This is a specialist leadership & operational management position for a registered healthcare scientist or healthcare science practitioner in the field of diagnostic radiology, who will work closely with the senior staff, Medical Physics Experts & Radiation Protection Advisers in the team. You will be able to test and advise on a broad range of modalities within diagnostic radiology, drawing on highly developed specialist knowledge and experience, acting as an IRMER Operator. You will have significant associated radiation protection knowledge & experience. You will have developed management skills. You will be supported by a team and delegate aspects of the role while retaining oversight & responsibility.
We currently have 1 other individual with this job description, so aspects will be shared through collaboration. This will be good support for a new starter.
The successful applicant will join a team of ~33 scientists, technologists and administrators providing equipment quality assurance & scientific support to NHS radiology departments in the North West of England.
Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills are required. A current driving licence is essential as frequent travel is necessary in this role.
We welcome external applicants and would encourage you to get in touch if you would like to informally discuss your suitability for the post. For a discussion, please contact Will Mairs via email:
[email protected]
Interviews will be in person, in Manchester.
Lead and manage the healthcare science practitioners and develop the profession through training and promotion of advanced practice, seeking to expand the contribution of technologists to the service delivery.
Manage and ensure the quality of the DRRPS level B equipment testing and radiation safety service, in line with legislative requirements and national guidelines. Also, the level A customer QA support (the online QA platform, QA review, customer training).
To assess the safety and performance of X-ray imaging equipment, provide technical support, radiation protection and patient dosimetry advice to users of ionising radiations, in order to optimise the use of X-rays in diagnostic imaging and comply with regulatory requirements. Activities fall within the framework provided by a Medical Physics Expert or Radiation Protection Adviser.
Manage the assets for the group including cars, calibrations, maintenance contracts, personal dosimetry for DRRPS staff, the environmental monitoring service, radioactive sources, TLDs/reader/oven, phantoms, purchasing related consumables and test objects/tools.
Training oversight and delivery.
A sufficient mix of tasks will be provided to ensure retention of registration(s). Advancement to MPE level will be supported for a suitable candidate with appropriate knowledge, skills and experience as a development opportunity however advanced theoretical and practical knowledge is not required for this post.
We are the Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection Section of the Imaging Physics and Radiation Protection Group within CMPE, based at The Christie in Manchester.
We have a large, fast paced service with opportunities for service development in response to government strategies around imaging capacity, workforce growth, role advancement, uptake of digital tools and efficient/flexible teams. Due to the size of the regional service we have access to an extensive portfolio of equipment with a focus on diagnostic/interventional radiology. Continued professional development is essential and well supported.
Manchester is a hub for sport, music and culture as well as a friendly, vibrant city. The Christie is located 4 miles to the south of the City, in close proximity to Didsbury and Chorlton where there are many independent shops, restaurants and bars. There are a number of National Parks nearby and, for travelling further afield, Manchester International Airport (with flights to over 200 destinations) is minutes away while London is only 2 hours by train.
Some additional information about the group can be found at Diagnostic radiology and radiation protection (christie.nhs.uk)
SPECIFIC DUTIES/JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
1 Management
1.1 Line management for function: healthcare practitioners within the team, including allocation of work, performance, appraisals and any associated disciplinary (should it arise).
1.2 Work closely with senior managers to ensure satisfactory service provision at all times, planning for the future in line with Trust and team strategies.
1.3 Participate in and ensure staff are available for day-to-day survey related logistical or technical issues to provide real time solutions to staff in the field.
1.4 Take a share of DRRPS ‘duty management’ day to day (8am start time, on a rota).
1.5 Prioritise work and adjust routine work as necessary.
1.6 Lead on recruitment of technical staff. Participate in other recruitment as required.
1.7 Be responsible for the career development of technicians.
1.8 Oversee the supervision of less experienced physicists, technologists and any other staff seconded to the group who are assigned survey tasks.
1.9 Procure various resources in agreement with senior managers.
1.10 Be involved in developing and providing information for contracts as required.
1.11 Prep for (seeking input on content and delivery) and chair/lead the group ‘survey meeting’ and ‘diary review’.
1.12 Ensure suitable KPIs are in place and produced for reporting channels (Trust, customers).
1.13 Identify efficiency savings and suitable digital solutions for the service.
1.14 Interpret and implement policy/procedures in relation to this JD with guidance from senior staff or external reference points as required.
1.15 Act to ensure change is managed effectively in close collaboration with senior managers.
1.16 Manage (drawing in expertise when required) the assets for the group including cars, test tools, dosemeters, calibrations, maintenance contracts, the environmental monitoring service, TLDs/reader/oven, phantoms and radioactive sources (leak testing and audit) etc.
1.17 Investigate options for key purchases to meet group needs and draft a case for the section lead to approve. Purchase related consumables and test objects/tools (group leader holds budget responsibility).
1.18 Sign off team overtime claims.
1.19 Proactive customer liaison – gaining feedback to inform customer needs and expectations. Use feedback to inform development of service objectives and lead on monitoring and fulfilment of objectives.
1.20 Complaints handling
2 Equipment performance testing and radiation protection surveys
2.1 Be responsible for the organisation, delivery and quality of the planned and reactive equipment testing & radiation safety service, in line with national recommendations.
2.2 Oversee the booking of surveys, ensuring good liaison with appropriate staff in external departments. This will include oversight of internal staff with booking responsibilities.
2.3 Responsible for the inventory data accuracy (likely to be on ‘EQUIP’ platform), the quality of work instructions/test workbooks/templates & timeliness of reports etc. This includes holding others in the team to account when they have been delegated tasks.
2.4 Work with the senior staff to plan for new/novel equipment such that we are prepared to undertake commissioning when it arrives.
2.5 Regularly undertake equipment performance and radiation protection surveys (with greater involvement in more complex testing and training surveys), alone or with a colleague, following clearly defined operating procedures, at customers’ premises to ensure compliance with the regulations (IRR & IRMER) and in line with our ISO9001:2015 quality management system. This will involve accurate positioning and methodical use of dosemeters & test objects. This includes:
1. Critical exams
2. Commissioning new equipment
3. Routine quality control on existing installations.
4. Investigation of faults on existing installations.
5. Calibration of patient dose measuring equipment.
6. Checking the radiation protection of the installation.
2.6 Analyse the results of equipment performance measurements and draw conclusions based on national guidelines and own experience.
2.7 Write accurate reports for the Radiation Protection Adviser / Medical Physics Expert and radiology staff detailing the findings and recommending any action required in line with group Key Performance Indicator expectations.
2.8 Maintain accurate records using Excel and Access, e.g. results from testing, details of equipment.
2.9 Provide advice on and demonstrate level A QC testing, review results and report findings.
2.10 The safe use of expensive and highly complex imaging equipment and associated test instruments
3 Research and Development
3.1 Research is a secondary aspect of the role i.e. not regular. Service development is regular.
3.2 Keep abreast of current developments in the field that may be applicable to how we deliver our equipment and radiation protection service.
3.3 Work closely with physicists to undertake and manage service developments and projects. This can be operational and/or scientific/technical.
3.4 Lead on key projects related to service development.
3.5 Present work at appropriate meetings (both internal and external).
3.6 Promote original work in collaboration with scientific colleagues e.g. presentations, poster presentations, journals.
4 Health and Safety.
4.1 Responsible for ensuring Health and Safety requirements are in place and enacted, relating to the tasks required to uphold this JD. For example, the lone working policy, driving safety, radiation risk assessments etc.
4.2 Ensure that relevant risk assessments are reviewed in a timely fashion.
4.3 Strong working knowledge of IRR and IRMER legislation and guidance.
4.4 Ensure provision of personal dosimetry for DRRPS staff, record keeping and ongoing monitoring of doses received.
4.5 Ensure suitable Radiation Protection Supervisors are appointed to supervise the work within the service/department and report into the Trust Radiation Protection Committee.
4.6 Long periods of digital display screen use but freedom to take breaks and move around as necessary.
5 Quality system
5.1 Active role in the Group’s ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System & at Management Review Meetings. Responsible for ensuring appropriate processes are in place and enacted to uphold this JD.
5.2 Undertake internal audits.
5.3 Lead on and work closely with senior managers to ensure a satisfactory outcome of any service non-conformities, risks or opportunities.
5.4 Work closely with modality leads to write, revise and review work instructions for survey work, taking responsibility for ensuring these are in place.
5.5 Work closely with senior managers to develop group policies and procedures.
6 Training
6.1 Responsible for the DRRPS technologist training schemes delivery, supervision and management.
6.2 Ensure the training of technicians and physicists, to undertake equipment performance evaluation, is planned, delivered, documented and reviewed, in collaboration with modality lead scientists (MPEs) where appropriate.
6.3 Ensure the group is accredited as a training centre, undertaking or delegating roles required for this e.g. IPEM Training Supervisor contributions.
6.4 Training requirements are not necessarily grade specific and therefore the role extends to physicists and technicians at any grade.
6.5 Deliver presentations and training as appropriate for the group and our customers.
7 Professional
7.1 Hold and maintain registration as a Healthcare Science Practitioner and/or Clinical Scientist.
7.2 Set high expectations and coach/support staff to meet them.
7.3 Undertake continuous professional development in accordance with professional and regulatory requirements. Contribute to and promote the work of our professional bodies as appropriate.
7.4 Develop oneself through self-directed learning (science and leadership) and through taking direction from line management.
7.5 Undertake training identified by the Trust or line manager.
7.6 Follow the appropriate key work instructions, risk assessments and systems of work and ensure direct supervision of those you are responsible for until they are competent.
7.7 You will be trained as a Radiation Protection Supervisor to supervise your own independent working.
7.8 Work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and foster good customer relations.
7.9 Demonstrates the agreed set of values and accountable for own attitude and behaviour.
7.10 Frequent requirement for concentration for long periods (with interruptions). Dealing with multiple workstreams simultaneously.
7.11 Communicate complex technical and/or sensitive information using persuasion and motivation skills.
7.12 Work within the RPA Body framework as appropriate.
NOTE
This job description indicates the duties and responsibilities that are appropriate to meet the present needs of the service. Since from time to time these needs may change it is necessary to recognise that the post holder must be willing to undertake other and/or different duties that may, after discussion, be assigned by the Director.
