Clinical Imaging Assistant, Cheltenham

Overview

You will be part of our team of clinical imaging assistants working closely with radiographers, consultant radiologists and surgeons and other healthcare professionals. The role is busy, varied and rewarding. The skills, experience and knowledge required include a sound educational background and qualifications, good IT skills, and experience of working or volunteering in a public service sector. Experience in a healthcare setting would be beneficial. You will be committed to providing safe, caring and accessible care to patients and will enjoy being part of a highly professional and diverse team. Flexibility and adaptability to change in a fast-paced environment, a good understanding of health and safety, patient confidentiality, discretion and trustworthiness are essential. Physical dexterity, coordination and sensory skills are required to support radiographers with positioning patients for their scan. You will be reliable with good attendance and punctuality. Please note that Cobalt is not able to sponsor non-EU/EEA Tier 2 applications.

Main duties of the job

Your day-to-day duties will include:

• preparing patients for examination and accompanying patients to and from scanner rooms
• providing reassurance to patients
• carrying out patient safety screening checks
• ensuring the working environment is clean and hygienic
• helping to maintain equipment and reporting any faults
• assisting radiographers and radiologists with procedures
• clerical tasks such as data input, image transfer, ordering stock of consumable items
• patient reception services

Shifts will involve working variable days over a 7-day week, with a rota that includes 11.5-hour, 8-hour and 6-hour shifts and a 30-minute unpaid break. Rotations are at Cheltenham Imaging Centre and Gloucester Community Diagnostic Centre with enhancements for weekend and bank holiday working. Part-time minimum of 24 hours per week (2 x 12-hour shifts over 7 days will be considered).

About us

Cobalt Health is a medical charity pioneering innovation in medical imaging diagnosis by investing in equipment, integrated research and education to improve outcomes for patients now and in the future. The charity provides diagnostic imaging for over 140,000 patients annually and is the leading provider of ultra-low dose CT lung cancer screening services in the UK.

Job description and responsibilities

Job Title: Clinical Imaging Assistant

Main Place of Work: Cheltenham Imaging Centre, Thirlestaine Road, Cheltenham GL53 7AS; The Quays Community Diagnostic Centre, Gloucester GL1 2TZ

Responsible to: MRI and PET/CT Superintendent and Clinical Imaging Assistant Team Lead

Accountable to: Chief Executive

Line management: There are no line management responsibilities associated with this role

Job Purpose:

To work as part of the diagnostic imaging team, performing clerical, technical and caring duties as directed under supervision, and to provide support for patients attending the Cheltenham Imaging Centre and Gloucester sites for diagnostic imaging examinations.

Key Relationships: Cobalt staff team lead, Cobalt staff, patients, logistics and support engineers

Key areas of responsibility

Operational Duties

• Assisting radiographers and radiologists in imaging procedures
• Chaperoning patients for intimate examinations or procedures
• Patient cannulation (training provided)
• Clinical audit
• Stock control and ordering
• Preparation of clinical areas
• Managing busy patient lists
• Patient queries and reception duties
• Provide physical and emotional support to patients during attendance at the Imaging Centre and on mobile units
• Support, welcome and assist friends and relatives accompanying patients
• Provide information to patients about their examination and any follow-up
• Help patients prepare for examinations including undressing, reassurance and explanation; portering for those in wheelchairs or on stretchers
• Screening safety checks to ensure suitability for imaging and to highlight any contraindications to the supervising radiographer or line manager
• Chaperone patients during examinations where necessary
• Positioning and setup of patients on scanners in accordance with health and safety policies
• Data entry using radiology systems; distribution of images via PACS/IEP and related systems with accurate records
• Maintain cleanliness of equipment such as wheelchairs, stretchers, couches and beds
• IV cannulation for contrast administration (training provided) where appropriate
• Annual self-audit for IV insertion accuracy and provide data for appraisal
• Remove IV cannula per procedures and infection control practices
• Ensure inventory of stock and medicines is timely and accurate to support safe service delivery

Specific Duties

• Support clinical managers and senior radiographers in daily planning and workflow
• Assistance with development and implementation of workflows within the imaging team
• Participation in monthly clinical imaging assistant team meetings
• Identify training needs and arrange appropriate training with approval from clinical managers
• Maintain up-to-date CPD records
• Provide clinical support to One Stop Clinics in liaison with the coordinator
• Coordinate with Infection Control Lead to monitor cleanliness and complete checklists
• Stock checking and maintaining records for contrast media
• Other duties in line with role level

Management of Resources

Monitor and maintain supplies to support the Imaging Centre and rapid access clinics, including laundry, robes, room stock and consumables. Maintain beverage/refreshment supplies in waiting areas.

Teamwork

This will involve:

• Collaborating with other departments within Cobalt
• Active participation in team meetings
• Upholding the organisation’s integrity and policies
• Advising and mentoring staff, particularly junior staff

Confidentiality

Confidential information about the Charity, patients and staff must be protected at all times, both during and after employment.

Data Protection

Handle information in a fair and lawful way; disclose data only to authorised persons or organisations as instructed.

DBS Disclosure

Appointments are subject to satisfactory DBS checks in line with policy. Non-disclosure may result in withdrawal or termination.

Equality and Diversity

Support the Charity’s commitment to diversity and equality of opportunity and comply with Equality & Diversity policies.

Health & Safety

• Take reasonable care of health and safety of yourself and others
• Co-operate with the employer to comply with statutory requirements

Infection Control

Be aware of infection prevention and control responsibilities and adhere to policies and hand hygiene as per Cobalt policy.

Information Governance

Understand information governance policies to safeguard patient and personal data and complete required training.

Personal Development

Participate in the annual appraisal and CPD requirements; maintain records and complete mandatory training. The role supports continuous development and wider skills training.

The Environment and EMS

Cobalt is committed to environmental sustainability. Familiarise yourself with Cobalt’s EMS and contribute to environmental objectives.

This is an outline of duties and may change to meet the charity’s needs. This post is subject to the terms and conditions of employment of Cobalt Health.

Qualifications

• Essential: Minimum five GCSEs (A-C) including English, Maths and a Science subject
• Desirable: Peripheral venous cannulation certification; NVQ Level II in Health and Social Care or Level 2 Diploma in Clinical Healthcare Support or equivalent

Experience

• Essential: Experience dealing with members of the general public
• Desirable: Healthcare experience and patient-focused services; experience working with unwell patients and assisting with personal care

Employer details

Employer name: Cobalt

Address: Linton House Clinic, Thirlestaine Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 7AS

Employer\’s website: [see external site]