Radiology Support Worker - band 2 in Gateshead

Are you passionate about delivering exceptional patient care and looking to take the next step in your healthcare career?We are seeking enthusiastic and self-motivated individuals to join our vibrant Radiology team, rotating between the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead and our satellite sites, including our new state-of-the-art Community Diagnostic Centre at the Metrocentre.

As a valued member of our team, you will support a wide range of imaging services includingCT, MRI, Fluoroscopy, Interventional Radiology and General X-ray. You will play a key role in patient care--assisting with sterile procedures, preparing and chaperoning patients, and working alongside Consultant Radiologists, Radiographers and Nursing staff.

This is a dynamic role where no two days are the same. We're looking for someone who is:

Organised, with strong communication skills

Able towork effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team

Compassionate and patient-focused, delivering safe and respectful care

Resilient, and able to manageemotional and demanding situations

Confident with basic administrative and computer tasks, maintainingaccurate records and attention to detail

If you thrive in a fast-paced clinical environment, are committed to high-quality patient care, and want to be part of an innovative and expanding diagnostic service, we'd love to hear from you -previous applicants need not apply.

Main duties of the job

As a Radiology Support Worker, you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality, patient-centred care across a range of imaging services. You will be part of a friendly and skilled multidisciplinary team, working with Radiographers, Radiologists, Nurses and Administrative colleagues. You will support a 7-day service with a flexible and adaptable approach, assisting in areas of the department as directed by senior staff, ensuring smooth workflow and a positive patient experience.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting patients through their diagnostic journey, including preparing them for examinations, providing aftercare (e.g. IV cannula removal) and acting as a chaperone.

Assisting with clinical procedures across CT, MRI, Ultrasound, X-ray, Fluoroscopy and Interventional Radiology.

Maintaining safe and efficient workflow by preparing examination rooms and escalating any issues to senior staff.

Carrying out routine tasks such as basic observations (under supervision), stock replenishment, cleaning, equipment checks and documentation.

Supporting effective communication within the multidisciplinary team and demonstrating tasks to new colleagues.

This role is ideal for someone who is compassionate, organised, resilient, and eager to support patients through their diagnostic journey in a modern and expanding Radiology service.

About us

Based in the North East of England we provide a range of hospital and community health services from our leading facilities, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon urgent care centre and Bensham Hospital, all within Gateshead.

Established in 2005, we were one of the first foundation trusts in the country and since then have consistently achieved the highest levels of care for patients.

We now employ around 4,800 staff and currently provide 444 hospital beds across the Gateshead region.

Our values should be the 'golden thread' which runs through everything we do - they are the core of who we are. Our five values can easily be remembered by the simple acronymICORE; Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, Engagement.

We have a number of staff networks including the Global Ethnic Majority (GEM) network, D-Ability network, LGBTQ+ Network and the Women's Network, to challenge us and help us to constantly improve. Our Armed Forces network is one of our emerging networks.

The health and wellbeing of our staff is one of our highest priorities, and we offer a range of support and initiatives as part of our 'Balance' programme balancegateshead.com to cater for our diverse workforce, so that your individual needs can be supported, allowing you a happy and healthy working experience with us.

Job responsibilities

As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to delivering high-quality, patient-centred radiology services.

Greet, prepare and escort patients, ensuring privacy and dignity at all times.

Assist patients with dressing/undressing and support those experiencing distress or discomfort.

Provide basic care such as hydration and hygiene support where required.

Assist with low-risk aseptic procedures (e.g. fine needle aspiration, ultrasound joint injections).

Perform baseline observations under supervision and assist with manual handling safely.

Offer reassurance and emotional support, including during potentially distressing procedures.

Job description

Job responsibilities

As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to delivering high-quality, patient-centred radiology services.

Patient Care

• Greet, prepare and escort patients, ensuring privacy and dignity at all times.
• Assist patients with dressing/undressing and support those experiencing distress or discomfort.
• Provide basic care such as hydration and hygiene support where required.
• Assist with low-risk aseptic procedures (e.g. fine needle aspiration, ultrasound joint injections).
• Perform baseline observations under supervision and assist with manual handling safely.
• Offer reassurance and emotional support, including during potentially distressing procedures.

Clinical & Operational Support

• Prepare and reset examination rooms, including aseptic trays.
• Maintain equipment cleanliness and store materials safely.
• Perform and document daily checks of emergency equipment (e.g. crash trolley).
• Support patient flow, maintaining minimal waiting times and escalating issues as required.
• Handle body fluids safely and undertake phlebotomy when trained and assessed as competent.

Administrative & Information Support

• Record episodes of care accurately in RIS (for ultrasound procedures).
• Use departmental systems to make or amend appointments and update patient records.
• Use the electronic porter system to support efficient workflow.
• Manage documentation and complete data entries with attention to detail.

Teamwork & Communication

• Demonstrate duties to new support workers as required.
• Communicate effectively with patients, relatives, and colleagues, including overcoming barriers related to mental health, disability or distress.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times and promote patient equality and respect.
• Attend staff meetings and contribute to Safecare, audits and service accreditation efforts.

Resource Management

• Restock and rotate clinical stock, monitoring expiry dates and applying LEAN principles.
• Report concerns or shortages promptly to ensure continuity of service

Training, Governance & Professional Standards

• Attend all mandatory training and participate in annual appraisal.
• Adhere to Trust policies, infection control standards and radiation protection protocols.
• Comply with local SOPs and contribute suggestions to improve service delivery.
• Manage own safety when working in restricted areas (e.g. radiation exposure zones).

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Educated to 'o' Level/GCSE standard in English and Maths.
• NVQ 2 Care Certificate

Experience

• Experience of working in a team
• Ability to support others
• Experience of working face to face with the general public in a very busy environment
• Previous experience in a NHS hospital
• Previous experience in a radiology department

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Flexibility to work shifts including weekends and bank holidays
• Ability to travel to other sites

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.

Queen Elizabeth hospital and Community Diagnostic Centre

Queen Elizabeth hospital and Community Diagnostic Centre