Consultant Radiographer in Breast Imaging

Job summary

The post holder will provideinterpretation of, and reporting of all mammographic and ultrasound imaging of the breast and axilla in breast clinic and act as an independent film reader.

The post holder will also be responsible for aspiration and breast lesion localizations, needle core biopsies and vacuum assisted procedures under x-ray and ultrasound guidance. They will fulfil the quality standards required by the National Health Breast Screening Programme [NHSBSP] and confirm this by undertaking audit and clinical governance activities.

The post holder will be required to lead, supervise, mentor and develop other team members, providing a model of expert practice in terms of knowledge and experience and use clinical research as a basis to extend the scope of practice within the unit. They will act as a source of expert professional advice to medical consultants, other professionals, multi-disciplinary groups, patients and their carers.

They will be required to provide cover for some of the Breast Radiologists' duties when they are unavailable in order to ensure the continuity of the service.

Main duties of the job

The Consultant Radiographer in Breast Imaging will practice at a consultant level providing specialist expert care for patients and having a high degree of autonomy.

Provide expert clinical practice

Clinical leadership, Education and Research

Have good communication and working relationships

About us

At North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust our main priority is, and always be, to provide safe and high quality care to our patients every day; the kind of care we would want for ourselves and our loved want our organisation to be the best place to work with the right staff, in the right roles, at the right time, to ensure we deliver exceptional patient care and experience.

We will support staff through providing an inclusive and supportive workplace with health and well-being initiatives, staff benefits and opportunities for personal and professional development. Staff recognition is very important to us; as well as performance reviews and appraisals, we recognise staff through Star and Team of the month, colleague recognition - a note of thanks, Managers Awards, Shining Stars and Service actively encourage staff involvement with staff networking events and staff survey.

"Together we are North Tees & Hartlepool"

Job description

Job responsibilities

The following duties are specific skills required in relation to Consultant Radiographer in Breast Imaging status. All the skills will be applicable to working within the NHSBSP and the symptomatic service.

The Consultant Radiographer in Breast imaging will practice at a consultant level providing specialist expert care for patients and having a high degree of autonomy.

To report including description of image, suggested diagnosis and advice recommending further actions for patient.

Work as an unsupervised clinical practitioner exercising a high degree of personal and professional autonomy, acting and demonstrating advanced clinical competence, decision making and a knowledge base beyond those associated with conventional radiographer roles. The post holder should have the skills, ability and confidence to be the only person with these skills in the Unit when the Consultant Radiologists are unavailable

To accurately complete the client/patient documentation required during diagnostic work and following invasive procedures

To assist in the provision of one-stop clinics for patients on a regular basis working alongside consultant surgeons. This involves advising and reporting of required mammography and undertaking and reporting of ultrasound scans during the clinic for patients who are likely to be highly anxious about a possible diagnosis of cancer

To undertake assessment of women recalled under the NHSBSP according to all guidance and quality standards required by that Programme. This will involve concurrent use of all mammographic interpretation, ultrasound investigation and invasive biopsy skills in conjunction with excellent abilities in patient communication and support

To competently and independently perform interventional procedures such as local anaesthesia administration, skin incisions, ultrasound guided core biopsies and cyst aspirations, stereotactic core biopsies and vacuum assisted biopsies and ensure adequate haemostasis.

To handle any x-ray breast tissue specimens during core biopsies [whilst patient is still in position] as well as surgical biopsy specimens, which are brought to unit for imaging whilst patient is still under general anaesthetic in theatre

To perform ultrasound examinations of the breast and axillae and simultaneously undertake biopsies. As lesions may be only several millimetres in size, a high level of manual dexterity and hand-eye co-ordination is required to ensure accurate sampling.

Directing the use of specialized mammographic equipment being able to retrieve tiny tissue samples for micro-calcification seen in the breast under local anaesthesia and small skin incisions. After removal, being able to accurately place a small marker clip at the same site in case surgery is required following biopsy results.

