Senior Diagnostic Neuro-Radiographer

Job summary

The post holder will be an experienced Radiographer, wishing to specialise in Neuroradiology and assist in delivering an imaging service in a highly specialised clinical environment, at any time in a 24 hour period.

The post holder will undertake a variety of complex examinations of the head and spinal column such as Angiography, MR and CT scanning and also provide body CT and secondary trauma imaging ensuring provision of the highest standards of patient care.

To be able to work autonomously, without direct supervision and be accountable for their own professional actions. They will assess and prioritise their caseload, giving advice and guidance to patients and other health care professionals.

This person will work closely within a multidisciplinary team, deputising for the Superintendent Radiographers in their absence.

The post holder will assist in the timely, efficient and cost effective management and operation of their specialist imaging department.

To set and maintain by example, high professional standards and support other members of staff to achieve those standards.

To ensure the safety of patients and staff at all times, especially in the area of Radiation Protection.

To recognise their responsibility to deliver services in a high quality, courteous, patient-focussed manner, maintaining patient confidentiality at all times.

Main duties of the job

• See job description.
• Assess an imaging request form, and justify it under the IR(ME)R 2000 regulations, locally agreed protocols and to act as a practitioner/operator under these regulations as appropriate.
• Act as patient and staff advocate, minimising their exposure to radiation.
• Undertake appropriate radiographic examinations, under the direction of or in conjunction with all staff working in the Neuroradiology department, ensuring a high standard of patient care and participate in the monitoring of standards
• Co-ordinate clinical workload in line with clinical priorities, to react swiftly and appropriately to changing circumstances relating to patient condition, staffing or workload, in conjunction with other healthcare professionals
• Ensure that emergency cover is maintained for the department by participating in the Neuro/MRI on-call or late duty rotation as appropriate. To carry and respond to an emergency bleep or call.
• To operate, both accurately and safely, complex radiographic equipment with the relevant degree of manual dexterity and hand/eye co-ordination
• Physically be able to wear radiation protection garments for periods of up to 4 hours
• Ensure that any abnormalities seen are brought to the attention of the medical staff of the department and referring Clinician and that the patient is managed in an appropriate and supportive manner
• To be responsible, in the absence of a Superintendent Radiographer, for the daily management of a specific area of the department.

About us

St George's, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey.Our sites include St George's Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC).

After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000-strong workforce.

Job responsibilities

See Job description

Must be able to work autonomously, in a high pressured environment, to a high standard while being an advocate from the patient.

Person specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential

• oDiploma of College of Radiographers or BSc in Radiography
• oState Registration
• oPortfolio of CPD
• oTo have undertaken post graduate education in specific fields, obtaining a Masters degree or equivalent or have in depth clinical experience

Desirable

• oIV injection certification

Experience

Essential

• oTo be qualified for at least 5 years
• oTo have recent relevant experience
• oTo have extensive work experience in a specialist area ie.CT
• oTo have experience of supervision, preferably of staff in a discreet area or modality

Desirable

• oExperience of working in Neuroradiology
• oEvidence of multi-modality experience
• oActive experience of QA and audit programmes
• oUse of PACS and /or CR/DR systems

Skills

Essential

• oGood communication skills
• oShould be skilled operator of QWERTY keyboard and mouse driven technology
• oCan demonstrate leadership skills
• oAble to organise and prioritise workload
• oAble to think logically, independently and solve problems
• oBe able to self motivate and work on own initiative

Desirable

• oConfident in working autonomously

Knowledge

Essential

• oDemonstrate awareness of responsibility to and advocacy for patients
• oGood understanding of the legislation relating to Health & Safety and Radiation Protection
• oAn understanding of and ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team but also confident to work autonomously without direct supervision

Other

Essential

• oPhysical ability to carry out single-handed imaging duties including manoeuvring patients and equipment on a regular basis
• oPhysical ability to wear a lead apron for several hours
• oFrequent requirement to exert moderate physical effort
• oFrequent requirement for concentration whilst dealing with interruptions
• oTo be capable of VDU operation for considerable periods of time
• oGood timekeeping
• oBe flexible in attitude
• oAble to undertake on-call, shifts and weekend duty commitments.