Fixed-Term Band 6 Diagnostic Radiographer

Job overview

Whittington Health NHS Trust
Acute Patient Access, Clinical Support Services and Women's Health (ACW) ICSU

Band 6 Radiographer

Contract - Fixed Term (12 months)

Full-time 37.5 hours a week

The post holder will be expected to operate within a competency framework and participate in the 24/7 shift system including days/nights and weekends.

Main duties of the job

Act independently in the assessment of referrals for X-Ray examinations, taking full responsibility for the justification of general X-Ray examinations (under guidance of Imaging Protocols) in order to reduce unnecessary ionizing radiation exposure of patients in accordance with IR (ME) R 2017.

Supervise and assist fellow Radiographers in the process above if required.

Maintain a high level of expertise in the safe operation of X-Ray equipment and manage faults effectively and in accordance with guidance given in induction.

To comply with and contribute to the implementation of departmental and professional policies and procedures such as

a. Health +Safety including risk assessment and COSHH

b. Radiation Protection Procedures IRR 2017

c. Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposures) Regulations 2017 (IR (ME)R 2017).

Working for our organisation

Whittington Health serves a richly diverse population and works hard to ensure that all our services are fair and equally accessible to everyone.
Nowhere is this more obvious than in the way we look after our staff. We aim to employ a workforce which is as representative as possible of this
population, so we are open to the value of differences in age, disability, gender, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, sexual orientation,
and religion or belief. The Trust believes that as a public sector organisation we have an obligation to have recruitment, training, promotion and other formal employment policies and procedures that are sensitive to these differences. We think that by doing so, we are better able to treat our patients as well as being a better place to work.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

· To manage the general x-ray area encompassing the mobile, x-ray, theatre and porter staff to ensure the workload is appropriately managed and that lunch breaks can be taken.

· To ensure that checks are done in the area of work to ensure that no images are unsent and no exams left incomplete from the day before or the day at work.

· To become familiar with the organisational structure and appraiser with whom career goals and aspirations can be discussed.

· To actively contribute to changes in policy/procedure

· Work as part of a team to ensure effective communication and delivery of care.

· To obtain patient consent and co-operation for examinations with implied or written consent as appropriate.

· Prioritise workload depending on the severity of a patient condition and the direct impact on their management.

· Liaise with fellow healthcare workers and referring clinicians to provide a high quality imaging service to patients.

· Provide advice to clinicians on the nature of a diagnostic image either verbally to identify possible pathology, escalate concerning images immediately to a radiologist or the referrer immediately.

· Act in accordance with Information Governance when handling patient data or discussing confidential information in areas shared with other patients.

· Work independently when providing an on call and shift service to patients requiring urgent imaging due to acute trauma or illness.

· To participate in the shift system using Health Roster to request annual leave and establish shift rotation.

· Be able to exercise personal responsibility and make decisions in complex and unpredictable circumstances e.g. Prioritizing patients according to clinical need in a multiple trauma situation.

· Maintain moderate physical effort at several points during the shift positioning and manoeuvring patients, equipment and lead shielding.

· Utilise highly advanced hand/eye co-ordination and physical manipulation skills to achieve the best possible imaging in challenging conditions.

· Concentrate on Imaging procedures without distraction often monitoring several tasks simultaneously to ensure patient safety and optimal Imaging.

· Working with challenging patients or in emotionally challenging situations with unwell patients either in trauma or oncology settings.

· Have skill in adapting imaging technique for patients with injuries and illness, and utilise developed motivational and persuasive skills to acquire correct position and reduce mobility to produce an acceptable diagnostic image

· To undertake portable X-Ray examinations on the wards, A&E Resus and Theatres, ensuring radiation protection of patients, staff and visitors.

· Be actively involved in the training and assessment of Student Radiographers on clinical placement, providing direct supervision at all times. Maintain the required knowledge and skills to provide effective training, keeping up to date with current advances in technology and diagnostic techniques.

· Using knowledge and skills attained through experience, training and CPD be actively involved in the training and development of more junior members of staff.

· Undertake IV cannulation for patients requiring the injection of contrast media following the required training and assessment of competence.

· Competency expectations will vary according to the modality competency framework however there is an expectation that after competencies are signed off the Band 6 radiographer will be able to operate independently

· To participate in mandatory training and actively pursue Continuous Professional Development keeping an up to date personal record

· Maintain knowledge of technological and technical advances in methods of diagnostic Imaging in order to promote a culture of continuous improvement within the department.

Person specification

Education / Qualifications

Essential criteria

• BSc (Hons) in Radiography or equivalent
• HCPC Registration

Desirable criteria

• Evidence of relevant continuing professional development

Skills & Abilities

Essential criteria

• Evidence of a range of post qualification clinical experience
• Evidence of experience of rotation through specialist areas
• Participation in quality assurance and clinical audit

Desirable criteria

• Evidence of CT experience

Knowledge & Experience

Essential criteria

• Evidence of ability to critically analyse complex and acute radiographs
• Evidence of participation in QA and maintenance of agreed standards
• Demonstrate awareness of responsibility to and advocacy for patients
• Very high personal and radiographic standards, with attention to detail
• Ability to use own initiative, solve problems and make decisions

Personal Qualities

Essential criteria

• To be a self -motivated individual and have the ability to use initiative, to take responsibility and act in a supervisory capacity
• Logical approach to problem solving
• Smart, professional personal appearance and adhere to theatre wear regulations and observance of sterility standards
• Situational control and understanding of how to resolve professional conflict

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND ADULTS

To comply with the Trust’s Safeguarding Children and Adults policies, procedures and protocols. All individual members of staff (paid or unpaid) have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults This will require you to:

• Ensure you are familiar with and comply with the London Child Protection Procedures and protocols for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people.
• Ensure you are familiar and comply with the London Multi Agency Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Pan London Procedures.
• Ensure you are familiar and comply with local protocols and systems for information sharing.
• Know the appropriate contact numbers and required reporting lines.
• Participate in required training and supervision.
• Comply with required professional boundaries and codes of conduct

Whittington Health is committed to safeguarding all children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.