Job summary
The post-holder will participate in a three-year, structured degree apprenticeship program that meets the criteria for registration as a Healthcare Science Practitioner on the Academy of Healthcare Science (AHCS) register.
The candidate will gain experience and competence in: The technical and engineering support to a radiotherapy service including scheduled maintenance, repair, calibration and quality assurance (QA) checks of radiation treatment and diagnostic medical and associated equipment within a hospital environment. The trainee will be expected to attend the accredited degree course in Healthcare Science at the University of the West of England.
Successful completion of the Apprenticeship allows voluntary registration with the Academy of Healthcare Science (AHCS) and the Register of Clinical Technologists (RCT).
Main duties of the job
The technical and engineering support to a radiotherapy service, including:
scheduled maintenance, repair, calibration and quality assurance (QA) checks of radiation treatment and diagnostic medical equipment within a hospital environment
Strong technical, practical and problem-solving skills are required
The trainee will be expected to attend the accredited degree course in Healthcare Science at the University of the West of England.
About us
Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.
Our Excellence Values
Compassion
Accountability
Respect
Integrity
Courage
We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities.
We are a Defence positive trust, supporting our reservists, veterans, spouses and partners.
The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals.
We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.
We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds.This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The apprentice will gain a BSc (Hons) in Healthcare Science (Clinical Engineering), by attending the University of the West of England. The apprenticeship takes place over 3 academic years. Time is divided between studying theoretical aspects of the curriculum and simulated practice within the University setting; and undertaking work-based learning in the Radiotherapy Physics department in Northampton General Hospital; in combination with placements in other departments and hospitals as required.
Each academic (university-based) module will be delivered as a series of 5-day blocks.
The clinical elements will be managed and assessed by the Radiotherapy Physics department, under the direct supervision of the lead technician, and in accordance with the Radiotherapy Quality management System.
To participate in the following activities, under appropriate supervision, thereby gaining education and skills required to be a Clinical Engineering Technologist (Healthcare Science Practitioner) in Radiation Engineering
The apprentice will be required to carry out the following tasks under the direct supervision of a Clinical Technologist and in accordance with the Radiotherapy Quality management System:
Aid in the service, calibration and radiation tests at pre-determined intervals, equipment identified by the Radiotherapy Physics Planned and Preventative Maintenance, and QA schedules in accordance with departmental procedures.
Support in the design and fabrication of customised Radiotherapy and Physics aids adhering to all engineering workshop procedures and health and safety protocols.
Aid in the technical support of the radiotherapy patient management IT system and its associated components.
Aid in identifying correct spare part & supplier as required by departmental throughput and ensure that parts supplied are correct
Aid in the diagnosis of equipment or system defects to component or modular level as necessary, and then effect appropriate cost-effective repairs. Identify and order correct spare parts & suppliers as required by departmental throughput; ensure parts are correct; fit parts, complete repair and test device before returning to service.
Input and feedback specific work and asset related data onto Radiotherapy Physics computerised record management system and databases.
Continually monitor personal and departmental activity to ensure the health and safety of the individual, team colleagues and Trust patients is not compromised.
Ensure safe practice to minimise the risks of infection to patients and staff in accordance with national and Trust policy, in particular to be aware of personal responsibilities as listed in the infection Control Operational Policy.
Communicate engineering information to more senior Engineering Clinical Technologists within the department.
Communicate and work effectively with other professionals i.e. hospital physicists, dosimetrists and therapy radiographers.
Under direct supervision, liaise with manufacturers and suppliers to ensure correct spare parts and technical information is provided to equipment users.
Under direct supervision, liaise with maintenance contractors to ensure equipment downtime is minimised.
Attend training events and sessions as agreed through the Trust's personal review process to ensure professional development is continually maintained.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The apprentice will gain a BSc (Hons) in Healthcare Science (Clinical Engineering), by attending the University of the West of England. The apprenticeship takes place over 3 academic years. Time is divided between studying theoretical aspects of the curriculum and simulated practice within the University setting; and undertaking work-based learning in the Radiotherapy Physics department in Northampton General Hospital; in combination with placements in other departments and hospitals as required.
Each academic (university-based) module will be delivered as a series of 5-day blocks.
The clinical elements will be managed and assessed by the Radiotherapy Physics department, under the direct supervision of the lead technician, and in accordance with the Radiotherapy Quality management System.
