and continuous data checking and updating. They are able to assist the users of both PACS and RIS.
The Radiology Department is multidisciplinary in its nature, the Data Assistants work with all other teams within the department and the Trust to ensure processes are adhered to and data is therefore accurate.
The Digital Diagnostics Team are responsible for the IEP (Image Exchange Portal) and have a good working knowledge of eCare and ICE. The team are often contacted to resolve obscure and complex issues, an analytical approach is essential. The working environment can become demanding when a system error occurs, the ability to remain calm under pressure is beneficial.
Working for our organisation
#BeKnown at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. By us. By our patients. By our community
We are a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high-quality care and compassion to more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for, treat and support people in hospital, at home and in various community settings.
The West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care services (emergency department, maternity and neonatal services, day surgery unit, eye treatment centre, Macmillan unit and children's ward). It has 500+ beds and is a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge.
Adult and paediatric community services, provided in collaboration with West Suffolk Alliance partners, include a range of nursing, therapy, specialist, and ongoing temporary care and rehabilitation, some at our Newmarket Community Hospital.
We do our utmost to achieve outstanding clinical outcomes for patients and our values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety and team work guide how we work and behave as a team.
With nearly 5,000 staff, from all over the world, we strive to make our organisation a great place to work. Whatever your role or ambition, we want to help you be the best you can be.
We promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyones voice counts and you can #BeKnown for whoever you are.
Join us. What will you #BeKnown for?
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the job description for the full list of duties.
· Assist the RIS Manager and PACS Manager with the smooth running of the systems by completing data quality checks.
· Arrange the smooth transfer of imported and exported images via the IEP, merge the images to the existing patient records.
· Investigate and remove expired requests for imaging.
· Investigate and resolve queries relating to PACS, CRIS, ICE and PACS.
· Assist the Digital Diagnostics Managers if system downtime occurs.
Assist in maintaining the integrity of the image database by direct liaison with radiologists, radiographers and Service providers, and by analysing and rectifying discrepancies, omissions, and errors on the archive and web servers; or by delegating such tasks to other relevant parties.
Person specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Educated to A level or equivalent in BTEC or other nationally recognised examining body.
Desirable criteria
- Educated to degree (Ba BSc) level.
Experience and knowledge
Essential criteria
- Understanding of the principles of data manipulation and validation of information produced.
- Knowledge of security and principles of confidentiality.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft systems.
- Experience of an office working environment.
Desirable criteria
- Experience of working in a radiology department.
- Understanding of DICOM standards.
- Experience of working in the NHS.
- Understanding of HL7 principles
Skills and abilities
Essential criteria
- Excellent Keyboard and IT skills
- Ability to collate, analyse and interpret numerical and textual information.
- Proven numerical ability.
- Ability to understand and discuss different data workflows.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
Personal qualities
Essential criteria
- Attentive to detail and accuracy
- Able to work to tight timescales and deadlines.
- Able to learn new skills and take a proactive role in improving the service.
- Can use own initiative where appropriate.
- Systematic in approach.
- Ability to cope under pressure and remain calm.
- Works well within a team.
- Flexible approach to working hours and duties
- May occasionally be required to work alone, therefore must be able to troubleshoot and analyse issues, and assist as appropriate.
Desirable criteria
- Able to participate in an on-call rota as required.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Katie Blute
- Job title
- RIS Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
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