Job overview

In Nuclear Medicine we administer radioactive pharmaceuticals to patients for diagnosis and therapy. For diagnostic scans, gamma rays are emitted from the patient in the organ of interest, and are detected by giant radiation detectors to form an image. For therapy, we administered pharmaceuticals that get taken up in the area of disease, and emit beta or alpha particles. These travel a couple of mm in tissue, so deliver a very localised radiation dose to the disease, sparing healthy tissue.

Duties: 

1. Injecting
2. Checking
3. Potassium iodate administration 
4. PET propranolol admin/observation
5. Stock ordering
6. Morning duties i.e. call bell checks/oxygen checks/tap flushing
7. Help with stress room appointment booking ect
8. In patient assessments (are they fit for scanning ect)
9. PET patient prep

Main duties of the job

Coventry nuclear medicine is in the process of having 2 of their 3 gamma cameras replaced with state of the art (including a UK first) gamma cameras with CT, and their PET scanner replaced with a digital system – the first in the midlands, and will be a reference site for the manufacturer, showcasing their work and technology. We have an onsite Radiopharmacy, where we are one of 8 centres in the UK to have a gallium generator, for Gallium-68 PET scans. We’re involved in a number of research trials, including molecular radiotherapy trials with the latest therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. We’re also participating in a local research trial, being the first (and only) centre in the UK to have a mobile PET CT scanner for theatre use. We administer patients (Head and Neck and prostate surgeries) with a radiotracer that localises in the patients tumour. This is removed and scanned immediately in theatres, and indicates to the surgeon if the tumour margins have been successfully removed, without having to wait for histopathology results. This work could have massive implications for patients and the NHS as a whole, and we’re really excited to be part of this. We’re also investigating the use of drones to carry radioactive material from one nuclear medicine department to another, to ensure equality of access (e.g. gallium-68) across the country. Again this is cutting edge innovation.

Working for our organisation

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.

We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.
Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.

We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence® designated organisation – please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. Pathway To Excellence ® - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)

By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.

The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.