Therapeutic Radiographer

Job summary

Do you want to start your careerin a small patient focused, forward thinking department? If the answer is yes,then we are the department for you.

As a newly qualified radiographeryou will be supported in your transition from a student to an autonomous memberof the team via our preceptorship program.

As a band 5 Radiographer you willrotate through both the treatment and pre-treatment areas, gaining experience onElekta linacs using both CBCT and MV imaging as well as the opportunity todeliver superficial treatment on our Gulmay unit. You will also rotate into thepre-treatment area where you will participate in the localization of patients usinga Toshiba (cannon) Wide Bore Scanner and carry out radiographer led Vsim usingRaystation.

We are based in anew bespoke purpose built building on the Worcestershire Royal Hospital site,with beautiful views of the Malvern Hills and the Cotswolds. Worcester is athriving city on the banks of the river Severn, close to areas of outstandingnatural beauty. We have close links to the M5; Birmingham, Cheltenham andBristol are all within easy reach.

We are a friendly team ofapproximately 35 radiographers. We strive to ensure that all patients aretreated in a supportive and calming environment. As a result, we offerexcellent facilities for patients including Radiographer led clinics as well assite specialist radiographers.

We provide placements forundergraduate students from Birmingham City University.

Main duties of the job

Towork as part of a Radiography team under the supervision of SeniorRadiographers in the planning and delivery of radiotherapy treatment usinghighly specialist equipment. Providing information, education, practical andemotional support to patients and carers during their radiotherapy episode.

Thedepartment provides clinical placements for student radiographers and thepostholder will be expected to participate fully in the training and mentoringof students.

About us

Our purpose is simple - Putting Patients First. We are looking for exceptional colleagues who can help us achieve this.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is a large acute and specialised hospital trust that provides a range of local acute services to the residents of Worcestershire and more specialised services to a larger population in Herefordshire and beyond.

The Trust operates hospital-based services from three sites in Kidderminster, Redditch and Worcester

Our workforce is nearly 6,800 strong, and our caring staff are recognised as providing good and outstanding patient-centred care. You could be one of them.

We are committed to recruiting the best people to work with us to achieve our Vision - working in partnership to provide the best healthcare for our communities, leading and supporting our teams to move 4ward. Our 4ward behaviours, which we ask all staff to demonstrate, underpin our everyday work and remain firmly at the heart of all we do.

Our objectives are simple:

Best services for local people Best experience of care and best outcomes for our patients Best use of resources Best people

Better never stops, and our Clinical Services Strategy provides a clear future vision for our Trust, our hospitals, our services and our role in the wider health and care system.

We are proud to have achieved Timewise accreditation - this means we are committed to embedding flexible working within our organisation as a flex positive employer.

Job description

Job responsibilities

KeyDuties and Responsibilities:

Operate radiotherapy equipment safelyand accurately interpreting and applying radiation prescription plans.

Be clinically competent to safely andefficiently manipulate all complex and specialised equipment associated withthe planning and treatment of patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment withionising radiation.

Work in on a rotational basis throughboth the pre-treatment and treatment areas of the department.

Technical

Accurately interpret complex treatmentplans and prescriptions

Undertake verification processesevaluating the accuracy of treatment using portal imaging or CBCT.

Undertake in-vivo dosimetry measurementsfor patients receiving external beam treatment.

Calculate, data input and electronicallycheck radiotherapy plans and prescriptions.

Use department computerised patientmanagement systems to schedule, record and monitor patient activity.

Undertake appropriate treatment unitquality assurance checks reporting any faults or errors in line withdepartmental / Trust policies.

Undertake treatment planning activitiesincluding use of CT scanner and Raystation to produce virtual simulation plans.

Patient Care

Monitor patients medical condition andprogress during treatment recording and reporting any significant changes tothe appropriate consultant or Macmillan Review Radiographer

Participate in planning and delivering asupportive care package for patients undergoing radiotherapy offeringappropriate advice and making onward referrals where necessary.

General

Take individual professionalresponsibility for the accurate delivery of treatment to radiotherapy patientsensuring that the requirements of all ionising radiation regulations areadhered to.

Assist in the daily workload of thedepartment, liaising with portering service, administration staff and othermembers of the MDT to facilitate the co-ordination of patient appointments.

Maintain the professional standards ofthe department, making suggestions for possible service developments.

Provide direct supervision and trainingof undergraduate students and less experienced staff enabling theirprofessional development.

Undertake training / updates required tooperate equipment safely effectively and to maximise its therapeutic /diagnostic potential.

Take responsibility for personal ContinuingProfessional Development activities including Trust mandatory training, sharingknowledge and cascade training where appropriate.

Move patients and heavy equipment usingsafe and approved techniques and aids, updating Manual Handling trainingannually in line with Trust policy.

To ensure professional appearance and ahigh standard of hygiene is maintained at all times in compliance with thetrusts uniform policy.

Communication

Ensure that any records relating to theplanning, treatment and care of patient are accurately recorded and maintainedas per departmental / trust policy

Seek appropriate support and guidanceregarding any concerns related to the accuracy of a treatment.

Report any malfunctions / breakdown ofequipment to the appropriately.

Communicate and receive sensitiveinformation, maintaining patient confidentiality at all times

Communicate with Cancer patients andtheir carers in a sensitive and reassuring manner in order to ensure that eachpatient understands the treatment of procedure for which they are undergoing.

ClinicalGovernance

Be responsible and accountable for ownactions in accordance with the HCPC Radiographers Professional Code of Conduct

Work within the standards andrequirements of Quality Management System and contribute to the development,implementation and audit of radiotherapy quality procedures and workinstructions.

To understand and comply withprofessional, statutory and trust policies and procedures ( SCOR Code ofProfessional conduct)

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

BSc (or working towards) in Radiotherapy or equivalent

Experience

Essential

Experience (either post grad or undergraduate)of using modern Radiotherapy equipment and verification systems including CBCT

Desirable

Previous experience / training on Elekta Linacs or Mosaiq

Personal Qualities

Essential

Caring and empathetic Works well as part of a team

Knowledge and skills

Essential

Knowledge of a wide range of current Radiotherapy techniques and associated requirements for patient care Awareness of IR(ME)R regulations and their implication for Radiotherapy practice Able to communicate complex or sensitive information in a manner which aids understanding and compliance (verbal and written) Able to work under pressure

Desirable

Knowledge of new developments in Radiotherapy treatment and the cancer agenda

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