East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
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.
Main Duties of the Job
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.
Job Responsibilities
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.
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:
1. Liaising with multi-professional teams to facilitate the introduction of new equipment and services.
2. Producing technical specifications and evaluating tender responses.
3. Carrying out acceptance testing, commissioning and, where appropriate critical examination on behalf of the supplier, of complex diagnostic imaging equipment.
4. Establishing, overseeing and reviewing suitable Quality Assurance programmes for this equipment.
5. 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.
6. Advising on the optimisation of image quality and radiation dose for diagnostic imaging and interventional radiology procedures.
7. Advising on the establishment of local dose reference levels.
8. Investigation of incidents involving accidental or unintended exposures.
9. 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.
4. To provide advice on the safe use of lasers in a clinical setting.
5. To provide advice on the safe use of ultrasound in a clinical setting.
6. To review compliance with ionising and non-ionising radiation safety legislation through a programme of inspection and audit.
7. To participate in local and Trust radiation safety and governance meetings.
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 Departments Quality System.
11. To support Research and Development projects and supervise staff working on such projects.
12. To undertake own Research and Development, promoting original work through scientific publication.
13. To teach other groups of professionals about issues relating to radiation safety.
14. To prepare written reports on results of equipment and instrument testing.
15. To develop and maintain computerised records, scientific spreadsheets, databases and inventories used by the section.
16. To respond to emergencies involving radiation.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
* Good honours degree in Physics or closely-related subject
* IPEM-accredited MSc in Medical Physics
* HCPC registration as Clinical Scientist
* Corporate membership of IPEM (or equivalent)
* MPE certification
* RPA accreditation
Skills and Experience
* Specialist practical experience of medical imaging equipment quality assurance.
* Sufficient experience to act as Medical Physics Expert under IR(ME)R 17.
* In-depth understanding of relevant legislation and guidelines.
* Ability to supervise work of scientific and technical staff and trainees.
* Ability to produce detailed and accurate written reports.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Ability to train groups of other professional staff.
* Good fundamental computing skills.
Personal/Professional Attributes
* Capacity to use initiative when working within areas of competence.
* Ability to prioritise and manage own workload in a busy environment.
* Highly motivated and able to influence and inspire others.
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.
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