Clinical Technologist / Dosimetrist

NHS; Wolverhampton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 60,000

Job description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Dosimetrist, Clinical Technologist or Radiographer at the purpose-built Deanesly Cancer Centre, New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, West Midlands.

The post requires an appropriate qualification in a relevant discipline (or demonstrable equivalent), and eligibility for RCT or HCPC registration. A substantial level of relevant radiotherapy skills and experience are necessary to enable the post holder to fulfil the duties set out in the job description.

Within the department we have; 4 Elekta Versa HD linear accelerators with IGRT, VMAT, FFF and EPID dosimetry capability. Also, two wide bore 4D CT scanners with gating capabilities. Further treatment units include, Xstrahl orthovoltage and Flexitron HDR. Supporting software currently includes Pinnacle TPS, Mosaiq Record and Verify system, Prosoma Virtual Simulator, Oncentra Masterplan Brachytherapy TPS, ProSoma Core independent MU check and the Sun Nuclear ArcCHECK verification system. RayStation TPS is currently being commissioned.

The radiotherapy physics department consists of a dedicated and experienced, diverse team, working together to provide the highest standard of radiotherapy physics support. We have an excellent working relationship with the wider MDT locally as well as close collaboration amongst the radiotherapy centres within the region, headed by the West Midlands Cancer Alliance.

Candidate must be able to provide evidence of substantial experience.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will assist in the management of the technical work of the Mould Room group and deputise for the mould room manager. It is expected that the candidate will take part in treatment planning, training to local protocols will be provided.

The successful candidate will be managerially responsible to the mould room manager. Treatment planning aspects will be managed by Chief Dosimetrist and professionally responsible to Consultant Physicist, Head of Radiotherapy Physics. They will be involved in training other staff and supervise apprentices.

This is an outstanding opportunity to be involved with a number of developments such as SABR and advanced brachytherapy to develop your career.

There may be a requirement to work some unsocial hours, as part of the work may need to be performed outside normal treatment hours.

Job responsibilities

To be the Deputy Leader for the Mould Room group, and to assist managerially. Technically and professionally responsible to the Consultant Physicist Head of Radiotherapy Physics and through them to the Head of the Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering Department for the work of the group.

To be responsible to the Consultant Oncologist medically responsible for the patients treatment for the delegated clinical brachytherapy work. The post holder, working under a protocol, will also be responsible for these treatment procedures at such times as the Consultant Oncologist is absent from the department. This includes assessing the patients suitability to continue with their course of radiotherapy and deferring treatment if deemed necessary.

To ensure that the clinical responsibilities of the group are firmly established and that constructive relationships with clinical users are maintained.

To ensure that at all times, as required, adequate cover is provided by the group and take part in mould room cover during bank holidays and at other treatment days.

To take part in a flexible duty rota which will include duties in the Radiotherapy Physics treatment planning, and Mould Room sections of the department. The appropriate distribution of duties to be determined by the Chief Clinical Technologist (Treatment Planning) and Chief Clinical Technologist (Mould Room).

To carry out Mould Room procedures, the majority of which will be complex, and to be involved in direct patient contact, where skill and sensitivity will be essential. These include the taking of patient impressions, construction of immobilisation devices, accurate transfer of set up marks, construction of beam shielding blocks/ electron cutouts and set up and alignment of patients undergoing CT scanning for radiotherapy scanning.

To assist with the organization of the brachytherapy service including arranging patient treatment appointments, organizing theatre sessions, MRI sessions, ward admissions and medical staff.

To be a key holder (Operator) for the Brachytherapy Equipment and take responsibility for initiating treatment sessions when certified to do so.

To assist with Brachytherapy source preparation and removal at end of treatment, and to ensure that sources are handled in a safe manner during these procedures.

To act responsibly for any ongoing Technical and Operational issues relating to the HDR Brachytherapy service.

To assist with carrying out Clinical Brachytherapy Procedures which may be complex, involving the insertion of vaginal applicators to treat gynecological cancers. To include the training and supervision of other staff during these procedures.

To carry out all Mould Room duties that involve direct patient contact in a sympathetic and considerate manner, immediately reporting any clinical problems to the relevant consultant.

To ensure that the highest possible skill levels are achieved across the broad range of Mould Room work, and that these standards are maintained by the staff within the group.

To use personal initiative and specialist expertise wherever appropriate in order to optimise the workflow and priorities within the group.

To be responsible for procurement of mould room supplies, in particular ensuring the maintenance of essential stock levels, including sourcing new materials, and identifying new suppliers where necessary.

Contribute to the development of the use of computerised mould room equipment, and network systems, including the training of other staff in the use of such systems.

To carry out administrative duties which may be required for the efficient running of the service, including the completion of records associated with the Resource Management arrangements.

To collate matters associated with annual leave, sick leave, on-call, overtime, appraisal etc within the group, and to communicate this information as appropriate to the Consultant Physicist, Head of Radiotherapy Physics.

To be responsible for the training, to any required level as appropriate, and appraisal of staff working within the group. To act as work-based supervisor for MPPM trainees/ apprentices.

To complete CPD to the relevant required standard.

To demonstrate a flexible approach to the needs of the Medical Physics & Clinical Engineering Department.

To be available for on-call and overtime work as necessary.

To conform to safe working practices, and departmental policies and procedures.

To be aware of and contribute to governance and risk management issues within the Department.

To undertake any other duties which may be required by the Consultant Physicist or the Head of Department and which are appropriate to the post.

This Job Description may be reviewed periodically in the light of developing work requirements. The Clinical Technologist will be expected to contribute to that review.

Person Specification

Registration

• HCPC/ RCT Registration / Equivalent
• Provide evidence of substantial experience

Qualifications

• BSc/ MSc in relevant degree or equivalent

Experience

• Familiar with mould room equipment
• Handling mould room materials
• Taking impressions, fabrication of shells, cut-outs, boluses etc
• External beam treatment planning
• Familiar with brachytherapy applicators
• Brachytherapy treatment planning/ checking

Communication

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with staff and patients

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.