The post holder is expected to troubleshoot patient care or technical issues in all pre-treatment areas. Work as a subject matter expert on all aspects of pre-treatment radiotherapy. The candidate will supervise, instruct and take part in pre-treatment imaging for radiotherapy planning and virtual simulation planning of patients for radiotherapy and make decisions pertaining to patient care and treatment. Supervise, instruct and take part in production of required immobilisation of patients for radiotherapy. They will do the same for cannulation of patients and administration of radiographic contrast. Identify normal anatomy and pathological appearances, to make analytical judgement on imaging and treatment actions.
We look forward to welcoming a new senior member to our existing close knit, supportive and friendly team here in pre-treatment.
Pre-treatment in radiotherapy is a fast-moving area with exposure to a diverse range of patients and techniques, with several new developments on the horizon. Post holders should be quick to learn new skills as well as the ability to develop novel techniques and disseminate learning on a regular basis. The pre-treatment area offers constant involvement with a range of disciplinary teams and working alongside clinicians which will encourage significant professional development.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for a highly motivated individual with experience in the radiotherapy pre-treatment department. The role involves rotating through CT scanners, vsim planning and cannulation departments. The successful candidate will be expected to lead the pre-treatment team in a designated area together with other permanent pre-treatment band 6 staff. Reporting to the superintendents on a daily basis with expectation to organise a busy workload with the highest level of patient care.
We are looking for an individual who can easily fit into our team and is willing to go the extra mile and show high levels of dedication in a very busy environment.
There will be a need to constantly train staff and students that rotate through the pre-treatment department and to supervise their training through mentorship and competency packages.
We are looking for an individual who can show flexibility with shift patterns and be punctual at all times.
Job responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
* Ensure that the highly complex pre-treatment radiotherapy imaging equipment is safe and accurate to operate, both for staff and patients, undertaking the appropriate machine checks and reporting any variances, faults and malfunctions.
* Using highly complex equipment such as CT simulators and MR scanners, including the administration of contrast, to provide accurate radiotherapy planning scans, in order to plan radiotherapy treatment for a diverse range of patients.
* Providing accurate written instructions of treatment set-up to ensure accurate treatment reproducibility ensuring that radiotherapy may be delivered accurately and reproducibly and in accordance with the quality system.
* Using highly complex equipment and software for virtual simulation of radiotherapy treatments in order to produce accurate treatment plans in accordance with the quality system.
* Electronic dispatch of pre-treatment images to relevant sections of the radiotherapy and treatment planning departments.
* Cannulation of patients for IV contrast and competence for relevant PGD for contrast media and emergency drugs for the management of side effects in accordance with trust policies.
* Monitor and assess patients' condition and liaise with the multidisciplinary team to ensure appropriate care, referral, information and support is offered to all patients. Administer appropriate drug prescriptions as prescribed by clinicians.
* Produce highly complex immobilisation devices for use in radiotherapy treatment to ensure accurate treatment and reproducibility so that radiotherapy may be delivered accurately and reproducibly and in accordance with the quality system.
* Ensure the team follows appropriate systems and working methods to achieve the safe, timely achievement of workload targets.
* Ensure the team keeps accurate records and complies with necessary policies and procedures.
* Analyse systematically and evaluate all data and information relevant to patients' diagnosis, ensuring the patient and their relatives are treated with dignity and respect at all times.
* Communicate confidential sensitive information, and provide emotional support, to patients and their carers/relatives including children and the terminally ill.
* Provide information to patients and their carers with regard to the radiotherapy pathway and expected side effects.
* Communicate accurate and timely information with all other disciplines involved along the patients' pathway.
* Manage areas of conflict with patients and the wider multidisciplinary team and escalate as necessary.
* Provide, receive and use sensitive information maintaining patient confidentiality at all times in line with information governance legislation.
* Apply safe and effective moving and handling skills in order to protect patients and staff, abide by Health and safety legislation in the workplace.
* Minimise risk of cross infection through contamination by bodily fluids/matter in accordance with the infection control policy.
* Implement the procedures and work instructions described for the department in ISO9001/2015 and report any variances.
