Job summary
Lead Radiation Protection Supervisor - Band 7
An exciting
opportunity has arisen for a suitably qualified and experienced radiographer
to take on the role of Lead Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS).
The role will involve supporting the Head of Radiography with the production, review and implementation of all relevant
ionising radiation policies and procedures to ensure compliance with
legislation. The role
will also require supporting the Senior Operations Manager (SOM) for Imaging
if required, on radiation safety in the absence of the HoR.
You will be
required to work collaboratively with the RPS across the radiology
department, leading a small team and overseeing radiation protection
projects.You will be the principal liaison between WSFT
Radiology department and EARRPS, working closely to promote a culture of
radiation safety within the department.
The successful
candidate will need to be an inspirational leader with a passion for
radiation safety. You will be a good communicator and possess strong
leadership skills, demonstrating
ambitiousness for radiation safety in clinical practice.
This is a new role,
and the post is being offered as a 12-month secondment. However, there is
potential for the post to become permanent at the end of the 12-month period but Further details on this can be
discussed.
Interviews
to be held on Friday 31st March 2023.
Main duties of the job
Main duties of the job:
- In
conjunction with the head of radiography (HoR), ensure IR(ME)R and IRR
legislation compliance across all relevant WSFT imaging departments
- Work
as a clinical radiographer within the chosen field, as required
- Be the principal liaison between WSFT Radiology
department and the Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA), working closely with
staff to promote a culture of radiation safety compliance within the Radiology
department
- Authorise
and perform radiographic examinations, providing direct patient care and a
high-quality diagnostic imaging service in order to assist in the management of
patient pathways
You
will be responsible for maintaining relevant documentation in line with
governance and legal requirements relating to radiation protection. You will
organise and manage the image optimisation and radiation protection/safety
group meetings. You will support the HoR with the delivery of the annual radiation
protection committee (RPC) meetings. You may also be required to represent the HoR
at other relevant meetings as required.
You
will work collaboratively with the radiation protection supervisors and superintendent
radiographers to ensure consistency of processes and legislation compliance across
all relevant sites and modalities.
It is predicted that this role will require on average 2 days per week of non-clinical activity, although this will need to be flexible in line with the needs of the service.
About us
#BeKnown
at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. By us. By our patients. By our community
Were
a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high-quality care and compassion to
more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for,
treat and support people in hospital, at home and in various community
settings.
The
West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care
services (emergency department, maternity and neonatal services, day surgery
unit, eye treatment centre, Macmillan unit and childrens ward). It has 500+
beds and is a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge.
Adult
and paediatric community services, provided in collaboration with West Suffolk
Alliance partners, include a range of nursing, therapy, specialist, and ongoing
temporary care and rehabilitation, some at our Newmarket Community Hospital.
We
do our utmost to achieve outstanding clinical outcomes for patients and our
values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety and team work guide how we
work and behave as a team.
With
nearly 5,000 staff, from all over the world, we strive to make our organisation
a great place to work. Whatever your role or ambition, we want to help you be
the best you can be.
We
promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyones voice counts and you
can #BeKnown for whoever you are.
Join
us. What will you #BeKnown for?
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the full job description for more detail and other informationin supporting information
JOB PURPOSE:
Responsible for:
Provide leadership and service provision of IR(ME)R and IRR legislation across all relevant WSFT imaging departments
Report to the head of radiography (HoR) as required in relation to IR(ME)R and IRR responsibilities
To work as a clinical radiographer within the chosen field, as required and appropriate
To be the principal liaison between WSFT Radiology department and EARRPS, working closely with their staff to promote a culture of radiation safety compliance within the Radiology department
Authorise and perform radiographic examinations, providing direct care and a high-quality diagnostic imaging service in order to assist in the management of patients
KEY TASKS:
Professional
1. Be responsible for overseeing IR(ME)R processes and documentation across all relevant areas of the Radiology department (X-Ray, CT, Breast imaging, nuclear medicine, fluoroscopy and interventional), working closely with the RPS and Superintendent Radiographers for each area.
2. As delegated by the HoR, oversee and maintain Trust IR(ME)R documentation (including the Employers Procedures, the Medical Exposures to Ionising Radiation Policy and the Ionising Radiation Safety Policy). The HoR will maintain overall responsibility for this.
