The Radiology Physics section within the Department of Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering has close working relationships with colleagues in Nuclear Medicine, Kent and Medway Communication and Assistive Technology (KM CAT) service and Medical Devices Governance Team (MDGT). The department has links with local universities. We are a diverse, vibrant and dynamic department, well-integrated into the Trust and with representation and support at Care Group level.
We provide scientific, technical and regulatory support to X-ray, ultrasound and laser facilities across the Trust and to the NHSBSP in East Kent.
Recent staff surveys have demonstrated that staff in our department feel valued, listened to and supported in their work. There is a fair, inclusive and positive culture within the team.
The current team comprises 10 members of staff, including clinical scientists, clinical technologists, a medical physics radiographer and technical administrator.
Training and development are actively encouraged and supported, with opportunities for career development and progression.
The post holder will work with other team members in the provision of a comprehensive Radiology Physics service, acting as Medical Physics Expert (MPE) under the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 [IR(ME)R 2017]. They will work at a senior level and with a high degree of autonomy, providing advice to facilitate regulatory compliance.
We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is 'great healthcare from great people'. Everything we do is guided by our values: 'People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference’. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 'We care'. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.
Clinical and Scientific
1. To interpret the legislative requirements for ionising and non-ionising radiation safety in order to advise and support managers, service leads and all staff with establishing and maintaining compliance. Legislation includes (but is not limited to)
· Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017
· Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017
· Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010
2. To act as Medical Physics Expert, (MPE) for diagnostic imaging and interventional radiology under IR(ME)R17 and in accordance with relevant Trust policies, including:
· Liaising with multi-professional teams to facilitate the introduction of new equipment and services.
· Producing technical specifications and evaluating tender responses.
· Carrying out acceptance testing, commissioning and, where appropriate critical examination on behalf of the supplier, of complex diagnostic imaging equipment.
· Establishing, overseeing and reviewing suitable Quality Assurance programmes for this equipment.
· Carrying out scientific quality control and performance assessments on a wide range of diagnostic X-ray and ultrasound imaging systems, including,computed tomography, interventional and cardiac, mammography and dental imaging.
· Advising on the optimisation of image quality and radiation dose for diagnostic imaging and interventional radiology procedures in order to ensure maximum clinical benefit with minimum risk to patients and staff.
· Advising on the establishment of local dose reference levels
· Investigation of incidents involving accidental or unintended exposures, including risk assessments and advice regarding requirements for notifications.
· Review and approval of research exposures for clinical trials involving diagnostic radiology.
3. To assist the Radiation Protection Adviser(s) to EKHUFT under IRR17 and in accordance with relevant Trust policies, including:
· Design of new or modified radiological facilities including shielding requirements, engineering controls, warning devices, design features and safety features.
· Radiation risk assessments.
· Classification of workers.
· Designation of controlled and supervised areas and appropriate systems of work.
· Contingency planning.
· Investigation of incidents, including risk assessments and advice regarding requirements for external notifications
· The regular calibration of radiation monitoring equipment used for monitoring levels of ionising radiation.
· Performance of radiation protection measurements, surveys and environmental monitoring.
4. To provide advice on the safe use of lasers in a clinical setting including compliance with national and international standards, safe systems of work and room design and in accordance with Trust policies and practices.
5. To provide advice on the safe use of ultrasound in a clinical setting, including screening programmes, advising on compliance with national and international standards and in accordance with Trust policies and practices.
6. To review compliance with ionising and non-ionising radiation safety legislation through a programme of inspection and audit and advise managers accordingly.
7. To participate in local and Trust radiation safety and governance meetings, (including Trust Radiation Advisory Committee and Trust Radiation Modalities Group).
8. To contribute to Trust-wide policies relating to radiation safety and governance.
9. To provide training and supervision for NSHCS STP trainees and those following IPEM Route 2 to registration.
10.To act as an internal auditor for the Department’s Quality System.
11.To support Research and Development projects and supervise staff working on such projects including the evaluation of new techniques or emerging technologies
12.To undertake own Research and Development, promoting original work through scientific publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentation at national and international scientific meetings
13.To teach other groups of professionals, (e.g. non-medical referrers, practitioners, operators, RPSs) about issues relating to radiation safety.
14.To prepare written reports on results of equipment and instrument testing, effectively communicating results of complex tests to users.
15.To develop and maintain computerised records, scientific spreadsheets, databases and inventories used by the section; assisting in their validation and full documentation as required by the department’s Quality System.
16.To respond to emergencies involving radiation, including under the NAIR Scheme.
Managerial
1. To act as a senior team member, assisting in management of the provision of a comprehensive Radiology Physics service.
2. To plan, prioritise and manage own workload.
3. To take responsibility for the work of scientific and technical staff working under their supervision.
4. To contribute to maintaining accreditation of the Quality Management System.
5. To promote the Radiology Physics section within the Trust and to other service providers.
Professional
1. To maintain evidence of Continuing Professional Development in order to maintain HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist.
2. To hold and maintain recognised certificate to act as MPE.
3. To keep abreast of the latest technical and scientific developments relating to radiation protection, imaging physics and associated fields.
4. To develop professional, scientific and technical skills across the range of activities being undertaken in the role.
5. To participate in clinical governance activities of the Trust.
6. To participate in national working parties to develop NHS-wide guidance documents as appropriate
This advert closes on Monday 10 Mar 2025