Specialist Lead Radiographer (Radiotherapy Late Effects) in Exeter

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Therapeutic Radiographer with a keen interest in patient review, support and survivorship to lead the development and implementation of a new Radiotherapy Late Effects Service in Exeter. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced radiographer to build and shape a new specialist service, working with patients, colleagues and the wider multidisciplinary team to develop a responsive, evidence-based and sustainable model of care. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence the scope and development of the service, establish pathways of care and contribute to improving the experience and outcomes of patients living with the longer-term effects of radiotherapy.

The post holder will demonstrate highly developed clinical expertise and leadership skills, working autonomously across all four pillars of advanced clinical practice. They will work closely with the wider oncology multidisciplinary team and other clinical specialisms to provide holistic, compassionate and person-centred care.

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic about service development, innovation and improving patient care, with the clinical confidence and leadership skills to work independently while building effective relationships across professional and organisational boundaries. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing the service, evaluating its impact and identifying opportunities for its continued growth.

Main Duties:

• Use expert clinical skills and knowledge to establish and lead a service supporting radiotherapy patients experiencing late side-effects from their treatment.
• Establish effective referral pathways into the service, recognising that patient referrals may be instigated by primary and secondary care professionals.
• Take responsibility for the clinical management and long‑term review of a patient caseload, using clinical expertise to enable autonomous decisions on an individual patient basis.
• Liaise closely with regional late effects MDT colleagues for the purpose of shared learning and, where considered appropriate, onwards referral to a colleague with a particular site‑specialism.
• Actively participate in the development of local standards of care and best practice guidance related to the delivery of a radiotherapy late effects service.
• Work closely with the service leads to ensure that service improvements are identified, planned, and delivered in line with local and national strategic developments and targets.
• Use auditing skills to evaluate clinical practice in relation to its evidence base and clinical effectiveness and lead in the implementation of the findings/recommendations to ensure continual quality improvement.
• Lead in the education and training of other healthcare professionals in relation to all aspects of the management of radiotherapy late effects and the role of the late effects service in the patient pathway.

The Oncology Centre is a light, clean and modern space located on the ground floor level of the Royal Devon site in Exeter. The centre benefits from a charity‑run shop providing refreshments to patients and colleagues. Plus, there’s an on‑site restaurant, cafes, a take‑away service and a Boots. The friendly and supportive Therapeutic Radiographer team is over 40 people strong, and is focused on delivering exceptional patient focused care and treatment. On average 100 patients are treated and supported by the department on a daily basis.

Following an ongoing refreshment programme we have the following equipment and systems: an Eclipse planning system, Varian Aria administration system, Brachytherapy services. The radiotherapy service is paperless, utilising the Varian Aria administration system for service delivery. Our service has undergone significant transformation over the past few years, including the commissioning of a wide range of SABR indications and the implementation of portal dosimetry, 4DCBCT, gated CBCT and 6 DoF couch tops. Current projects include the clinical implementation of phase gating and the imminent acquisition of an SGRT system. The Royal Devon is passionate about research and innovation, the team are actively involved in a broad range of clinical radiotherapy trials. Since autumn 2020 the service has been using an electronic patient record, EPIC.

Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week. Interview Date: To Be Confirmed.

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon. The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

About Us: Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state‑of‑the‑art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world‑class care to our local communities. Our values are at the heart of everything we do.

It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey. Looking after you is important to us. We strive to help our staff create a healthy work‑life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies. If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays. You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team. This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.

Salary is not the only financial benefit. You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including: National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts, Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter, Car lease schemes, The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK), Cycle to work scheme.

These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.