Radiographer (XR06)

Job Summary

The opportunity has arisen for 3.5 Radiographers to join our ever-expanding, friendly CT Team.

Previous CT experience is preferable; however, candidates who meet the other minimum essential criteria (qualifications) will be considered and will be supported through a training program under annex 21 of the AfC terms and conditions.

The successful candidate will need to be an enthusiastic, highly motivated, hardworking, team player who is committed to flexible working. This post offers a fantastic opportunity to gain experience participating in a wide range of examinations which could include Trauma, Cardiac, Colonography, and Interventional oncology.

Main duties of the job

The CT service will be delivered across 3 sites; Leeds General Infirmary (LGI), St James and Seacroft Hospital (SCH) due to the recent development of a Community Diagnostic Centre. We are anticipating this exciting opportunity to be completed Autumn 2024 as part of a Radiology-wide refurbishment to the SCH site.

The CT fleet consists of both Siemens and GE scanners, boasting a top-of-the-range Siemens Force.

We are a busy unit undertaking over 75,000 examinations per year. The successful applicant/s will be expected to assess, authorise, and undertake a wide range of CT examinations; working closely with multi-disciplinary teams and service users to acquire diagnostic images with the lowest radiation dose practicable to promote treatment and guide ongoing care.

As a Band 6 Radiographer, you will be required to work autonomously and support the specialist training of students and apprentices. There will be a commitment to a shift system to cover the 24/7 workload.

About Us

LTHT is one of the largest NHS Trusts in the UK, employing over 20,000 people. Our Leeds Way values, standards, and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues, and the wider community.

As an employer, we always look after our people too. As part of your role with us here in Leeds, you'll enjoy significant investment in your professional development and personal development via training and career progression opportunities plus excellent rewards and benefits to ensure your NHS career in Leeds suits your aspirations and lifestyle perfectly.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

The job holder will be a state registered Radiographer with the HCPC and work as an autonomous Radiographic Practitioner undertaking a wide range of CT examinations. The job holder will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team providing a high-quality radiology service for patients, adhering to policies and procedures as specified by the Trust and Radiology Management Team. The job holder is responsible for performing with the highest standard of patient care and technical practice in their clinical area whilst imaging patients and will adhere to the codes of conduct of behaviours of the professional body, The College of Radiographers and the HCPC. They will ensure the interests of the patient are maintained at all times, including acting as a patient's advocate as necessary.

There is a requirement to participate in a 24/7 shift pattern.

Principle Duties & Areas of Responsibility

1. Comply with LTHT Radiation Safety policies including Local Rules and Employers Procedures in line with National Regulations eg IRR17 and IRMER2017.
2. Work to local protocols.
3. Act in the role of Operator while carrying out all aspects of clinical imaging employing the appropriate work areas Protocols as defined in IR(ME)R 2017.
4. Following entitlement will act in the role of Practitioner in accordance with LTHT IR(ME)R Employers procedures and following departmental protocols to justify and authorise medical exposures.
5. Act as a patient advocate in radiation protection issues.
6. Ensure patients have given informed consent prior to radiographic examinations and where necessary advise them of the potential risks.
7. Apply a high level of manual dexterity in acquiring accurate, high-quality diagnostic images, adapting standard technique when necessary.
8. Operate advanced software on specialist radiological equipment, requiring excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
9. Review images, and identify and act upon any abnormalities detected and where necessary, to seek advice when additional images may be required prior to patient departure from the department.
10. Ensure that images are presented for reporting purposes in a timely and accurate manner.
11. Ensure appropriate infection control measures are utilised, paying particular attention to personal protection as well as the management of equipment and linen contaminated by bodily fluids.
12. Responsible for the care, comfort, and clinical well-being of the patient during the radiological examination.
13. Liaison with safeguarding and external agencies when suspicion of patient in danger, for example, child protection team.
14. Taking an active role in audit, development, and research (on an occasional basis).
15. Understand the emergency procedures in the departments worked in and responsibilities in a MAJAX.
16. To cannulate patients and administer medicines under appropriate clinical prescription or Patient group directive.
17. Demonstrate reflective practice based on knowledge and skills so as to formulate and deliver diagnostic imaging based on sound knowledge of evidence-based practice and imaging options using clinical assessment, reasoning, and skills and knowledge of other techniques.

Person Specification

Qualifications Essential

• BSc (or equivalent) in Diagnostic Radiography
• State Registration (HCPC)
• Current NHS experience and evidence
• Evidence of CPD to satisfy HCPC requirements

Desirable

• Attendance at further courses such as post-graduate, IV cannulation, Student Assessment, Red Dot etc.

Experience Essential

• Substantial experience working as a CT radiographer (or willing to work towards a training programme under annex 21).
• Knowledge of a wide range of general and specialised radiography e.g. through academic study at post-graduate study or equivalent.
• Ability to maintain a safe working environment, following trust and national policies and procedures including applying IR(ME)R (2017) and IRR(2017).

Desirable

• Knowledge of Iodinated Contrast Media risks and exclusions including recognising the signs and symptoms of a reaction.
• Knowledge of current protocols in CT for key pathways.
• Knowledge of patient diversity and how to modify radiographic technique.
• Knowledge of pathologies which may affect patient management, and radiographic technique.

Skills & Behaviours Essential

• Communication skills enabling the Radiographer to work effectively with both patients and staff.
• Professional attitude and appearance including punctuality.
• Advanced computer skills.
• Motivated team worker with ability to delegate tasks to junior staff and radiography helpers/assistants, thus demonstrating leadership qualities and responsibilities.
• Ability to work under pressure whilst producing high-quality diagnostic images and providing a high quality of patient care.

Desirable

• Previous experience operating GE or Siemens CT equipment.

Other Criteria Essential

• Commitment to undergo all training requirements of the post.
• Ability to wear a radiation monitoring device.