Senior Nuclear Medicine Technologist/Radiographer

Job summary

Enthusiastic State Registered Clinical technologists/radiographers are invited to apply for our Nuclear Medicine Band 6 vacancies. Due to Retirement and promotion we are looking for 2 Clinical technologists/radiographers.

The Nuclear Medicine department is part of the Imaging Directorate at Northampton General Hospital. Our Nuclear Medicine service is in a purpose-built state-of-the-art department. Our facilities operate three gamma cameras, including one GE D670 SPECT/CT system, one D630 a general purpose dual headed SPECT and a solid state dedicated cardiac camera GE D530c. We operate an onsite Radiopharmacyand supply isotope to other Nuclear Medicine departments.

Additionally, the department houses a PET/CT scanner operated by a third party.

The post holder willbe involved in allareas of Nuclear Medicine, non-imaging, imaging, therapies and Radiopharmacy. Applicants should be registered with the RCT or HCPC, applicants that can demonstrate they are close to completion to registration may be considered.

Applicants are encouraged to come and visit the department.

We are a friendly team of scientists, Doctors, Technologists, Admin, Radiographers and support staff, based in a comfortable, modern building.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible for the timely, efficient, and courteous provision of the Nuclear Medicine service. The post holder will have considerable patient contact, including contact with the terminally ill. Patient presentation may include the incapacitated, confused and those with physical and mental impairments. Our facilities operate three gamma cameras, including one GE D670 SPECT/CT system, one D630 a general purpose dual headed SPECT and a solid state dedicated cardiac camera GE under take Radio-Iodine Therapy Service and a fully equipped Radiopharmacy unit.

About us

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.

The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals.

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 ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To ensure correct identification of patients.

To undertake the administration (intravenous, oral, sub-cutaneous and via inhalation) of all diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals and drugs used in the practice of Nuclear Medicine as prescribed in the legislation and SOPs. Assess the ability of patients to tolerate procedures prior to administration.

Safely use specialist equipment to perform complex Nuclear Medicine Imaging. Laboratory procedures according to established protocols and local rules.

To provide both qualitative and quantitative results to agreed standards.

To comply with written systems of work and maintain safe radiation working practise at all times according to established protocols & local rules. Ensure own knowledge of Local Rules and procedures is current and reflected in professional practice.

Assess the technical quality of images and data, identifying when additional imaging or data collection/manipulation may be required.

Supervise and assist junior staff to ensure full and safe operation of the department. Ensure adherence to all standard operating procedures, protocols and guidelines by junior members of staff and students.

Provide technical advice to patients, carers, and hospital staff, including preparation prior to procedures, procedure and drug prohibition or interactions, contra-indications and radiation protection measures following radiopharmaceutical administration.

To provide patients or relatives with empathy and emotional support. To communicate effectively and empathetically with patients and their escorts prior to, during and after an examination.

To ensure appropriate infection control measures are utilised where necessary. Paying particular attention to personal protection as well as the management of equipment and linen where contamination from bodily fluids has occurred.

Work in conjunction with Medical Physics to ensure the quality assurance of equipment, general care and cleaning is carried out in line with departmental policy, recording and reporting faults in a timely manner and where appropriate implementing corrective action

Act in reporting, investigating, and responding to potential and actual incidents.

Accurately manufacture, release and despatch radiopharmaceuticals in accordance with the principles of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). Reporting any deficiencies in the quality-of-service provision to the Radio pharmacy production manager.

To handle unsealed radioactive sources in a safe manner appropriate for their use, ensuring personal safety and the safety of the patients and other staff within the department.

To analyse workload and recommend changes to facilitate best practice and effective use of resources.

To be physically able to move moderately heavy items of equipment ( collimators, lead pots, CT phantoms, Mo-99 Generator) throughout the working day.

To participate in extended hours rota and be willing to adopt a flexible approach to working hours if required.

To ensure security in the work environment and maintain the integrity of all Controlled Areas.

Person Specification

Educations, Training and Qualifications

Essential

BSc (Hons) Clinical Technology, BSc (Hons) diagnostic radiography, BSc (Hons) radiotherapy or equivalent Must be currently practising as a Technologist or Radiographer in Nuclear Medicine within a hospital setting. Evidence of Continual Professional Development (CPD) Post Graduate Diploma in Nuclear Medicine or (equivalent experience) Membership of Voluntary Register of Clinical Technologists or State registration as a Radiographer

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

Post qualification Nuclear Medicine Experience. Expected to carry out specialist procedures with highly complex equipment, adapting protocols where necessary

Desirable

CT experience Radiopharmacy production Knowledge and practical experience of Molecular Therapies. However if no or limited experience training will be provided. Experience of working within a quality management system.

Skills

Essential

Team working & motivational skills required Supervisory skills required for dealing with junior staff, trainees, supernumerary students, patient escorts and visitors. Physically able to immobilize paediatric/non-compliant patients during injection and for the duration of the imaging test.

Desirable

Able to supervise junior Clinical Technologists in all aspects of diagnostic nuclear medicine.

Key Competencies/Personal Qualities and Attributes

Essential

Has a high degree of theoretical and practical knowledge of radiation protection issues and radioactive decontamination. Demonstrates a high degree of theoretical and practical knowledge relating to the hazards posed by and the precautions required when dealing with ionising radiation arising from sealed and unsealed radioactive sources and patients.

Desirable

Has an understanding of patient, staff and public risks arising from radiation exposure. Supervisory experience

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