We have an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and motivated Band 6 Senior Radiographer to join The Imaging Department at Harefield Hospital, part of Guy's and St Thomas' Foundation Trust.
The post holder will be required to rotate through General x-ray, Fluoroscopy, Theatre, CT and the Catheter Labatories. Participating in the delivery of a 24/7 service, wherein radiographers are contracted to work out of hours shifts at night, on weekends and bank holidays.
We invite applications from those who have previous CT or Catheter Laboratories experience, as well as those who are looking for a new and exciting opportunity to begin training and gain further knowledge in these modalities within a specialist Cardio-thoracic centre.
The post holder will be required to work in the Imaging Department and participate in the provision of a 24-hr service in accordance with the procedures laid down by the Head of Department.
They will provide a specialist, high quality cardio-thoracic service in order to assist in patient diagnosis and treatment.
They will have the ability to cope effectively in a rapidly changing environment.
They will be trained in defibrillation and intermediate life support.
They will be able to use PC based software.
They will possess excellent communication and inter-personal skills, reflecting a professional attitude at all times.
Harefield Hospital, part of Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS trust is a world-renowned specialist centre for heart and lung care. Famous for pioneering organ transplants and housing one of Europe's largest dedicated heart attack centre. The hospital has 168 beds, more than 1,300 staff, five operating theatres and four catheter laboratories.
The Four catheter laboratories have dedicated angiography equipment, a Toshiba Infinix, Siemens Q.zen, Philips Allura ( about to be replaced with a Philips Azurion) and a Philips Allura FD10/10 Bi-plane. Work in the department mainly relates to cardiothoracic imaging.
Plain Film general work is also undertaken using a Philips DR unit and a Philips fluoroscopy room. Mobile x-ray units for use in the intensive care, recovery units and other wards. There is a mobile image intensifier mainly used for thoracic theatre cases.
There are 2 GE CT scanners, and 2 Siemens MRI scanners, an ultrasound and nuclear medicine service and a Dexa Scanner.
The Imaging Department at Harefield Hospital is comprised of a team of Radiographers, Imaging Support Staff, Admin Staff and Radiologists.
As well as working within the Imaging Department, Radiographers rotate through the Catheter Laboratories working in the larger multidisciplinary workforce. At our dedicated heart attack centre, we deal with heart attack emergencies from outer north-west London and further afield, providing primary angioplasty in our specialist catheter laboratories which operate 24/7.
Communication
Give reassurance to patients undergoing examinations, explaining where necessary what is involved.
To communicate complex and sensitive information to patients, overcoming any barriers to understanding.
Be able to work as part of a team.
Being able if required to advise physicians during procedures, of best imaging and positioning.
Give verbal advice to physicians of urgent clinical findings e.g. pneumothorax, especially during out of hours when a Radiologist is not available.
Communicate with other health professionals to clarify and justify imaging request.
Patient/customer care (both direct and indirect)
To act as an Operator under IR(ME)R , undertaking radiographic examinations having first assessed the clinical requirements and sought any guidance required.
To observe and be responsible to ensure radiation protection is adhered to by all staff and visitors in all areas of work, in accordance with IR(ME)R and local radiation policies. And to keep updated with any changes relating to these policies.
To set and maintain standards of appearance and professional attitude at all times.
To maintained high standards of patient care and ensure best practices are implemented and maintained.
To work effectively as a team member.
To show initiative.
Be accountable for own professional actions.
Be able to check plain films, know when further imaging is required,
To participate in the workload and monitor work being performed in the X-ray room or on wards as assigned on rota. Assisting junior staff when necessary.
Be trained to proficiently level in the use of the angiography and CT equipment.
Be able and prepared to work anywhere, according to training, within the imaging Department as required to ensure smooth running of Department.
Be competent in the use of all x-ray equipment, being capable of manoeuvring and positioning heavy X-ray and other equipment as necessary.
To have dexterity, co-ordination and sensory skills for positioning C-arm angiography equipment under pressure.
Have an understanding of catheters, stents and other such items used during angiographic procedures.
Understand potential difficulties and risks of administration of contrast medium. In CT be able to fill, connect, and operate injector pumps.
Know how and when to call for assistance in the event of emergency. Be trained and able to assist in emergency patient care, including resuscitation.
Ensure X-ray rooms are clean and tidy and maintain a clean working environment including prompt cleaning up of bodily fluid spillages. Understand and deal with infectious materials in accordance with hospital policy. To be vigilant in hand washing procedures.
To observe all aspects of the HASAW act, COSHH, Health and Safety and all other trust and Departmental polices and know where to locate them.
Be able to work competently, single handily during out of hours duties
To participate in the out of hours duty rota ,covering a 24 hr service 7 days a week
EMOTIONAL EFFORT: There will be occasional exposure to distressing situations. Most procedures go well, but problems can arise and develop into emergency life and death situations extremely quickly. This can make for a very unpredictable work pattern.
Policy & Service development
To be up to date on all relevant Trust Policies and Procedures and to follow/implement advice
To train new members of staff in the Departmental protocols and Standard Operating Procedures.
Participate in Departmental audit and clinical research.
Information management
Be able to use all forms of data recording and restoration e.g. Epic,PACS,IEP
Produce and maintain accurate written and computerised patient records.
Maintain the confidentiality of patient information in accordance with Data Protection act.
To use computerised Quantitative Coronary and Ventricular Analysis to advise the Cardiologist on size of balloon, stent and choice of catheter to be used during procedures.
Other duties
Attend mandatory training and take part in in-house training and other such courses of instruction as may be arranged.
To maintain and develop an interest in future Radiography and in allied imaging techniques for post registration education, by keeping abreast of new techniques and actively participating in a programme of continuing professional development.
To abide by the Trust’s core behaviours for staff and all other Trust Policies including standing financial instructions, research governance, codes and practices and health and safety policies.
This job description is intended as a basic guide to the scope and responsibilities of the post and is not exhaustive. It will be subject to regular review and amendment as necessary in consultation with the post holder.