3. Be responsible for maintaining up to date entitlement documentation for Radiology staff
4. Ensure all staff working in diagnostic imaging are familiar with the IR(ME)R employers procedures and maintain records to this effect
5. Support the relevant RPS to manage faults effectively
6. Monitor compliance with equipment requirements (QA etc) as required
7. Work with the superintendent radiographers and the HoR to produce business cases for new and upgraded equipment. Ensure legislative requirements are met
8. Produce a list of required radiation related audits and undertake, or assist other staff to complete as required
9. Liaise with Consultants, heads of departments or clinical leads as required
10. Work closely with the Superintendent Radiographer who is responsible for overseeing non-medical referrers under IR(ME)R, and undertake regular audit of referrals as required
11. In conjunction with the Superintendent Radiographer who is responsible for overseeing non-medical referrers) and the HoR ensure the departmental non-medical referrer policy is kept up to date and distributed to relevant staff
12. Maintain relevant radiation protection documentation as required
13. Implement appropriate processes to ensure IR(ME)R operators are compliant with up to date IR(ME)R training and have awareness of the relevant Employers Procedures
14. Work with EARRPS to collect dose data and be proficient in dose calculations as required
15. In conjunction with the relevant superintendent radiographer and/or the HoR undertake IR(ME)R investigations into radiation incidents, completing comprehensive reports and submitting to the CQC as required
16. Ensure compliance of regulations amongst radiographic staff and referrers to the department
17. Present information and data to staff as required
- Play an active role in the Radiation Protection Group (RPG) meetings and report on its activities to the annual Radiation Protection Committee (RPC) and quarterly Clinical Effectiveness Governance Group (CEGG) as required
19. Organise and Chair the Image Optimisation Group (IOG) meetings, producing and sharing the agenda and minutes
20. Be a point of contact within the imaging department for radiographic staff and other healthcare professionals with regards to IR(ME)R queries
21. Ensure any lessons learned or other information is distributed amongst the department as appropriate
22. Highlight common themes of errors and/or complaints relating to radiation protection to the radiology safety group and clinical effectiveness governance group (CEGG) as required
23. Maintain up to date knowledge of current developments and technologies as part of Continued Professional Development (CPD)
24. Participate in formal appraisal scheme and agree own personal development plan
- To undertake any duties that may be required from time to time which are commensurate with the grading and general duties of the post
Clinical
- Work in line with all relevant requirements of the standard band 6 clinical radiographer job description.
- To maintain own radiographic standards by continuing to work as a professional member of the clinical team, performing imaging to a high standard and maintaining a high level of expertise in the use of imaging equipment.
28. Take responsibility for patient care maintaining their safety, privacy, dignity, physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs
29. Be aware of cultural differences and support diversity in accordance with Trust policies
30. Communicate to obtain a positive identification and verbal consent for all examinations
31. Record accurate patient information on radiology and patient administration IT systems
32. Attend mandatory training and complete online learning as required
Leadership & Management
33. Be a professional and supportive leader within the radiology department, working closely with and supporting others across all departments/specialties to promote an efficient and effective working environment
34. Carry out tasks relating to radiation protection, appropriate to grade and experience, with guidance from the HoR.
35. Manage problems as they arise using analytical skills and reasoned judgement to deal with complex situations
- Co-ordinate the responsibilities of the Radiation Protection Supervisors (RPS) within the department, including the allocation of administration time, ensuring the best use of staff and resource, appropriate to the clinical and administrative needs of the service at all times
- Co-ordinate refresher training for the RPSs as required
38. Provide staff with appropriate training and support as required
39. Ensure that measurement equipment used as part of the QA program undergoes an annual inter-comparison by EARRPS
- Be involved in the development and review of new IT services and the introduction of new technologies where they affect the Trusts compliance with radiation regulations.
