Specialist Pharmacist

Job overview

Breast Imaging are looking for a qualified Mammographer or an experienced radiographer looking to train as a mammographer. We are a team of friendly, approachable, supportive professionals who are committed to providing high quality individual care for all clients/patients attending for Breast Imaging.

This is a full-time post, however part-time and job share will be considered.

As an experienced and competent mammographer, you will understand the need for a caring and compassionate approach along with attention to detail. Working at the our base at Burnley General Teaching Hospital or in the community on the mobile screening van you will provide and maintain a high standard of mammography, work alongside Advanced Practitioners in interventional procedures assisting in core biopsies, VAB’s and localisations. Undertake daily, weekly and monthly quality control tests in line with the department’s quality assurance programme, and report any equipment malfunction or image deterioration promptly. As a radiographer looking to develop, you will need to demonstrate continual professional development and a willingness to undertake an academic PgCert at a recognised HEI.

You will be a hardworking, reliable, friendly committed individual with excellent communication skills. Able to work within a team, but also under own initiative. Need to have excellent concentration skills, attention to detail with the ability to empathise with and understand client/patient needs.

Main duties of the job

General/Clinical

• Perform all mammography examinations to the highest standard with precision and speed in line with the NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) guidelines, and ensure that the client/patient episode is documented and carried out in accordance with departmental protocol
• Use relevant knowledge, clinical experience and departmental protocols to select the appropriate mammographic projections and exposures to ensure optimum diagnostic imaging
• Evaluation of mammography images to assess diagnostic quality and adequacy
• Undertake vetting of mammography requests for symptomatic and family history patients, ensuring all imaging request provide sufficient and relevant clinical information for justification in accordance with IR(ME)R 2017

• Communicate with all referrers to ensure imaging requests are justifiable and the clinical information provided facilitates the appropriate imaging techniques being employed in accordance with IR(ME)R 2017
• To work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide the highest standards of patient care
• Ensure the screening examination is acceptable to clients by communicating effectively and demonstrating sensitivity and consideration at all stages of the process, ensuring that individuals are well prepared for the examinations they undergo, whilst gaining their willing co-operation.
• Communicate effectively with those patients/clients who do not have English as their first language

Working for our organisation

East Lancashire Breast Imaging Department is committed to providing high quality care for all clients/patients attending for Breast Imaging. Imaging is undertaken for East Lancashire Breast Screening and Symptomatic Services, delivered at the base unit and at the various sites in the community visited by the mobile breast screening unit. Our department has 1x Hologic Selenia Dimensions 3D Tomo, 2x Hologic Selenia Dimensions 2D, and 1x Fuji Amulet Innovality also tomo enabled. 3x Samsung RS85 Ultrasound machines. Our double ended mobile van is equipped with 2x Hologic Selenia Dimension .

Our staff are friendly, supportive and dedicated professionals who will make you feel very welcome. The service is committed to encouraging staff to widen their scope of practice, with continuous professional development actively encouraged and supported by expert clinical leads. The departmental staffing reflects the 4 tier structure, with staff working at all 4 practitioner levels .

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

General/Clinical

• Perform all mammography examinations to the highest standard with precision and speed in line with the NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) guidelines, and ensure that the client/patient episode is documented and carried out in accordance with departmental protocol
• Use relevant knowledge, clinical experience and departmental protocols to select the appropriate mammographic projections and exposures to ensure optimum diagnostic imaging
• Participate in the updating of procedures and protocols to reflect changes in practice
• Evaluation of mammography images to assess diagnostic quality and adequacy
• Adhere to departmental protocols and procedures including Ionising Radiation Regulations (2017) and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017
• Undertake vetting of mammography requests for symptomatic and family history patients, ensuring all imaging request provide sufficient and relevant clinical information for justification in accordance with IR(ME)R 2017
• Actively participate and be responsible for equipment quality control and safety checks as defined in the departmental quality control manual, documenting all test parameters and reporting any equipment faults and/or test results outside acceptable limits to the QA Radiographer, Operational Lead or Breast Imaging Manager, recording any action taken
• Undertake clinical duties in the service in accordance with the service staffing rota
• Perform assessment mammography and provide technical and clinical assistance in all mammographic interventional procedures
• Provide professional support, guidance and leadership to less experienced members of staff, including trainee mammography practitioners, assistant practitioners, mammography assistants and radiography students
• Be proficient in assisting clinicians during biopsy procedures using basic nursing techniques as required
• Ensure a high level of environmental quality is achieved by maintaining cleanliness and tidiness in all areas at all times whilst complying with infection control policies
• To be able to critically appraise quality standards of mammography to ensure a high quality diagnostic service (through regular self-assessment and peer review processes).

