Deputy Head of Imaging Physics

An exciting opportunity has arisen to act as the deputy head of the imaging physics department at Northampton General Hospital. The role will primarily involve helping to lead the group's activities and ensure that a professional, safe and effective service is provided to all of the group's service users.

The group provides high quality scientific and technical advisory services in the field of radiation protection and diagnostic radiology physics. The service provides radiation protection and scientific support to a number of radiation employers, primarily NHS Trusts, Breast Screening Programmes and some private organisations.

A wide range of services are provided by scientific and technical staff supported by administrative staff. These include imaging equipment performance testing and optimisation, support for departments’ own QC procedures; radiation audits; teaching and training a variety of staff groups in radiation physics and associated legislation; patient dose monitoring; personal dosimetry for staff
working with ionising radiation and risk assessments.

The main roles of this post will be the following.

Contribute to the leadership and management of the group.

To act as head of imaging physics in the post holder’s absence.

Contribute to the strategic planning and development of the imaging physics services.

To lead developments in specific aspects of the service which could include the initiation and development of new services.

To lead in the appropriate support of new clinical services within this Trust and other organisations.

To act as Medical Physics Expert (MPE) as described in regulation 14 of the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (IR(ME)R17) for this Trust and other clients.

To act as Laser Protection Adviser for this Trust and other clients.

Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.

Our Excellence Values

Compassion

Accountability

Respect

Integrity

Courage

We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone’s full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities.

We are a Defence positive trust, supporting our reservists, veterans, spouses and partners.

We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.

We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.

Management

The post holder will work closely with the head of imaging physics to provide leadership and manage specific defined activities of the group.

To deputise for the head of imaging physics.

Support and work with management in the development of services provided by the group to the host Trust.

Prioritise group work in accordance with the priorities of the Trust, division and directorate. Formulate and adjust plans and strategies for developing and delivering services.

Support the head of imaging in workforce development including selection, recruitment and retention of staff.

Act as line manager for specific staff groups, conducting staff appraisals, initial grievances etc and handling day today matters such as sickness absence.

Take the lead for specific aspects of the service including new service developments.

Lead on the procurement of equipment for the tea.

Service Delivery - Radiation Protection/Scientific Support

To undertake specific legislative and other keys roles for this and other organisations including MPE and LPA. To provide on own authority expert advice and expertise to specified Trusts and organisations. This advice supports those organisations to comply with their statutory obligations. This advice provided will include design of x-ray facilities including the calculation of shielding requirements, equipment specification and procurement, optimisation of patient dose and image quality, quality assurance of equipment and procedures and measures for staff protection and personal monitoring. Review and provide written reports to Radiation Protection Committee and employers on compliance with the Regulations as required.

Develop effective, constructive and collaborative relationships with staff at all levels. Advise and liaise with a range of staff including senior organisation management, including heads of service, service managers, clinical consultants, radiology managers, imaging staff and other staff. to provide expert advice a