Assistant Practitioner Radiography (XR04)

Job description

Job responsibilities

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Clinical Responsibilities:

To act as a point of advice for patient enquiries regarding their referral providing this falls within their sphere of work.

To ensure patients have given informed consent prior to radiographic examinations.

Applying a high level of manual dexterity in acquiring accurate, high quality diagnostic images within their scope of practice.

To match the clinical indications presented by the referrer to an appropriate departmental protocol after discussion with a Senior Radiographer.

To seek assistance and clarification where necessary regarding supplementary imaging procedures.

To ensure appropriate infection control measures are utilised where necessary. Paying particular attention to personal protection as well as the management of equipment and linens contaminated by bodily fluids.

To be responsible for the care, comfort and clinical well-being of the patient, whilst in the imaging department. This includes the monitoring or administration of oxygen under supervision.

Operational Responsibilities:

To effectively liaise with all disciplines of staff within the imaging department, giving support when necessary.

To participate in the safe transfer of patients and equipment within the department and hospital, using manual handling guidelines and risk assessments.

To report deficits in the data integrity of the IT systems in use in cardiorespiratory & the Trust.

To attend departmental meetings where needed.

To report clinical, non-clinical and MRI incidents in line with Trust and departmental risk management policies.

To enter accurate patient and examination data into cardiorespiratory IT systems.

To ensure that equipment faults are reported to the relevant senior radiographer.

Attend to patients hygiene requirements.

Health and Safety:

To be responsible for the care and cleanliness of radiographic equipment and accessories within their own work area. To monitor equipment performance, fittings or fabric of the department and follow identified lines of reporting.

To be aware of, and comply with systems of work, local rules, policies and procedures in accordance with MHRA Safety Guidelines for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Equipment in Clinical Use to ensure the safety of themselves, patients and members of the public.

To be responsible for the health and safety of self, patients and others and display knowledge and understanding of Health and Safety and COSHH regulations and assist in ensuring that all work activities comply.

To ensure compliance with infection control procedures within their clinical area.

To undertake all mandatory training required for the role, including regular updates in Fire, Moving & Handling and CPR, as required by Clinical Radiology and Trust Health and Safety Policies.

To be aware of the risks associated with this role and comply with the control measures in any relevant Risk Assessments.

To work within the policies and frameworks of the clinical area in which they are based.

Multi-disciplinary Team working and Communication Skills:

To assess specific communication needs of individual patients, where there may be barriers with communication.

To communicate effectively and empathetically with patients and their escorts prior to, during and after an examination.

To work as part of the multi-disciplinary team within the imaging department, taking responsibility for defined tasks as determined by senior staff.

To maintain effective written, electronic, verbal and non-verbal communication and relationships as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.

To work in a way that values diversity and promotes equality of opportunity for patients and other staff.

To recognise the potential for conflict in relationships and seek to minimise this and contribute to effective communication and team working.

Ensure that the confidentiality of all information gained in the course of undertaking the role is safeguarded and maintained in accordance with professional, local and national guidelines and regulations e.g. Data protection act (1998).

Information and Record Keeping:

To keep accurate and timely records using computerised information systems where required.

To utilise computerised picture archiving and communication systems for completed examinations (in depts with PACs).

To use all equipment according to manufacturers instructions and follow appropriate lines of reporting and documentation of any faults in accordance with local rules.

To participate in audit projects, including gathering evidence for best practice assessment, either of their own work, that of the department or others, as required.

Personal & Professional Development:

To undertake on-going professional training and education.

To participate in personal development needs that may be identified by the superintendent or in the appraisal process in an agreed timeframe.

OTHER DUTIES

General

To undertake clerical duties as required including registering of patients, bookings, update of and retrieval from departmental IT systems of recorded patient / participant data and all other associated information.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Experience working as an assistant in an MRI department.
• Competent in cannulation.
• Experience of administrative roles.
• Strong communication skills within a multi-disciplinary team.

Desirable

• Training & mentoring of junior assistants.
• Handling of departmental stock orders.
• Management of rota organisation.

Skills and Behaviours

Essential

• Patient centred.
• Proactive and accountable.
• Critical thinking & problem solving skills.
• Understanding the importance of MRI screening & safety.
• Understanding of patient confidentiality and safeguarding.

Desirable

• Willing to manage junior assistants through mentoring, workbooks and further training.
• Commitment to patient care and improvement.

Qualifications

Essential

• NVQ qualification in General Healthcare Support (Level 3) or equivalent
• Diagnostic & Therapeutic Support (Level 3) or equivalent.

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

Leeds General Infirmary

Great George Street

Leeds

LS1 3EX

Employer's website

https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)