Senior Therapeutic Radiographer

This role offers an opportunity to be part of the dynamic radiotherapy team at UCLH. The post holder will undertake rotations between the photon and proton departments and will work across a wide range of areas; pre-treatment, treatment-prep, the treatment units and brachytherapy. UCLH is seeking a committed individual with the energy and focus to continue building on the existing service of excellence.

Radiotherapy services at UCLH are delivered across two departments. The photon department is equipped with Varian TrueBeam systems with advanced imaging packages and 6DoF couches. The department has a comprehensive brachytherapy suite and a Gulmay skin unit. UCLH is one of only two NHS sites delivering proton beam therapy across the NHS. The proton beam therapy (PBT) department is equipped with Varian ProBeam gantries with advanced imaging packages and robotic couches. Both departments have a dedicated CT scanner and the PBT department also has a dedicated MRI scanner. The department delivers radiotherapy services for a broad spectrum of cancers comprising of common cancers as well as specialist treatments including brachytherapy, molecular radiotherapy and total body irradiation. The PBT department focuses predominantly on head and neck, brain and sarcoma treatment sites. Paediatrics and TYAs make up approximately one third of the patient cohort.

Main duties of the job

• The post holder will be accountable for own professional actions and will work autonomously within the legal, ethical and professional framework provided by the professional body.
• Work within the quality system at all times.
• Question and propose changes to procedures when necessary, to maintain the validity and appropriateness of the system.
• Deputise for Band 7 radiographers ensuring the continuity of patient flow through the department.
• Prioritise daily tasks, considering the patients' needs and team skills mix.
• React and reorganise the workload in response to unforeseen circumstances, such as machine breakdown, to minimise disruption.
• Liaise with the multi-disciplinary team to ensure best practice with respect to patient care prior to, during and following radiotherapy treatment.
• Facilitate the development, training and integration of junior members of staff.
• Rotate throughout all areas within both the Photon and Proton services and participate in the departmental on call service in the photon service.
• Continually look to improve existing methods and create new solutions to optimise the care and service provided to the patients.
• Be extremely competent and comfortable with the use of computer software, e.g. patient treatment, image manipulation, and virtual simulation, in a highly technological environment.

Working for our organisation

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.

We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites: University College Hospital, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals, University College Hospital Grafton Way Building, Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine, University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre, The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street. We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women’s health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology. We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH.

Person specification

Knowledge and Qualifications

• Essential criteria: BSc in therapeutic radiography or equivalent formal qualification. Health Profession Council (HPC) registration as a therapy or nuclear medicine radiographer.
• Desirable criteria: Clinical experience in pre-treatment and mould room tasks.

Experience

• Essential criteria: Significant experience as a Band 5 Radiographer with relevant specialist training and knowledge. Practical experience in planning and delivering a wide range of radiotherapy techniques.

Skills and Abilities

• Essential criteria: Provide specialist clinical training and undertake presentations, both within the dept and nationally in conferences and workshops. Plan, carry out and analyse clinical and departmental audits. Be confident to work autonomously within scope of knowledge and experience. Problem-solve and make decisions using mathematical and evaluative skills. Plan, prioritise and organise own and section workload. Be committed to self-development and continued professional development. Demonstrate knowledge of radiotherapy equipment QA to ensure its safe use. Knowledge of radiation protection especially as related to unsealed source therapy. Demonstrate ability to work under pressure in an unpredictable working environment, maintaining a calm and professional attitude. Work flexibly in a variety of situations and participate in shift work as required. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to ensure compliance with quality system. Work confidently within the multidisciplinary team. Interpret a wide range of imaging modalities for planning and treatment optimisation.

Communication

• Essential criteria: Provide information and support about cancer, and communicate highly distressing, sensitive information to patients and relatives/carers. Be enthusiastic and motivated, with the ability to lead a team through times of change. Use excellent communication skills to relate confidently across all professional boundaries to Trust staff and external contacts.

At UCLH, we have a real "One Team" ethos, and our values - safety, kindness, teamwork and improving, are central to the way we work. This is supported by our staff, who voted us as the #1 NHS Acute Trust to work for in the whole of England. At UCLH we take equality of opportunity seriously and are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer, with a culture that creates a real sense of belonging and trust. It is our fundamental aim, to recruit, retain and promote a diverse mix of people who are representative of our local communities.

Applications are encouraged from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to support our world class research, innovation and creativity. UCLH recognises the benefits of flexible working for staff and has a dedicated policy which allows staff to apply for flexible working right from the beginning of employment.

We offer our permanent staff an interest free season ticket loan for travel, all our staff have access to free independent and confidential support, large retail discounts, a staff discount platform, cycle to work scheme and on-site accommodation to name a few. Additionally, UCLH Arts and Heritage's staff wellbeing programme, Creative Comfort, offers a variety of ways to engage with the arts as a member of UCLH staff.

This vacancy may close before the current listed closing date. You are advised not to delay submitting your completed application.