41. To review the adequacy of radiation personal protective equipment (e.g. lead aprons and eyewear) and to oversee a program of annual maintenance checks ensuring that inadequate items are removed from service
Governance
42. In conjunction with the HoR maintain compliance with radiation legislation throughout the department and initiate changes to departmental procedures and documents as required, ensuring own knowledge of legislation is kept up to date
43. Liaise with the relevant superintendent radiographers to ensure all policies and procedures are updated and follow national guidance, ensuring cross-site practice
44. Ensure all documentation is presented through the relevant meetings and signed off as appropriate
45. Participate in mandatory training and ensure these policies and guidelines are followed
46. At all times apply Trust policies and guidance, departmental polices, local rules and codes of conduct to ensure staff working within area of responsibility also adhere to these policies
47. Carry out staff appraisals as required
48. Support the Accreditation and Quality Lead Radiographer with collating and presenting QSI evidence in relation to radiation protection issues.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the full job description for more detail and other informationin supporting information
JOB PURPOSE:
Responsible for:
Provide leadership and service provision of IR(ME)R and IRR legislation across all relevant WSFT imaging departments
Report to the head of radiography (HoR) as required in relation to IR(ME)R and IRR responsibilities
To work as a clinical radiographer within the chosen field, as required and appropriate
To be the principal liaison between WSFT Radiology department and EARRPS, working closely with their staff to promote a culture of radiation safety compliance within the Radiology department
Authorise and perform radiographic examinations, providing direct care and a high-quality diagnostic imaging service in order to assist in the management of patients
KEY TASKS:
Professional
1. Be responsible for overseeing IR(ME)R processes and documentation across all relevant areas of the Radiology department (X-Ray, CT, Breast imaging, nuclear medicine, fluoroscopy and interventional), working closely with the RPS and Superintendent Radiographers for each area.
2. As delegated by the HoR, oversee and maintain Trust IR(ME)R documentation (including the Employers Procedures, the Medical Exposures to Ionising Radiation Policy and the Ionising Radiation Safety Policy). The HoR will maintain overall responsibility for this.
3. Be responsible for maintaining up to date entitlement documentation for Radiology staff
4. Ensure all staff working in diagnostic imaging are familiar with the IR(ME)R employers procedures and maintain records to this effect
5. Support the relevant RPS to manage faults effectively
6. Monitor compliance with equipment requirements (QA etc) as required
7. Work with the superintendent radiographers and the HoR to produce business cases for new and upgraded equipment. Ensure legislative requirements are met
8. Produce a list of required radiation related audits and undertake, or assist other staff to complete as required
9. Liaise with Consultants, heads of departments or clinical leads as required
10. Work closely with the Superintendent Radiographer who is responsible for overseeing non-medical referrers under IR(ME)R, and undertake regular audit of referrals as required
11. In conjunction with the Superintendent Radiographer who is responsible for overseeing non-medical referrers) and the HoR ensure the departmental non-medical referrer policy is kept up to date and distributed to relevant staff
12. Maintain relevant radiation protection documentation as required
13. Implement appropriate processes to ensure IR(ME)R operators are compliant with up to date IR(ME)R training and have awareness of the relevant Employers Procedures
14. Work with EARRPS to collect dose data and be proficient in dose calculations as required
15. In conjunction with the relevant superintendent radiographer and/or the HoR undertake IR(ME)R investigations into radiation incidents, completing comprehensive reports and submitting to the CQC as required
16. Ensure compliance of regulations amongst radiographic staff and referrers to the department
17. Present information and data to staff as required
- Play an active role in the Radiation Protection Group (RPG) meetings and report on its activities to the annual Radiation Protection Committee (RPC) and quarterly Clinical Effectiveness Governance Group (CEGG) as required
19. Organise and Chair the Image Optimisation Group (IOG) meetings, producing and sharing the agenda and minutes
20. Be a point of contact within the imaging department for radiographic staff and other healthcare professionals with regards to IR(ME)R queries
21. Ensure any lessons learned or other information is distributed amongst the department as appropriate
22. Highlight common themes of errors and/or complaints relating to radiation protection to the radiology safety group and clinical effectiveness governance group (CEGG) as required
23. Maintain up to date knowledge of current developments and technologies as part of Continued Professional Development (CPD)
24. Participate in formal appraisal scheme and agree own personal development plan
- To undertake any duties that may be required from time to time which are commensurate with the grading and general duties of the post
Clinical
- Work in line with all relevant requirements of the standard band 6 clinical radiographer job description.
- To maintain own radiographic standards by continuing to work as a professional member of the clinical team, performing imaging to a high standard and maintaining a high level of expertise in the use of imaging equipment.
