Specialist Radiographer

South Tees; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Band 6 radiographer for the Cardiac Catheter Laboratory. The post requires delivering expert radiological support during invasive cardiac procedures, with emphasis on rapid image acquisition and radiation safety.

A multidisciplinary team environment is integral to daily activities within University Hospitals Tees.

Qualifications

• Diploma or BSc Radiography qualification and HCPC registration.
• Immediate Life Support qualification is required.
• Knowledge of IRMER protocols and radiation safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Carry out clinical duties during cardiac invasive procedures.
• Position patients and equipment; acquire and archive radiographic images.
• Advise on equipment selection (catheters) to facilitate procedures.
• Maintain radiation protection and minimise dose to patient and staff.
• Train and supervise junior colleagues as needed.

Skills

Vascular radiology

IRMER compliance

Fluoroscopy

Patient care

Education

Dip College of Radiographers / BSc Radiography

HCPC registration

Immediate Life Support

Job description

Using knowledge and competences demonstrated since qualification and as a Band 6 radiographer in the Cardiac Catheter Laboratory, carry out all clinical duties required during cardiac invasive procedures providing specialist radiological clinical technical services.

Working within a multidisciplinary, sterile environment, with highly sophisticated, specialised equipment, the responsibilities of the post holder include patient care, patient and equipment positioning, acquisition, manipulation and archive/hardcopy of radiographic images. As both diagnostic and interventional examinations require the introduction of catheters and guide wires into the heart and its major arterial or venous system, it is essential that the procedure is performed quickly and that all images produced demonstrate the required anatomy in a rapid and efficient sequence of projections.

The procedures involve the use of a wide range of expensive, sterile consumables and a detailed knowledge of these is required. The radiographer is expected to provide advice to the Specialist Registrars on appropriate equipment selection i.e. catheters, which will facilitate the procedure.

Cardiac angiography procedures are high radiation dose examinations, and the radiographer is a highly trained expert in radiation protection. Minimising radiation dose to the patient, operator and other staff present during the procedure is a critical responsibility of the post.

Main duties of the job

A Cardiac radiographer role is a highly specialised role whereby well-developed interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the multi-disciplinary team is essential.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to remain calm under pressure with a frequently unpredictable work pattern.

A comprehensive knowledge of adult cardiac anatomy, cardiac function and its role in physiology is essential.

You need to be able to demonstrate a high degree of manual dexterity when operating radiographic equipment and the ability to function independently (unsupervised) using own initiative in relation to operating radiographic equipment

Demonstrable effective organisational/time management skills and the ability to process complex information are key areas of this role aswell as being flexible to meet the demands of the service .

An in-depth knowledge of all procedures performed within in the Cardiac Catheter Laboratory is required because of the speciality.

Self-motivated, team worker and a professional role model with a good standard of health and fitness is required due to the nature of the work and prolonged periods of standing in one position whilst wearing Radiation PPE and sole working whilst on call.

As a Band 6 radiographer with specialist skills in cardiac radiography, the post holder is expected to assist in the training, supervision and support of more junior colleagues.

Working for our organisation

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust have come together to form University Hospitals Tees. As a result, post holders may be required to work across sites within both organisations.

Across University Hospitals Tees, our ambition is to be the best place to work, ensuring we have the right staff in the right roles at the right time to deliver outstanding patient care and experience.

We are committed to supporting our staff through an inclusive and supportive working environment, offering health and wellbeing initiatives, staff benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional development.

We support the 'Making Every Contact Count' approach to behaviour change in the promotion of health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the full job description and person specification document(s) attached for main responsibilities of the role.

Person specification

Qualifications & Training

• Diploma of the College of Radiographers qualification or BSc Radiography
• HCPC registration as a radiographer
• Immediate Life Support Course

Knowledge & Skills

• Practical knowledge and experience of vascular OR interventional cardiac radiological procedures.
• Advanced knowledge/ understanding of the physiological, psychological and social needs of critically ill cardiac patients
• Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposures) Regulations (IRMER) protocols Professional Code of Conduct

Experience

• Clinical experience in a range of vascular procedures and practices using fluoroscopy equipment.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Application numbers

Please note that this vacancy will close when we receive sufficient completed applications.