Radiology Department Assistant (Ultrasound)

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust; Harrogate; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent NHS Trust facility in Harrogate is looking for a Radiology Department Assistant (Ultrasound). The role involves supporting patients during examinations, assisting imaging staff, and mentoring junior assistants. Candidates should possess NVQ level 3 in acute care, along with strong communication and empathy skills. This position offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic healthcare environment with a focus on compassionate care.

Benefits

Development opportunities

Flexible working

Focus on wellbeing

Qualifications

• Minimum NVQ level 3 in acute care or equivalent experience is required.
• Experience of working in challenging situations is essential.
• NHS experience as a healthcare support worker is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support patients during ultrasound examinations and assist other imaging assistants.
• Communicate effectively with patients and transport them to relevant departments.
• Prepare ultrasound rooms and assist Sonographers during scanning.

Skills

Ability to work under pressure

Mentoring skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Education

NVQ level 3 in acute care or equivalent experience

The Care Certificate

Basic literacy and numeracy skills

The Higher Development Award

Job description

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

Radiology Department Assistant (Ultrasound)

The closing date is 30 December 2025

To support patients during ultrasound examinations, and to assist the other imaging assistants with preparing patients and carrying out these examinations. To act as a mentor and role model to junior RDAs; being a point of contact for advice and guidance. To be proactive in your work assisting radiology staff with the view that the patients needs come first. To book patients for ultrasound examinations into the relevant ultrasound room diaries as required and to provide training into how to do this for junior RDAs. This is a rotational role through obstetric and non-obstict ultrasound.

Main duties of the job

To provide an effective Radiology service to PAH Trust, within departmental protocols. To communicate effectively with patients, relatives, peers, clinicians, and other staff throughout the organisation. To maintain the principles of patient confidentiality at all times. To work as part of a team. To work with minimal supervision. To support radiology staff and supervise junior RDAs. To plan and prioritise own workload. To work flexibly to cover evening and weekend sessions within contracted hours. To be pro‑active in own self‑development. To use computerised and manual methods to update patient records for each examination. To attend all mandatory training. To report incidents and/or potential accidents within the department, in line with Trust policy. To care for patients within the Radiology department in terms of their immediate physical and emotional requirements. To develop an astute understanding of patient preparation requirements prior and during examinations. Ensure all rooms are cleaned and stocked 7‑days a week.

About us

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high‑quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme that’s changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined‑up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. This means we’re working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. We’re a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Job responsibilities

• To check stock levels as part of the departmental weekly stock checks, document this and report low stock levels to the relevant senior manager
• To communicate with a broad range of patients prior to examination. This may include patients whose first language is not English or those who have difficulty understanding due to their medical condition
• To be able to deal with many, often conflicting, demands on attention at the same time, while remaining focused on current task
• To understand and comply with legislative obligation, including Data Protection Act, Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH, local radiation rules, departmental and Trust policies
• To carry out other duties as requested by any member of the senior management team
• To undergo an annual performance appraisal and review, whereby future objectives are identified and actioned
• To always present a professional front while on duty and be an ambassador for the profession and the department
• Coordinate the arrival and departure of patients to and from the relevant departments
• To assist in the manual handling of patients moving to and from the scanning rooms, in line with trust manual handling policies
• To train and mentor junior staff.
• To be able to prepare the ultrasound room and equipment for all various types of ultrasound scans, ensuring all equipment is cleaned appropriately between each patient.
• To act as a chaperone for patients as required.
• To prepare trolleys for ultrasound procedures using the aseptic technique.
• Support and assist Sonographers and Radiologists during scanning.
• To liaise with ward staff and porters to facilitate workflow
• To collect patients and prepare them for their examination
• To scan any relevant paperwork to the Radiology IT systems
• To manage inpatient orders on CRIS and contact relevant teams regarding patient details
• To be aware of risks related to communicable diseases and procedures for barrier nursed /reverse barrier nursed patients
• To rotate between all sites within PAHT
• To organise inpatient scans according to staff skill mix/availability
• To aid in the personal care of patients
• To aid Sonographers and Radiologists in Ultrasound guided injection lists
• To liaise with patient transport
• To support staff in emergency situations
• Empathetic support required when assisting patients with unexpected scan findings, particularly in the obstetric department. Approaching the sonographer or line manager is encouraged if any emotional support is needed after distressing situations

This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Such changes will be made after discussion between the post holder and the manager. All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure.

Qualifications

• NVQ level 3 in acute care or equivalent experience
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills
• The Care Certificate
• The Higher Development Award

Experience

• Experience with difficult and challenging situations
• Ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision
• NHS experience as healthcare support worker
• Experience with mentoring and training
• Experience working in ultrasound

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust