Radiotherapy Treatment Imaging Advanced Practitioner

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical Practice

· Act as the competence lead Radiographer for on-line and off-line image review, maintaining significant knowledge of all treatment imaging modality hardware and software.

· Maintain a high level of expertise in the safe operation of all radiotherapy equipment and software within the department, along with a high level of technical understanding of all radiotherapy planning and treatment techniques, prescription calculation requirements and the impact on planning and treatment appointments.

· In accordance with existing clinical and imaging protocols, and on behalf of the Consultant Clinical Oncologist, take full responsibility for the review and approval of images by making reasoned judgements; recommend and implement changes to treatment set-up; recommend and implement the acquisition of further images

· Act as a source of expert advice to Oncologists, Radiographers, and medical physics undertaking image review.

· Be responsible as part of the team for the development and clinical implementation of advanced imaging techniques, such as 4DCBCT and triggered imaging, whilst maintaining liaison with the Radiotherapy Services Manager, Radiotherapy Operational Lead, Head of Radiotherapy Physics and Oncologists to ensure effective implementation of change and efficient use of resources.

· To be proactive and innovative in the development of new initiatives and working practices.

· Communicate information regarding changes in imaging practice to Radiographers, Clinicians and Physicists.

· Develop and update protocols and work instructions within area of expertise, to ensure high quality of patient care.

· Liaise with Team Leaders, giving highly specialised advice as appropriate, for treatment of patients, troubleshooting where necessary, providing technical support when required.

· Ensure safe and efficient use of equipment and electronic programmes; take timely and appropriate action to resolve faults or problems.

· Communicate highly technical information to cancer patients and carers in a way that enables them to understand the radiotherapy process and their individual care plans.

· Be involved in commissioning and acceptance of new equipment, under guidance from the Radiotherapy Technical Lead

Facilitation of Learning

· Take responsibility for ensuring that, by effective communication and the provision of training, all staff adhere to such procedures and work instructions.

· Promote, develop and maintain the technical abilities of self and all radiographic staff with specific reference to imaging techniques.

· Devise and provide training in online and offline image review for radiography staff; be responsible for assessing competency of staff in these areas and maintain training records.

· Ensure that no imaging related task is undertaken by staff without the appropriate knowledge, training, and supervision.

· Devise and provide training in online and offline image review for Clinical Oncologists and junior doctors.

· Participate in mandatory training; develop knowledge and understanding within an evidence-based framework; actively pursue CPD opportunities and maintain an up-to-date personal portfolio, as evidence.

· Responsible for keeping up to date with appropriate clinical practice and offering support, guidance, and encouragement to others to do the same.

· Undertake annual appraisals for Junior staff , setting SMART objectives in line with the Trusts aims and the department workplace.

· Ensure that the clinical decision making of junior staff is appropriate and supported by relevant theoretical knowledge / experience.

· Participate in the clinical training of students, returners and any other learners on the unit in accordance with departmental protocols.

Leadership and Evidence

· Promote and foster a climate of continuous quality improvement within the service.

· Ensure own clinical decisions (including non-standard / outside protocol) are underpinned and evaluated by theoretical knowledge and relevant practical experience.

· Use of negotiation, persuasion and reassurance skills throughout the process in order for patients’ co-operation to be achieved.

· Provide information relating to radiotherapy side effects and potential problems in a clear, concise and empathetic manner.

· Respond to difficult, intimate or questions that may be embarrassing to the patient, in a sensitive and empathetic way, ensuring patient dignity and considering the age, sex, culture and gender of the patient.

· Responsible for investigating errors, incidents and non-conformances relating to specialist area and recommending and implementing any corrective action, following discussion with management team.

· Participate in the recruitment, selection and interview process for radiotherapy staff, as requested.

· Assist the treatment Superintendents with the daily operational management of the department, taking on managerial responsibilities for late shifts, when required.

Research and Development

· To support multi-disciplinary research/audit programmes related to treatment imaging, including the development, design, and implementation of projects. This will include working with Radiographers, Physicists, Oncologists, and others in the implementation of new imaging developments.

· Participate in research and development activities as appropriate; establish and/or participate in uni-professional or multi-professional working groups to ensure the safe implementation of agreed projects, trials and studies.

· Writing up project plans and reports, including for professional publications.

· Ensure self and service, within area of expertise are compliant with IR(ME)R and IRR99 regulations.

· To keep informed of new advances and developments in radiotherapy and to attend relevant training courses.

Trust Organisational Expectations

· Proactively and positively contribute to the successful overall performance of the Trust.

· Deliver excellent levels of customer service to all patients/visitors and staff at the Trust.

· Develop effective ways of working and create strong partnerships and relationships with all stakeholders to support the implementation of the Government’s policies on Health.

· Develop an organisational culture that fosters collaborative working among all staff groups, to ensure a focused commitment to delivering quality services and outcomes.

· Act as an advocate for the Trust & its contribution to the Health Service arena through creating effective partnerships and relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

· Comply with corporate governance structure in keeping with the principles and standards set out by the Trust.

· Support the Trust culture of collaborative, flexible cross-team working and commitment to delivering quality services and outcomes, which support the Government’s policies on public health

· If your employment is to a post that requires you to be registered with a professional body, the continuation of your employment is conditional upon you continuing to be registered with the appropriate professional body. The Trust will require evidence of current registration.

· In compliance with the Trust's practices and procedures associated with the control of infection, you are required to adhere to trust Infection Control Policies, always assuring compliance with all defined infection control standards. Challenge poor practice that could lead to the transmission of infection.

· Adhere to Trust policies and procedures, e.g., Health and Safety at Work, Equal Opportunities, and No Smoking.

· Act in such a way that the health and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults is safeguarded. Familiarisation with and adherence to the Safeguarding Policies of the Trust is an essential requirement for all employees. In addition, all staff are expected to complete essential/mandatory training in this area.

· Respect the confidentiality of all matters that they may learn relating to their employment and other members of staff. All staff are expected to respect conform to the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998, including the responsibility to ensure that personal data is accurate and kept up to date

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Significant previous experience of leading and managing clinical team
• Evidence of CPD in clinical practice
• Experience in dealing with clinical problem
• Experience within both pre-treatment and treatment area
• Successful track record of working within a multi-disciplinary team

Qualifications

Essential

• DCR(T) or BSc in Therapy Radiography, or equivalent
• Post graduate education to Masters level within area of expertise or equivalent level of experience
• HCPC registration as a Therapeutic Radiographer

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Working knowledge of process pathways within radiotherapy
• Computer literate ability to use Microsoft Office applications
• Demonstrable advanced problem-solving skills
• Effective leadership skills
• Able to operate as an autonomous practitioner
• Ability to synthesize information, consider and evaluate risks and options when making difficult decisions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to think ahead and develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals
• Ability to develop and maintain systems and procedures
• Negotiation and influencing skills, across hierarchies and disciplines
• Ability to motivate self and others
• Positive personal and professional image
• Ability to work well under stress and with frequent interruptions
• Positive and forward thinking
• Ability to act and ensure delivery
• Responsive and flexible attitude and approach

Desirable

• Coaching skills
• Critical appraisal skills
• Strong presentation skills
• Project management skills

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

Address

Queen Alexandra Hospital

Southwick Hill Road

Cosham

Portsmouth

PO6 3LY

Employer's website

https://www.porthosp.nhs.uk/work-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)