Radiology Assistant

**Key Duties**: Communication Provide and receive routine information requiring discretion, sensitivity or persuasive skills: Exchange factual information with patients and other healthcare professionals using persuasion, reassurance, discretion, sensitivity and empathy as required. Assessing communication needs of patients, anticipate where communication difficulties might make completion of the examination difficult and overcoming barriers. Implement alternative methods of communication if required. Provide any required after care.Communicate any delays in a timely manner.

Communicate effectively and empathetically with patients, carers, visitors and members of the multi-disciplinary team. Occasionally receive and communicate sensitive information from/to patients. Be able to relate to all manner of patients with understanding and care, respecting their privacy and dignity providing a caring and confidential service. Promote the best available departmental environment for all.

Clinical Develop and maintain a good knowledge of Radiology exams/procedures and associated requirements i.e preparation, during the exam and any required aftercare to ensure a safe delivery of practice/service. Contribute to the smooth running of the various departments on a daily basis as required. Undertake basic observation for patients as required i.e Oxygen Saturations and Blood Pressure. Develop own competence to deliver effective care and treatments through improving clinical/technical knowledge / skill, and expertise.

Liaising with other healthcare professional i.e wards/porters, to arrange the transportation of patients to and from the department in a timely manner. Assist in patient care: getting patients changed, explaining the undressing/dressing requirements and where necessary assisting the patient both in and out of the scan table/room. Promptly and effectively, manage enquires from both internal and external sources i.e patients, hospital staff and other healthcare professionals. Confidently and competently use the departmental Radiology Information System Have a flexible approach and assist with any other duties as requested by the team, within the associated competencies of role.

Assisting with moving and handling of those patients who require it in a manner that is safe following the Trust manual handling policy. Reassuring patients requiring additional support.When necessary, attending to the patients personal hygiene requirements. Understand the role of a chaperone. When working in MRI, be sensitive to patient anxiety regarding the claustrophobic nature of the MRI scanner and to be able to help patients overcome their anxiety so that the examination can be performed.

Monitor stock, operate stock control and order medical equipment, accessories, consumables, linen as required via the appropriate pathway. Education Participate in the development and promotion of a positive learning environment, which meets the needs of all learners within the department environment. Participate in personal development reviews and work to achieve personal objectives/competencies. Use reflection of experience to enhance development of self and others.

Use experience to support students and other Imaging Assistants through mentorship and local induction. To participate in personal development needs that may be identified by the service leads or in the appraisal process in an agreed timeframe. To assist qualified staff in the evaluation of resources to develop high standards of patient care and achieve value for money initiatives. Administrative duties To include registering the patient, updating patient records, bookings, extraction of work lists and all other associated RIS activities.

**Maintain accurate records at all times**: Demonstrate awareness and evidence the importance of accurate data entry into hospital based systems/patient records. Maintain accurate records of examination data within RIS, including additional comments in regards to any change in standard practice. Understand the contingencies required when electronic systems fail and support the team as required. Equipment duties Adhere to the correct manual handling policy as advised during your mandatory training when moving any equipment.

Understanding of the basic operation of the specialised radiology equipment following appropriate training; to include, but not exclusive of, changing of ultrasound probes, simple in and out/up and down movement of the CT and MRI scanners, accessing worklists in order to register patients exams on the modality. Report any identified faults or concerns to maintain service provision. Infection Prevention Control Ensure compliance with all Infection Prevention and Control policies and procedures understanding your role in the prevention of infection in patients and staff. Wear personal protective equipment when required.

Care for, check and maintain high standards of cleanliness of clinical equipment to minimise spread of inf