Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified radiographer to use highly developed specialist knowledge and clinical skills in the diagnosis of breast disease working closely with the multidisciplinary team to provide a high quality clinicalservice as required by the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme andCancer Services within NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group.Please note that this is not a training role. Applicants must already have the required qualifications and level of experience specified within the person specification and job description.
The exact job plan will be discussed with the successful applicant.
Main duties of the job
To provide reports and diagnosis on screening and symptomatic mammograms inaccordance with national and local protocols, initiating further investigations as required.Participate in personal and departmental audit of mammographic reporting and recallprocedures.To perform breast ultrasound within symptomatic and assessment clinics with an imagingConsultant. To perform ultrasound guided interventional procedures including cystaspirations, image-guided fine needle aspiration and core biopsies. Also ultrasound guidedlocalisation of lesions prior to breast surgery. Issue autonomous reports on theseprocedures.Participate in personal and departmental audit of ultrasound procedures.To provide an ultrasound service for low risk clinics and manage symptomatic breastultrasound lists, perform biopsies where appropriate and direct patient care
About us
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust comprises Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital & Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
We are part of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, formed on 1 Nov 2024 from the coming together of LUHFT and Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust. The Group was born from a shared aim to improve the care we provide our patients.
UHLG is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 16,800 colleagues dedicated to caring for our communities - from birth and beyond.
For the 630,000 people across Merseyside, we are their local NHS. We provide general and emergency hospital care, alongside highly specialised regional services for more than two million people in the North West.
Aintree University Hospital is the single receiving site for adult major trauma patients in Cheshire and Merseyside and hosts a number of regional services including an award-winning stroke facility. Broadgreen Hospital is home to elective surgical, diagnostic and treatment services, together with specialist patient rehabilitation. Liverpool Women's Hospital specialises in the health of women and babies, delivering over 7,200 babies in the UK's largest single site maternity hospital each year. The Royal Liverpool University Hospital is the largest hospital in the country to provide inpatients with 100% single bedrooms and focuses on complex planned care and specialist services.
For roles at Liverpool Women's, visit their careers page.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To undertake a complex caseload within the field of breast imaging working with patientsbeing investigated for breast problems predominantly cancer and recurrent cancer andundergoing invasive procedures. To use advanced communication skills on a daily basis to communicate and empathisewith very anxious patients and their relatives about life threatening disease. To discuss results of complex imaging procedures with patients. To communicate and discuss results of imaging procedures on an equal level ofunderstanding and credibility with Consultants in the multi-disciplinary team. To assess and respond to individual developmental needs in the training and supervisionof medical staff and students in breast imaging. To communicate with specialist groups nationally to improve services and develop bestpractice, through attendance at specialist meetings and conferences. To interpret screening and symptomatic mammograms, requesting either ultrasound orfurther x-rays as necessary. Issue an autonomous report. To perform breast ultrasound examinations to a high standard. Interpret and analyse thefindings of the examination from a range of complex components to produce a diagnosis.Use judgement to perform a biopsy if required. Issue an autonomous report. To localise abnormalities prior to surgery taking into account the visibility of the abnormalityon different X-ray views, ultrasound images and the position of the abnormality within thebreast. To perform complex needle biopsies and aspirations using ultrasound or stereotacticguidance on a range of breast abnormalities, using judgement to identify the abnormalityfrom the x-rays, ultrasound images and patient notes to determine the best patientposition, approach, needle type and length and number of biopsies to be taken. To participate and assist in the effective Quality Control and Quality Assuranceprogramme, undertaking daily and periodic testing of all equipment ensuring optimumconditions are in place before commencing clinical work To comply with guidelines governing safe use of ultrasound machines in medicine. To interpret QA test results and take appropriate remedial action.
To plan film-reading sessions so the required number of screening films are read per yearwhilst also fulfilling the requirements for performing audit on film reporting and biopsies/localisations. To plan and organise appointments and management of symptomatic ultrasound lists toensure optimum patient care and efficiency. To organise and adjust appointments during rapid diagnosis and assessment clinics tooptimise patient flow, reprioritising to accommodate extra patients and emergencies. To participate in planning of appointments for ultrasound and/or stereotactic techniques formaximum efficiency. To organise radiographers and assistants in ultrasound and/or stereotactic rooms on adaily basis to facilitate smooth running clinics To attend, assist and participate in multi-disciplinary planning meetings. To participate in the day to day running of the services provided at the Linda McCartneyCentre e.g. to adjust and reorganise the workload as required. To organise incidental activities as required.
