Diagnostic Radiographer in Harlow

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) provides a full range of general acute, outpatient and diagnostic services at The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, the Herts and Essex Hospital in Bishop’s Stortford, and St Margaret’s Hospital in Epping. Our Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at the St Margaret’s site in Epping which offers further CT, X-ray, MRI and Ultrasound services.

We employ 3,500 staff and serve a local population of around 350,000 people living in west Essex and east Hertfordshire, centred on the M11 corridor and the towns of Harlow, Bishop’s Stortford and Epping. Our extended catchment area incorporates a population of up to 500,000 and includes the areas of Hoddesdon, Cheshunt and Broxbourne in Hertfordshire.

Job overview

We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Band 5 Radiographer to join our progressive and supportive Imaging Department. The post holder will contribute to the delivery of high‑quality diagnostic radiography services across a range of clinical areas, supporting a 24/7 imaging model (including weekends, nigh shifts and evenings).

You will work across multiple modalities and locations, including:

• General X‑ray
• A&E / Trauma Imaging
• Mobile Radiography
• Theatres
• CT (with full training provided)

Sites include: Princess Alexandra Hospital, Herts and Essex Hospital, and St Margaret’s Hospital.

Comprehensive training will be provided in CT, including the preparation of patients for CT Colonography. Staff with a particular interest will have the opportunity to develop further in advanced CT imaging, including Cardiac CT.

The Trust is committed to supporting continuous professional development and offers clear pathways for clinical and career progression within a friendly and forward‑thinking team.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will:

• Deliver high‑quality radiographic services in accordance with departmental protocols and professional standards.
• Work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team to meet service needs.
• Work flexibly over a 24/7 rota, including evenings, night shifts and weekends.
• Communicate effectively with patients, relatives, clinicians, and colleagues, ensuring dignity, respect, and patient confidentiality at all times.
• Support and supervise student radiographers, assistant practitioners, and new starters.
• Comply with IR(ME)R 2017, IRR 2017, and local radiation safety requirements under the guidance of the Radiation Protection Supervisor.
• Prioritise and organise personal workload to meet clinical demands.
• Maintain accurate patient records using both manual and electronic systems.
• Contribute to the implementation and use of radiology IT systems including PACS, RIS, PAS, and electronic requesting.
• Participate in departmental quality assurance, audit, and clinical governance activities.
• Ensure safe and appropriate use of all radiographic equipment and promptly report faults.
• Attend all mandatory training and maintain a robust portfolio of CPD.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Duties

• Performing radiographic examinations safely and effectively across all hospital environments, including A&E, wards, and theatres.
• Confirming patient identity, obtaining valid consent, assessing pregnancy status where applicable, and communicating effectively with patients who may have language barriers or cognitive impairment.
• Maintaining professional and legal accountability for all clinical actions.
• Positioning patients safely to acquire high‑quality diagnostic images in line with Manual Handling Protocols.
• Assessing image quality and determining diagnostic adequacy, escalating concerns where appropriate.
• Recognising gross pathology and utilising the Red Dot system for suspected fractures.
• Performing mobile radiography in wards and critical care environments.
• Providing imaging support in theatres, following sterile and safe practice.
• Carrying out dental radiography in line with hygiene and infection control procedures.
• Assisting with fluoroscopic procedures as required.
• Responding to trauma calls and providing imaging in Resuscitation for critically ill or severely injured patients.
• Undertaking imaging for Suspected Physical Abuse (SPA) cases, ensuring compliance with strict medico‑legal standards.
• Participating in forensic radiography for the Coroner’s Office (optional).
• Acting as the first‑line imaging responder when working out‑of‑hours, providing a service to a population of approximately 250,000.

Systems & Equipment

• Ensuring safe use and movement of all radiographic equipment, including heavy mobile units and theatre imaging equipment.
• Reporting equipment faults promptly in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Supporting the rollout and use of digital systems such as PACS, RIS, PAS, and electronic requesting.

Decision-Making & Judgement

• Working within IR(ME)R, IRR, and local radiation rules.
• Recognising when to escalation clinical concerns, technical issues, or equipment failures to senior staff.
• Using professional judgement to prioritise workload in a busy and often unpredictable clinical environment.

Communication & Relationships

• Communicating effectively and compassionately with patients, relatives, peers, clinicians, and wider Trust staff.
• Maintaining accurate clinical and equipment records.
• Reporting incidents and equipment malfunctions to senior radiographers in line with Trust procedures.

Physical and Mental Effort

• Safely manoeuvring heavy radiographic equipment and supporting patients with varying mobility needs.
• Remaining focused while managing multiple conflicting demands in a busy clinical environment.
• Maintaining concentration for extended periods, particularly when performing complex examinations.

Professional Responsibilities

• Adhering to all relevant legislation, including the Data Protection Act, Health & Safety at Work Act, COSHH, and local radiation safety rules.
• Participating in annual performance appraisal and supporting the achievement of agreed objectives.
• Maintaining a professional appearance and acting as a positive representative of the Radiology Department and the Trust.