Senior Therapeutic Radiographer

NHS Jobs; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Jobs in Massachusetts seeks a qualified Radiographer to lead the delivery and verification of radiotherapy treatments using advanced imaging and planning tools. You will ensure safe, accurate use of equipment and participate in MDT discussions for patient care.

The role includes pre-treatment processes, scheduling, image transfer and electronic checking of prescriptions, with on-call duties as part of the service.

Qualifications

• Pre-treatment processes include patient scheduling and transfer of images.
• Electronic checking of complex treatment prescriptions.
• Clinical verification using portal imaging, CBCT and other imaging modalities.

Responsibilities

• Deliver radiotherapy treatment prescriptions using advanced clinical skills.
• Ensure safe use of highly specialist radiotherapy equipment within approved tolerances.
• Coordinate with MDT to maintain treatment accuracy and patient pathway.
• Undertake on-call duties and out-of-hours support as required.

Job description

Key Duties:

Clinical/Technical Take responsibility for the correct interpretation, application and delivery of routine and complex Radiotherapy treatment prescriptions using advanced clinical skills Ensure that highly specialist Radiotherapy equipment is used safely and accurately within the tolerances defined for the technique/ procedure and in accordance with manufacturers guidance and departmental protocols. Undertake verification processes evaluating the accuracy of treatment using portal imaging or CBCT, ensuring that results are systematically analysed to maintain treatment accuracy. Clinically justify any deviation from department protocols or predetermined tolerances keeping appropriate records and calling on other members of the multidisciplinary team for further advice / action as necessary. Ensure that in-vivo dosimetry measurements are undertaken for patients receiving external beam treatment and act on measurements that are out of tolerance. Undertake treatment localisation and verification using CT scanner and virtual simulator acquiring appropriate images and ensuring that all setup information is recorded accurately and unambiguously, including undertaking cannulation and IV contrast administration.

Identify and undertake appropriate pre-treatment processes including:

• Patient scheduling
• Production of vsim treatment plans
• Input and checking of treatment critical data using the patient management system (Mosaiq)
• Transfer of images
• Electronic checking of complex treatment prescriptions
• Collation of all treatment accessories and requirements prior to the patients first visit

Evaluate results of these processes and take appropriate action in line with departmental procedures. Liaise with other members of the multidisciplinary team to coordinate treatment related processes to ensure a seamless pathway for the patient.

This will include:

• Arranging the manufacture of immobilisation devices, lead masks and other treatment accessories
• Scheduling of patients to comply with Chemotherapy / Radiotherapy clinical trials
• Transport arrangements
• On treatment reviews and follow up appointments

Undertake Out of Hours and On-Call duties to support full service delivery. Undertake IV contrast administration.

Patient care Provide written and verbal information to patients and carers on all aspects of Radiotherapy treatment and its associated side effects and reactions ensuring that explanations are appropriate to the patients comprehension and level of understanding Plan and implement an appropriate supportive care package for patients liaising with other departments, professionals and agencies to optimise support before during and after treatment Educate, motivate and reassure patients to ensure compliance with treatment regimens assessing the patients physical and emotional state on a daily basis to ensure that it is appropriate to proceed with treatment.

Management

Supervise, train and assess less experienced staff and students in the workplace, setting high standards and enabling them to develop their professional skills Deputise for the Team Leaders in all technical aspects of work within the treatment room, in the day to day management of the treatment unit (including management of junior staff and students) and its workload / appointments.

Professional Development

Undertake training / updates required to operate all equipment safely, effectively and to maximise its therapeutic / diagnostic potential Participate in Continuing Professional Development activities including Trust Mandatory training, sharing knowledge and cascade training where appropriate Be involved research and development within the department as required facilitating the implementation of evidence based practice.

Quality Assurance

Ensure that all diagnostic and therapeutic equipment is used according to manufacturers guidelines and departmental policies seeking advice from appropriate Contribute to the development, implementation and audit of radiotherapy quality procedures and work instructions Be familiar with quality assurance tests for designated equipment, performing the tests as required to assess the units fitness for clinical use, reporting any deviations or faults in line with departmental protocols Report all Clinical incidents in line with departmental policy.

Communication

Ensure that any records relating to the planning, treatment and care of patient are accurately recorded and maintained as per departmental / trust policy Seek appropriate support and guidance regarding any concerns related to the accuracy of a treatment. Report any malfunctions / breakdown of equipment to the appropriately. Communicate and receive sensitive information, maintaining patient confidentiality at all times Communicate with Cancer patients and their carers in a sensitive and reassuring manner in order to ensure that each patient understands the treatment of procedure for which they are undergoing.

Clinical Governance

Be responsible and accountable for own actions in accordance with the HCPC Radiographers Professional Code of Conduct Work within the standards and requirements of Quality Management System and contribute to the development, implementation and audit of radiotherapy quality procedures and work instructions. To understand and comply with professional, statutory and trust policies and procedures (e.g. SCOR Code of Professional conduct)