Band 7 - Nuclear Medicine Radiographer - UCLH in London

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) are searching for an experienced and driven Nuclear Medicine Radiographer to join their highly skilled team. UCLH is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically-led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas.

Job Purpose

The post holder will be required to perform a wide range of general nuclear medicine, PET and CT procedures to a high standard and provide professional support and leadership to colleagues in a multidisciplinary team. The post holder will be required to problem-solve on day-to-day issues with running of the camera, dealing with doctor/reporting enquiries, supporting the General Manager, Operational & Deputy Superintendents, lead by example by emulating trust values and participate in undertaking audits, deliver service improvements and support staff mentoring and training. You will also be a strong role model for colleagues and junior staff and have an emotionally intelligent approach to change management.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Assess an electronic referral or request form and justify it under nuclear medicine and radiographic/technologist regulations and locally agreed protocols.
• To act as an Operator under IRR(ME)R 18 and IRR17.
• To fulfil responsibility to minimise radiation doses to patients, carers and staff.
• To be knowledgeable of, and work according to, current ARSAC regulations.
• Prioritise patients to ensure optimum efficiency and service quality.
• Ensure that the protocol used for an examination and camera settings are suitably matched to the clinical indications for the procedure.
• Liaise with referring clinicians to clarify or discuss requests for complex nuclear medicine and radiographic procedures.
• Act as a point of specialist advice for referrers, other clinical staff, patients and their relatives.
• To act as a point of advice on CT imaging.
• To ensure all images for procedures performed are sent to PACS with exams ended to enable reporting.
• Ensure that patients, relatives and staff are appropriately informed and reassured of any discussions relating to patient procedures.
• Assess the physical, mental and communication abilities and needs of individual patients and respond appropriately.
• Answer all questions and concerns of the patients, providing them with appropriate responses, putting the patient's condition into the context of the diagnostic procedure.
• To assist and support junior staff in dealing with what they consider complex or contentious patient situations.
• To document those patients that have consented to exposure to ionizing radiation prior to the examination, and to issue and ensure they understand any instructions they need to follow.
• To ensure that patients understand any instructions they have been given relating to radiation protection issues.
• To communicate effectively and empathetically with patients and their escorts prior to, during and after an examination.
• Accurately position patients for the appropriate examinations, taking into account their abilities, needs and limitations and adjust approach to optimise diagnostic image quality.
• To liaise with administrative staff and seek medical advice when required for further clinical triage.
• Perform a 6-point patient ID check and enter accurate patient examination data into Imaging Information Systems e.g. Electronic Patient Integrated Care (EPIC) and PACS.
• Participate in patient monitoring or administration of oxygen and regular departmental training drills.
• Demonstrate sound knowledge of expected image quality and visually be able to identify subtle deviations to ensure there are no artefacts and early intervention is undertaken and escalated where necessary.
• Ensure that unexpected abnormalities seen are brought to the attention of the medical staff of the department, and the referring clinician, and that the patient is managed in an appropriate and supportive manner.
• Contribute to shared learning to all staff members in a conducive manner.
• Assess outcomes following procedures and ensure that any necessary additional procedures are undertaken within a single patient attendance where possible.
• Assess and respond to adverse treatment responses and conduct and record duty of candour as soon as possible.
• Work unsupervised, seeking advice from senior colleagues when required.
• To participate in the delivery of an extended day service.
• To site and perform intravenous cannulation and manual injection of radioactive tracers, with high precision, accuracy and aseptic technique, to avoid extravasations and high local radiation dose.
• To administer radioactive tracers orally and topically.
• To provide accurate intervention and escalation in the event of an extravasation.
• To accurately dispense and calibrate radiopharmaceuticals.
• To be able to manage safely radioactive contamination of patient or environment.
• To ensure the working environment and all personnel are monitored at regular times against radioactive contamination.
• To assist in routine cleaning and maintenance of the working environment and all relevant equipment, as well as clean up in case of radioactive contamination, in accordance with departmental procedures.
• To monitor clinical waste for radioactivity according to departmental procedures and to process appropriately.

Requirements

• BSc or Diploma in Radiography.
• State Registration with or evidence of working towards HCPC, RCT or equivalent.
• Portfolio of evidence of Continuing Professional Development including post graduate specialist training equivalent to Master’s level.
• Evidence that knowledge of general nuclear medicine and hybrid imaging techniques is up to date.
• Evidence of Radiopharmacy knowledge and applications for a wide variety of procedures.
• Evidence of experience in speciality/modality.
• Experience of working with a multidisciplinary team.
• Evidence of participation in QA Programme and maintenance of agreed standards.
• Ability to work safely with radiation with appropriate use of PPE.
• Ability to perform manual handling as required to assist patient transfers and safely manoeuvre equipment.

Benefits

• Access to free Bank Partners Core Skills training.
• Weekly salary.
• Opportunity to work across multiple sites to gain invaluable experience.
• Priority of shifts over all agency workers.
• Competitive pay.

Apply now for this fantastic career-progressing opportunity by uploading your CV, and a member of our recruitment team will be with you shortly.