Communication

• Communicate with all referrers to ensure imaging requests are justifiable and the clinical information provided facilitates the appropriate imaging techniques being employed in accordance with IR(ME)R 2017
• To work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide the highest standards of patient care
• Ensure the screening examination is acceptable to clients by communicating effectively and demonstrating sensitivity and consideration at all stages of the process, ensuring that individuals are well prepared for the examinations they undergo, whilst gaining their willing co-operation.
• Encourage re-attendance for subsequent screening rounds by using interpersonal skills and offering support and advice, particularly to agitated and anxious clients
• Communicate effectively with those patients/clients who do not have English as their first language
• To continually participate in the promotion of the Breast Screening Service, breast awareness and general health promotion, empowering clients through support and education
• Provide the highest level of care and support to all users of the service, including relatives and carers
• Whilst not responsible for issuing “bad news” the post-holder must have the ability to communicate sensitively to patients whilst carrying out diagnostic tests in clinics where women are often anxious
• Ensure that any clinical abnormalities are reported back to the reporting consultant or advanced practitioner as per protocol, to assist in diagnosis.

Training & Development

• Undertake appropriate, documented Continuing Professional Development in accordance with the requirements of the HCPC.
• Participate in mandatory and other relevant Trust training
• Participate in role extension, and attending courses, conferences or meetings as deemed necessary
• Undertake regular Personal Development Review (PDR) with the relevant senior member of staff
• Be responsible for monitoring personal performance and Technical recall rate in accordance with NHSBSP mammographic standards
• Participate in the training of trainee Mammography Practitioners, Assistant Practitioners, Clinical Assistants and Student Radiographers in liaison with the formal mentor

Organisational Responsibilities

• To participate in service audit and presentation of associated findings to peer group
• Participate in service development initiatives
• Maintain an efficient workflow in all areas of the service at all times

Professional Responsibilities

• Ensure Professional Registration is renewed in appropriate timescale
• Maintain an awareness of current issues, views, research and policy changes in all professional and relevant health associated issues
• Adhere to the Society of Radiographers Professional Conduct Code
• Maintain patient/client confidentiality

Other Responsibilities

Post holders are expected to work flexibly within their pay band. They should be expected to carry out activities for which they are competent. Alternatively they may carry out the additional duties if they are receiving support or training in order to obtain the recognised level of competence.

Person specification Qualifications Essential criteria

• BSc (Hons) Radiography or DCR HPC Registered
• Personal indemnity insurance or membership of the Society of Radiographers

Desirable criteria

• Post graduate Certificate in Mammography (or equivalent) or willingness to study for the qualification.

Experience Essential criteria

• Post qualification radiography experience
• Evidence of continuing Professional Development

Desirable criteria

• Mammography experience in the Breast Screening Service or a Symptomatic Breast Service.

Knowledge Essential criteria

• Computer Literate
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Evidence of high standard of radiography
• Ability to work within a team
• Ability to work within a defined role.
• Good decision making skills.
• Effective advocate for patients
• Ability to empathise with the client/patient’s needs.
• Ability to work under pressure

Desirable criteria

• Awareness of current professional issues
• Knowledge of National Breast Screening Service.
• Knowledge/understanding of the principles of audit

Personal Attributes Essential criteria

• Good organisational skills
• Motivated and confident
• Ability to prioritise and work effectively under pressure

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