28. Take responsibility for patient care maintaining their safety, privacy, dignity, physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs
29. Be aware of cultural differences and support diversity in accordance with Trust policies
30. Communicate to obtain a positive identification and verbal consent for all examinations
31. Record accurate patient information on radiology and patient administration IT systems
32. Attend mandatory training and complete online learning as required
Leadership & Management
33. Be a professional and supportive leader within the radiology department, working closely with and supporting others across all departments/specialties to promote an efficient and effective working environment
34. Carry out tasks relating to radiation protection, appropriate to grade and experience, with guidance from the HoR.
35. Manage problems as they arise using analytical skills and reasoned judgement to deal with complex situations
- Co-ordinate the responsibilities of the Radiation Protection Supervisors (RPS) within the department, including the allocation of administration time, ensuring the best use of staff and resource, appropriate to the clinical and administrative needs of the service at all times
- Co-ordinate refresher training for the RPSs as required
38. Provide staff with appropriate training and support as required
39. Ensure that measurement equipment used as part of the QA program undergoes an annual inter-comparison by EARRPS
- Be involved in the development and review of new IT services and the introduction of new technologies where they affect the Trusts compliance with radiation regulations.
41. To review the adequacy of radiation personal protective equipment (e.g. lead aprons and eyewear) and to oversee a program of annual maintenance checks ensuring that inadequate items are removed from service
Governance
42. In conjunction with the HoR maintain compliance with radiation legislation throughout the department and initiate changes to departmental procedures and documents as required, ensuring own knowledge of legislation is kept up to date
43. Liaise with the relevant superintendent radiographers to ensure all policies and procedures are updated and follow national guidance, ensuring cross-site practice
44. Ensure all documentation is presented through the relevant meetings and signed off as appropriate
45. Participate in mandatory training and ensure these policies and guidelines are followed
46. At all times apply Trust policies and guidance, departmental polices, local rules and codes of conduct to ensure staff working within area of responsibility also adhere to these policies
47. Carry out staff appraisals as required
48. Support the Accreditation and Quality Lead Radiographer with collating and presenting QSI evidence in relation to radiation protection issues.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc/DCR in Diagnostic Radiography, or equivalent
- Valid HCPC registration
- Comprehensive, up to date CPD portfolio
Desirable
- RPS experience
- Up to date RPS training
- Additional/advanced relevant training or courses
Experience
Essential
- Extensive clinical radiography experience
- Can demonstrate a sound understanding of relevant radiation regulations
- A sound understanding of policy development and implementation
- Experience of undertaking clinical audit and quality assurance programmes
- Experience of working with various IT systems and programs
Desirable
- Previous RPS experience
- Extensive clinical experience at band 6 or above
- Experience of investigating DATIX incidents and managing outcomes
- Able to demonstrate involvement with implementing new processes, or managing training for new equipment and ways of working
- Experience of writing policies and procedures
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Organisational and leadership skills
- Able to implement evidence- based practice
- Ability to lead a small team
- Good time management
- Able to work independently and as part of a team
- Good presentation and public speaking skills
- Flexibility to working hours and willing to adapt to the changing requirements of the role
- Ability to organise training programs
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Ability to stay calm under pressure and take the lead as required
- Motivated, ambitious and proactive
- Leads by example, demonstrating adherence to Trust values at all times and able to challenge others when required
Desirable
- Teaching and mentoring skills
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc/DCR in Diagnostic Radiography, or equivalent
- Valid HCPC registration
- Comprehensive, up to date CPD portfolio
Desirable
- RPS experience
- Up to date RPS training
- Additional/advanced relevant training or courses
Experience
Essential
- Extensive clinical radiography experience
- Can demonstrate a sound understanding of relevant radiation regulations
- A sound understanding of policy development and implementation
- Experience of undertaking clinical audit and quality assurance programmes
- Experience of working with various IT systems and programs
Desirable
- Previous RPS experience
- Extensive clinical experience at band 6 or above
- Experience of investigating DATIX incidents and managing outcomes
- Able to demonstrate involvement with implementing new processes, or managing training for new equipment and ways of working
- Experience of writing policies and procedures
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Organisational and leadership skills
- Able to implement evidence- based practice
- Ability to lead a small team
- Good time management
- Able to work independently and as part of a team
- Good presentation and public speaking skills
- Flexibility to working hours and willing to adapt to the changing requirements of the role
- Ability to organise training programs
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Ability to stay calm under pressure and take the lead as required
- Motivated, ambitious and proactive
- Leads by example, demonstrating adherence to Trust values at all times and able to challenge others when required
Desirable
- Teaching and mentoring 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.
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).
Additional information
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.
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).
