Senior Radiology Assistant (XR03) in Leeds

Please note candidates for this role must have level 3 or equivalent qualification in a health-based subject. We have an opportunity for a flexible, enthusiastic, motivated Senior Radiology Assistant to join our friendly, dedicated team within MRI.

Main duties of the job:

• The role of Senior Radiology Assistant in MRI is both challenging and rewarding; assistants are involved in patient care, safety checking of patients admitted to the MRI unit, cannulation of patients prior to their scan, and using MRI equipment to correctly position patients for their examination.
• Successful candidates will be expected to join our electronic rostering system; shifts are 12.5 hours long, starting at 7.30 am and finishing at 8 pm.

About us:

The department is based across 2 sites, St James University Hospital and Leeds General Infirmary. LGI is a major trauma and neuro-surgical centre and SJUH a world-renowned oncology and transplant centre. The MRI departments support a range of specialities including neurosurgery, paediatrics, liver, oncology, urology, abdominal and vascular surgery. MRI in Leeds is a diverse and interesting department to work for, with Radiographers and assistants working closely with clinical teams to support advanced imaging, particularly in Neurosciences, Paediatrics and Liver Imaging.

Job responsibilities:

• The post-holder will undertake a clinical support role working in accordance with department protocols and schemes of work. MRI within Leeds Teaching Hospitals is delivered in 3 departments across the city. The service is provided over an extended working day (typically 8 am to 8 pm) and at weekends.
• Patient presentation will include the unconscious, uncooperative, incapacitated, incompetent, disorientated and those with physical and mental disabilities. A wide variety of patients will be encountered and will include those exhibiting anti-social or threatening behaviour.

Principal duties & areas of responsibility:

• To be fully aware of the potential hazards of working in an area with a strong magnetic field and to be familiar with Trust local rules for MRI safety pertaining to the assistant role.
• To ensure that all persons entering the scanner examination room have completed an MRI safety checklist and are safe to enter.
• To assess the patient safety checklist and identify potential hazards according to departmental protocol.
• To be familiar with safety procedures (radiation, fire, cardiac arrest) which are specific to the MRI environment.
• To implement and supervise safe work practices of NHS staff and students in a hazardous environment.
• To assess specific communication needs of individual patients.
• To anticipate where communication difficulties might make completion of the modality checklist impossible and to implement alternative methods to ensure that patient safety is maintained.
• To communicate effectively and empathetically with patients and their escorts prior to, during and after an examination.
• To assess routine requests for imaging so that patient position and selection of appropriate table equipment is used to optimise image quality of the body part under examination.
• To prepare drugs/contrast media for intravenous and oral administration and to load automatic drug injection pump - following appropriate training.
• To undertake all aspects of patient care related to MRI.
• To physically position the patient for a range of routine examinations, ensuring that image quality, patient comfort and patient safety are maintained at all times whilst taking into account patient limitations.
• To maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness for patients, MRI equipment and working environment.
• To ensure appropriate infection control measures are utilised where necessary.
• To be familiar with the requirements of clinical research trials and assist the radiographer in the positioning of patients for such trials.
• To participate in the safe transfer of patients and equipment within the department and Hospital, using manual handling guidelines and risk assessment.

Administrative:

• To liaise with other departments/wards within the hospital and various external sources in order to provide a quality service to patients and clinicians.
• To work closely with the anaesthetic team and with intensive care staff to ensure that they operate in a safe manner in the MRI environment.
• To work closely with radiographic staff in the organisation of workload in line with clinical priorities.
• To book appointments evaluating patient needs, degree of urgency and length of time required deferring to radiographic staff as necessary.
• To adapt and respond to patients' needs.
• To report clinical, non-clinical and incidents to the appropriate manager/supervisor in line with Trust and Departmental Risk Management policies.
• To enter accurate patient and examination data into Radiology Information System.
• To operate stock control and stock ordering of medical equipment and accessories, linen and pharmacy supplies.
• Under instruction from the radiographer, to re-arrange the work list in event of equipment failure.

Training and Education:

• To assist in the training of new members of staff.

Person Specification:

• Level 3 qualification in relevant health care related subject.
• GCSE English and Maths Grade C or Functional Skills equivalent (Level 2).
• Completion of CARE Certificate otherwise will be mandatory training requirement during first 3 months of employment.

Skills & behaviours:

• Good interpersonal skills.
• Professional in appearance and conduct.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to adapt to a changing environment.

Additional Requirements:

• NHS experience.
• Experience of caring for others.
• Ability to prioritise workload.
• Ability to use own initiative.
• Experience of working with the general public.

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.