Healthy Bones at UHPT is a dedicated, close-knit team providing bone densitometry (DXA) scans and vertebral fracture assessments to patients across parts of Devon and Cornwall. Our service is equipped with two latest-technology DXA scanners, and we are committed to helping prevent fractures and supporting patients with their bone health.
We are ideally looking for a fully DXA-qualified practitioner experienced in scanning and reporting; however, we also welcome applicants who are eager to learn at a lower grade - training and support will be provided to successful candidates without this background. The Healthy Bones service is led by a Consultant Radiographer and supported by a small team of Reporting Specialist Radiographers.
We are looking for a passionate, hardworking, and committed individual to join our team. Teamwork is essential for the smooth and efficient operation of the service, and we are seeking someone who can contribute positively to this dynamic. You will be expected to carry out scans with precision and accuracy, ensuring reliable and consistent results. Additionally, you will be involved in all aspects of the service including clinical audit and service improvement.
Main duties of the job
Reporting Specialist Practitioner for Healthy Bones/ Bone Densitometry (DXA).
Undertakes patient scans, analysis and diagnostic reporting of DXA scans.
Provides lifestyle advice to patients and information on treatment options.
Supports the Healthy Bones Consultant Practitioner (Clinical lead) in their role.
Supports day to day delivery of operational service, contributing to the overall smooth running of the Healthy Bones department by identifying areas of improvement and bringing these to the attention of the Clinical Lead.
Participates fully in clinical audit / clinical governance.
Supports the development and delivery of specialist training in Healthy Bones / Bone Densitometry for team and service users.
Job responsibilities
Patient/Client Care
Ensure efficient service provision through:
* Supporting appropriate scheduling of work (rotas for scanning, reporting, quality assurance and maintenance) by type and degree of urgency for both the hospital based scanner and the mobile DXA service.
* Assisting / leading in the management of work schedules of clinic staff.
* Supporting administrative procedures that are in place.
* Cooperation with colleagues throughout the Trust.
* Contribute to developing and improving the service, working with other staff to achieve this.
* Supporting and participating in all clinical aspects of the Healthy Bones Service.
Be responsible for independently carrying out a full range of patient investigations using the DXA scanner, including:
* Ensure patients meet the criteria to receive a DXA Scan. Where appropriate, ensure the patient has completed the Healthy Bones questionnaire.
* Explain the investigation and its purpose to patients, relatives and colleagues.
* Where necessary obtain additional clinical history and complete patient information sheets.
* Scan patients and assess the resulting images for adequacy, according to departmental procedures.
* Analyse scans using specialised computer software, ensuring that regions of interest are correctly selected and that any artefacts which may possibly reduce the reliability of the result are identified.
* Be responsible for independently interpreting the results from investigations carried out on the DXA scanner and provide a report of the subsequent diagnosis to the referrer.
* Provide treatment advice according to written departmental protocols.
* Review referrals and authorise them for scanning, under protocol, if they are justified.
* Carry out quality assurance tests on the equipment.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
* Demonstrable Post graduate experience in professional field.
* Specialist proven knowledge and demonstrable experience in DXA scan techniques, analysis of measurement data, and clinical interpretation to be able to independently diagnose and report bone health for a range of conditions.
* Advanced level of understanding of radiation risk [to patients and staff]
Qualifications
Essential
* BSc or professional qualification (e.g. DCR) in relevant subject area or equivalent level of knowledge in clinical science.
* Professional registration with an appropriate body (e.g. HCPC).
* Specialist training in DXA to postgraduate level or equivalent plus practical experience (e.g. ROS Certificate of Competence of National Training Scheme for Bone Densitometry University of Derby DXA Reporting for Clinicians).
Aptitude and Abilities
Essential
* Excellent communication skills and proven ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
* Able to plan, prioritise and manage own patient workload including making adjustments according to patient abilities and clinical needs.
* Able to supervise trainees and support admin team.
Employer details
Employer name
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Address
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Derriford Road
Plymouth
PL6 8DH #J-18808-Ljbffr