An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Radiology Directorate for a Consultant Radiologist join our highly functional, accomplished, and friendly team.
The Radiology Directorate offers a full range of diagnostic investigations over a number of sites (2 acute and 5 community).
The Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital is part of the PFI hospital. Radiology comprises 6 general rooms, 1 fluoroscopy room, 1 multipurpose interventional suite, 4 CT scanners (Canon 640 slice, Siemens 128 slice and 2 x 80 detector row Toshiba systems), 2 MRI scanners (Siemens Sola 1.5T) and a 3 room ultrasound suite. A further 5 ultrasound rooms are situated adjacent to antenatal and include Siemens and Canon machines. The angiography suite is within the theatre complex.
Our Nuclear Medicine Department has 2 Siemens SPECT enabled Gamma Cameras.
Burnley General Teaching Hospital primarily supports out-patients and GP patients. Radiology has a single CT, two MRI systems, five general rooms, a single digital fluoroscopy room, a DEXA scanner and 2 ultrasound rooms. Further ultrasound equipment is located within the Lancashire Women and Newborn Centre.
Both screening and symptomatic breast imaging services are provided for the women of East Lancashire from a dedicated Breast Imaging Unit on the Burnley General Teaching Hospital premises and a mobile screening unit.
The service also has a mobile MRI scanner (Philips Ingenia Evolution 1.5T).
We are seeking to appoint a capable and forward-thinking doctor to replace a radiologist who is moving out of the region. This is a consultant post so the applicant must have their name on the GMC specialist register.
The post requires a high level of competency in breast diagnostic imaging, breast ultrasound including percutaneous interventional breast and axillary procedures.
The department provides a full range of diagnostic and interventional breast imaging services inclusive of vacuum assisted biopsy excision techniques and NHSBSP very high-risk screening with MRI plus or minus mammography.
The breast service is fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment including 4 full field digital mammography sets, 2 with stereotactic, tomosynthesis and contrast enhanced mammography capability. Dedicated breast ultrasound equipment, vacuum biopsy equipment and dedicated breast MRI for very high-risk screening and symptomatic breast imaging.
The Department provides symptomatic services for 5 Oncoplastic Breast Surgeons with 5 double dedicated one stop clinics per week. ELHT also host the East Lancashire Breast Screening Service providing routine screening for an eligible screening population of 75,000 across East Lancashire.
There are currently 32 Consultant Radiologists working at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (29.8 WTE) with approximately 313 radiographic and support staff. Each modality has a Lead Radiographer overseeing operational management and service development.
Secretarial support is provided within the department however, we have developed an electronic paperless department with digital dictation, voice recognition and electronic distribution of results. We have a single, central booked appointment system across all sites.
Day to day management of the service is supported by the Radiology Directorate Manager and Radiology Operations Manager.
There is an active skill mix programme within the Directorate with Radiographers participating in x-ray reporting (Chest, Abdomen & MSK), CT, MRI, Breast and Nuclear Medicine reporting.
Both hospital sites are training departments for student radiographers. There are close teaching links with the University of Cumbria and the University of Salford.
The Radiology Directorate is headed by the Clinical Director. The Directorate resides within the Division of Diagnostics and Clinical Support which includes Pathology, Pharmacy, Therapies. The Division is supported with dedicated Human Resources, Finance and Governance colleagues.
Required Competencies
- Independent clinical breast examination
- Independent breast symptomatic mammographic interpretation including formulation of a radiology report
- Independent breast symptomatic breast ultrasound examination including image interpretation and formulation of a radiology report
- Independent percutaneous breast procedures under ultrasound guidance to include cyst aspiration, abscess or seroma drainage, FNA, core biopsy, vacuum assisted core biopsy and localisation wire insertion
- Independent decision making as to whether a percutaneous biopsy is needed in evaluating a potential breast abnormality
- Independent ultrasound examination and image interpretation of the axilla as part of breast cancer staging including formulation of a radiology report
- Independent percutaneous procedures of the axilla under ultrasound guidance to include cyst aspiration, seroma drainage, lymph node FNA or core biopsy
- Manage effectively a complex clinical workload including breast localisation procedures, one stop symptomatic breast clinics, symptomatic ultrasound lists and symptomatic mammogram reporting
- Deliver bad news to patients and their relatives, when required, in a kind, caring and professional manner
- Deal with highly complex and sensitive information which requires the highest level of communication skills
- Use of excellent decision-making skills to ensure patient outcomes are optimised
- Ensure patient confidentiality is maintained and that the Data Protection Act is always observed
- Independently report a wide range of general and oncological CTs and MRIs
- Be able to run a busy on call independently on weekends and evenings
- Have extensive experience running an acute CT and MRI list
- Independently perform a general ultrasound list
A sample 10 PA job plan subject to discussion with the clinical director would include:
- 5 sessions in the breast unit
- 2 session acute CT/MRI reporting
- 1 general ultrasound session
- 1.25 core SPA session for continuous professional development, governance quality improvement, service development and departmental activities
- 0.75 session free in lieu for on-call.
- 0.25 core SPA session for ad hoc departmental meetings **replaces other activity**
A job plan will be agreed between the appointee and the Clinical Director. and will be reviewed through discussion with the clinical director within the first 3 months and annually thereafter.
As a senior employee of the Trust the candidate will work in close co-operation with clinical staff and other medical professionals and managerial colleagues in providing high quality health care to the Trust's patients. Integral to these responsibilities is:
The provision of a first-class service
Effective leadership to all staff engaged in the specialty
Sustaining and developing teaching and research
Undertaking all work in accordance with Trust procedures and operating policies
Conducting clinical practice in accordance with Trust procedures and operating policies