To use a variety of computer applications to maintain patient records and write reports,perform and present audit and for teaching purposes. To maintain and develop advanced sensory skills for the interpretation and reporting ofcomplex breast images (mammograms and ultrasound). To be an expert in the use of complex state of the art imaging equipment includingultrasound scanners and/or digital stereotactic machines with computer guided biopsysystems. Also, the use of vacuum assisted and spring loaded biopsy devices. To perform complex interventional procedures accurately targeting and sampling breastabnormalities with a biopsy needle under ultrasound or stereotactic guidance. Usejudgement to optimise patient position, approach, needle type and number of biopsies tobe taken. Deploy a radiopaque marker when judged necessary. To manipulate sharp instruments within an area of restricted access without injury to self,staff or patients. To accurately localise breast abnormalities by ultrasound or stereotactic guidance prior tosurgery by skin marking, wire insertion or injection of radioactive isotope. To train to perform vacuum assisted biopsies for diagnostic or therapeutic excision ofbreast abnormalities.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To undertake a complex caseload within the field of breast imaging working with patientsbeing investigated for breast problems predominantly cancer and recurrent cancer andundergoing invasive procedures. To use advanced communication skills on a daily basis to communicate and empathisewith very anxious patients and their relatives about life threatening disease. To discuss results of complex imaging procedures with patients. To communicate and discuss results of imaging procedures on an equal level ofunderstanding and credibility with Consultants in the multi-disciplinary team. To assess and respond to individual developmental needs in the training and supervisionof medical staff and students in breast imaging. To communicate with specialist groups nationally to improve services and develop bestpractice, through attendance at specialist meetings and conferences. To interpret screening and symptomatic mammograms, requesting either ultrasound orfurther x-rays as necessary. Issue an autonomous report. To perform breast ultrasound examinations to a high standard. Interpret and analyse thefindings of the examination from a range of complex components to produce a diagnosis.Use judgement to perform a biopsy if required. Issue an autonomous report. To localise abnormalities prior to surgery taking into account the visibility of the abnormalityon different X-ray views, ultrasound images and the position of the abnormality within thebreast. To perform complex needle biopsies and aspirations using ultrasound or stereotacticguidance on a range of breast abnormalities, using judgement to identify the abnormalityfrom the x-rays, ultrasound images and patient notes to determine the best patientposition, approach, needle type and length and number of biopsies to be taken. To participate and assist in the effective Quality Control and Quality Assuranceprogramme, undertaking daily and periodic testing of all equipment ensuring optimumconditions are in place before commencing clinical work To comply with guidelines governing safe use of ultrasound machines in medicine. To interpret QA test results and take appropriate remedial action.
To plan film-reading sessions so the required number of screening films are read per yearwhilst also fulfilling the requirements for performing audit on film reporting and biopsies/localisations. To plan and organise appointments and management of symptomatic ultrasound lists toensure optimum patient care and efficiency. To organise and adjust appointments during rapid diagnosis and assessment clinics tooptimise patient flow, reprioritising to accommodate extra patients and emergencies. To participate in planning of appointments for ultrasound and/or stereotactic techniques formaximum efficiency. To organise radiographers and assistants in ultrasound and/or stereotactic rooms on adaily basis to facilitate smooth running clinics To attend, assist and participate in multi-disciplinary planning meetings. To participate in the day to day running of the services provided at the Linda McCartneyCentre e.g. to adjust and reorganise the workload as required. To organise incidental activities as required.
To use a variety of computer applications to maintain patient records and write reports,perform and present audit and for teaching purposes. To maintain and develop advanced sensory skills for the interpretation and reporting ofcomplex breast images (mammograms and ultrasound). To be an expert in the use of complex state of the art imaging equipment includingultrasound scanners and/or digital stereotactic machines with computer guided biopsysystems. Also, the use of vacuum assisted and spring loaded biopsy devices. To perform complex interventional procedures accurately targeting and sampling breastabnormalities with a biopsy needle under ultrasound or stereotactic guidance. Usejudgement to optimise patient position, approach, needle type and number of biopsies tobe taken. Deploy a radiopaque marker when judged necessary. To manipulate sharp instruments within an area of restricted access without injury to self,staff or patients. To accurately localise breast abnormalities by ultrasound or stereotactic guidance prior tosurgery by skin marking, wire insertion or injection of radioactive isotope. To train to perform vacuum assisted biopsies for diagnostic or therapeutic excision ofbreast abnormalities.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc (Hons) Degree in Radiography/Radiotherapy (or earlier equivalent)
- Postgraduate award in Mammography Practice or equivalent
- Post graduate Qualification in Breast Ultrasound
- Registration with HCPC
- Post graduate Qualification in Clinical Reporting and Image Interpretation of the Breast
Desirable
- Postgraduate Qualification in Stereotactic Techniques
- Communication/ Counselling Course
Experience
Essential
- Significant post qualification experience in mammography.
- Demonstrable experience in breast ultrasound and ultrasound guided intervention.
- Experience of working independently in an extended role
- Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Desirable
- Experience of quality assurance procedures
- Experience of clinical audit
- Experience of clinical education
Knowledge
Essential
- IT literate, experience of wide range of computer application
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work under pressure and prioritise own workload
- Complex problem solving skills
- Ability to supervise other radiographic staff
Desirable
- Evidence of recent relevant CPD
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc (Hons) Degree in Radiography/Radiotherapy (or earlier equivalent)
- Postgraduate award in Mammography Practice or equivalent
- Post graduate Qualification in Breast Ultrasound
- Registration with HCPC
- Post graduate Qualification in Clinical Reporting and Image Interpretation of the Breast
Desirable
- Postgraduate Qualification in Stereotactic Techniques
- Communication/ Counselling Course
Experience
Essential
- Significant post qualification experience in mammography.
- Demonstrable experience in breast ultrasound and ultrasound guided intervention.
- Experience of working independently in an extended role
- Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Desirable
- Experience of quality assurance procedures
- Experience of clinical audit
- Experience of clinical education
Knowledge
Essential
- IT literate, experience of wide range of computer application
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work under pressure and prioritise own workload
- Complex problem solving skills
- Ability to supervise other radiographic staff
Desirable
- Evidence of recent relevant CPD
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).