* Maintain treatment skills and knowledge and understanding of advanced radiotherapy techniques and technology including VMAT, IMRT, FFF, Stereotactic and protons.
* Contribute to the development of the quality system by reviewing and writing work instructions and operating procedures.
* Ensure all work and actions comply with local rules and current UK Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 and IRMER Regulations 2018.
* Participate in the audit and research within the department and the implementation of new processes and techniques.
* Undertake training and competency to dispense medication under Patient Group Direction (PGD).
* Participate in the extended shift system, bank holidays, weekend working and on-call.
* Any other duties negotiated with the post holder, to develop their role in the organisation.
* Achieve all the competencies as outlined by the pre-treatment manager within a suitable and agreed time frame. Awareness of the process to report safeguarding issues and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Supervisory & managerial
* As a Senior Radiographer you will be expected to lead, co-ordinate, supervise and manage a team of staff operating in radiotherapy pre-treatment and act as lead practitioner, making assessments and key decisions in regard to workload management, patient care and treatment.
Teaching and training
* As a Senior Radiographer you will be expected to provide mentorship and guidance for rotational staff, irrespective of grade and be a good role model.
* Act as a mentor for the cannulation of patients for IV contrast and a link worker for relevant PGD for contrast media and emergency drugs for the management of side effects in accordance with trust policies.
* Participate in an annual Personal Development Review.
* Attend all essential training and clinical updates as required.
* Be capable of assimilating new ideas and techniques and have an ability to assess their value.
* Assist in the supervision and training/teaching of pre-registration students and new members of staff and all learners.
* Highlight to the line manager all issues of inadequate performance, including capability and poor professional standards, for students and employees. Provide evidence where necessary and requested.
* Take personal responsibility for compliance with essential training.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* DCR(T) or BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Radiographer State Registered Therapeutic Radiographer.
* HPC Registration.
* Further post-graduate qualification/intention for further study or evidence of continued educational development.
* Management/leadership training.
* ECDL/equivalent.
Experience
* Wide experience with equipment and techniques.
* Working with ISO 9001/20015 or equivalent.
* Evidence of clinical placements. Extensive pre-treatment and treatment experience.
* Experience of on-the-job teaching new technologies to other qualified staff.
* Clinical experience gained in more than one department.
* Evidence of participation in research and/or radiotherapy development work.
* Evidence of an active role in the setting and maintenance of quality standards.
Skills
* Ability to communicate well; individual, team, multidisciplinary team.
* Ability to supervise and motivate junior staff, support workers and Student Radiographers, lead by example.
* Ability or willingness to learn to cannulate patients for IV contrast.
* Ability to deal effectively with predictable and routine problems using defined and familiar procedures and guidelines.
* Able to adapt skills to all areas of the department.
* Reliability to work well under pressure.
* Organised but flexible and adaptable approach to work.
* Demonstrate ambition in personal development and in service development.
* Ability to produce a range of immobilisation devices for radiotherapy.
Knowledge
* Knowledge and understanding of current pre-treatment radiotherapy technologies including CT, virtual simulation, MR scanning, PET scanning.
* Maintenance of knowledge and understanding of advanced radiotherapy techniques and technology including VMAT, IMRT, FFF, Stereotactic and protons.
* Knowledge and understanding of advanced radiotherapy techniques and technology including Stereotactic and protons.
* Experience of radiotherapy virtual simulation planning.
* Detailed knowledge of anatomy, oncology, radiobiology and physics.
* Knowledge of Ionising Radiation Medical Exposure Regulations (IRMER) and other relevant policies and regulations.
* Knowledge of current Health Service and Oncology specific legislation and DoH plans e.g. Cancer Plan, NICE guidelines and how these impact on services.
Other
* Flexibility in working hours, given appropriate notice.
* Demonstrate tolerance, sensitivity & empathy with staff and clients.
* Enthusiastic and well-motivated with a commitment to providing a high standard of service.
* Ability to co-ordinate work to meet the demands of the established and developing service.
* Attention to detail and accuracy.
* Physically fit to perform job (as confirmed by Occupational Health department).
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.
£37,338 to £44,962 a year per annum, pro rata
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