Ultrasound guided /stereotactic guided localizations including; wire guided and Iodine seed, along with other new localisation methods as they develop. Using ultrasound or mammography equipment to visualize the site of the tumour /area to be surgically removed and, under local anaesthesia, place the localiser exactly at this site, which may be only several millimetres in size

Regular attendance and participation at the weekly breast MDM To participate in the unit interval cancer

To audit ones own mammography reporting paying attention to specificity and sensitivity

To be able to discuss the patients clinical history and present symptoms and able to deal with difficult questions from patients in particular regarding the results of the examinations and further actions To be able to positively respond to unpredictable work patterns and frequent interruptions

Contribute and assist with the strategic and operational development of the imaging service, working closely with internal and external agencies on complex and diverse issues

Have direct management of patient care within the triple assessment team. Judge whether the results of the diagnostic imaging are concordant with the presented pathological findings, and decide on further imaging and biopsy when appropriate. Be an effective member of the multidisciplinary team and be responsible for and help to advise the correct treatment and management pathway

Manage a caseload of mammography reporting, ultrasound scanning, image guided biopsy and localisation procedures, audit and research and other advanced practice duties

Demonstrate commitment to IWL principles and flexible working patterns, to meet the needs of the service and staff

Tackle discrimination and harassment, and promote equality and diversity in the workplace

Reduce sickness absence; work place accidents; and promote zero tolerance on violence against staff

Take responsibility for personal development and education and the development of a Personal Development Plan.

Carry out regular appraisals for staff, ensuring business goals are clearly communicated and linked to objectives

Review training and development of all staff, so all staff have a personal development plan, and support staff in reaching their full potential as identified through the appraisal process

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

DCR, BSc Radiography or Equivalent Qualification in 3 advanced practice disciplines; Image Interpretation, Interventional Procedures and Ultrasound of the Breast Full Masters level qualification in Mammography. Candidates working towards masters will be considered for shortlisting Evidence of Continuing Professional Development Clinical Registration with the HCPC

Desirable

Specialist training working towards or having achieved Doctoral Level Qualification Qualification in clinical examination of the Breast Advanced communication skills. Post graduate qualification in Mammography Post graduate courses / qualifications in management / leadership Post graduate teaching qualification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

Significant Mammography experience at Advanced Practitioner level Evidence of a least 12 months autonomous practice post qualification in 3 advanced practice disciplines in Breast. Image interpretation, Interventional Procedures and Breast Ultrasound. Candidates with more than 6 months experience will be considered for shortlisting. Significant experience of patient review and assessment, including history taking and clinical examination Experience of working with clinicians and securing their engagement Evidence of participation in quality improvement/audit Formal or informal teaching experience (with demonstrable feedback) to postgraduate audience.

Desirable

Significant experience of working within Mammography and the NHSBSP Experience of successfully leading a team through change Experience of research and publication / presentation of results Comprehensive understanding of national issues that will influence practice

Skills

Essential

Good word processing, spreadsheet & database skills (Word, Excel & Access). Able to use data and information to underpin decision-making. Excellent communication skills: Interpretation, analytical, presentation, report writing and verbal Accountability for own professional actions Ability to work on their own initiative, prioritise and manage own workload and as part of a team. Ability to resolve difficult situations, by negotiation and being sympathetic to others Well-developed problem solving skills and a flexible approach to developing solutions Able to develop relationships working with different professional groups and across organisational boundaries. Including experience of working with clinicians and securing their engagement Team skills: evidence of delivering within a team environment. Negotiation, motivational and influencing skills Sound understanding of the complexities of an acute hospital.

Desirable

Able to contribute in a technological environment Understanding of Research Governance

Personal qualities

Essential

Have a flexible approach to work to suit departmental needs Highly motivated, enthusiastic, imaginative and resourceful individual with determination to succeed Professional, competent attitude Able to remain calm under pressure Well-presented and friendly

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