To participate in the following activities, under appropriate supervision, thereby gaining education and skills required to be a Clinical Engineering Technologist (Healthcare Science Practitioner) in Radiation Engineering
The apprentice will be required to carry out the following tasks under the direct supervision of a Clinical Technologist and in accordance with the Radiotherapy Quality management System:
Aid in the service, calibration and radiation tests at pre-determined intervals, equipment identified by the Radiotherapy Physics Planned and Preventative Maintenance, and QA schedules in accordance with departmental procedures.
Support in the design and fabrication of customised Radiotherapy and Physics aids adhering to all engineering workshop procedures and health and safety protocols.
Aid in the technical support of the radiotherapy patient management IT system and its associated components.
Aid in identifying correct spare part & supplier as required by departmental throughput and ensure that parts supplied are correct
Aid in the diagnosis of equipment or system defects to component or modular level as necessary, and then effect appropriate cost-effective repairs. Identify and order correct spare parts & suppliers as required by departmental throughput; ensure parts are correct; fit parts, complete repair and test device before returning to service.
Input and feedback specific work and asset related data onto Radiotherapy Physics computerised record management system and databases.
Continually monitor personal and departmental activity to ensure the health and safety of the individual, team colleagues and Trust patients is not compromised.
Ensure safe practice to minimise the risks of infection to patients and staff in accordance with national and Trust policy, in particular to be aware of personal responsibilities as listed in the infection Control Operational Policy.
Communicate engineering information to more senior Engineering Clinical Technologists within the department.
Communicate and work effectively with other professionals i.e. hospital physicists, dosimetrists and therapy radiographers.
Under direct supervision, liaise with manufacturers and suppliers to ensure correct spare parts and technical information is provided to equipment users.
Under direct supervision, liaise with maintenance contractors to ensure equipment downtime is minimised.
Attend training events and sessions as agreed through the Trust's personal review process to ensure professional development is continually maintained.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- Minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4/C and above, including English Language, Maths and Science
- 110-120 UCAS tariff points from maximum of 3 A-levels, to include an A-level in Maths and/or scientific subjects
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Experience of applying scientific method to problems
- An understanding of ionising radiation and its clinical use
- An understanding of what equipment is used to deliver radiotherapy
Desirable
- Understanding of patient and staff risks arising from radiotherapy treatment
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Clear and accurate written and verbal communication.
- Able to work on own initiative as well as part of a team
- Ability to liaise with others at all levels
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail and the ability to work to deadlines under pressure of time.
- Be expected to complete self-study sessions outside of working hours in order to complete academic components of the programme.
- Able to deal with occasional distressing circumstances
- Ability to undertake occasional lifting of heavy equipment using appropriate health and safety control measures, to assist engineering and physics team members in machine QA and maintenance
Desirable
- Understanding of hazards posed by, and precautions needed with: Ionising radiation, electrical safety, hazardous substances, regular operation of VDUs
Personal Qualities & Attributes
Essential
- Willingness to undertake and satisfactorily complete the Apprenticeship within 3 years which may include the need to work outside of contracted hours in order to gain appropriate work exposure.
- Willingness to develop new skills and undertake apprenticeship training programme - including block training placements
- Punctuality and reliability in attending workplace and University.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- Minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4/C and above, including English Language, Maths and Science
- 110-120 UCAS tariff points from maximum of 3 A-levels, to include an A-level in Maths and/or scientific subjects
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Experience of applying scientific method to problems
- An understanding of ionising radiation and its clinical use
- An understanding of what equipment is used to deliver radiotherapy
Desirable
- Understanding of patient and staff risks arising from radiotherapy treatment
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Clear and accurate written and verbal communication.
- Able to work on own initiative as well as part of a team
- Ability to liaise with others at all levels
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail and the ability to work to deadlines under pressure of time.
- Be expected to complete self-study sessions outside of working hours in order to complete academic components of the programme.
- Able to deal with occasional distressing circumstances
- Ability to undertake occasional lifting of heavy equipment using appropriate health and safety control measures, to assist engineering and physics team members in machine QA and maintenance
Desirable
- Understanding of hazards posed by, and precautions needed with: Ionising radiation, electrical safety, hazardous substances, regular operation of VDUs
Personal Qualities & Attributes
Essential
- Willingness to undertake and satisfactorily complete the Apprenticeship within 3 years which may include the need to work outside of contracted hours in order to gain appropriate work exposure.
- Willingness to develop new skills and undertake apprenticeship training programme - including block training placements
- Punctuality and reliability in attending workplace and University.
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).
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).
