Clinical Scientist Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection

Job description

Job responsibilities

1. Provision of Clinical Services/ Clinical Responsibilities

1.1 To support the work of Medical Physics Experts by performing periodic testing and annual radiation safety audits on x-ray equipment as required by current legislation. Including:

a. Testing highly-complex, patient-critical x-ray equipment requiring the use of sophisticated computer-controlled measurement equipment.

b. Reviewing and analysing results for compliance with manufacturers specification and current legislation and standards.

c. Making decisions regarding the acceptance/suspension of the use of imaging equipment.

d. Working with clinical colleagues to optimise dose and image quality.

e. Suggesting and implementing improvements in methods and complex tools used for medical physics QA and analysis, including software.

f. Suggesting and implementing improvements in methods and analysis used for user QA and support user audit.

g. Reporting results of work to superintendent radiographers or manager responsible for equipment.

1.2 Liaison with a variety of healthcare professionals to report results of work, advise on safety and quality at various stages of the equipment lifecycle.

1.3 Undertake risk assessments of new x-ray equipment prior to use and assist in acceptance testing and critical examination to ensure equipment meets specification and safety standards.

1.4 To assist with auditing of compliance with radiation safety legislation & Trust Policy. Report audit findings to assist users with continuous improvement.

1.5 To carry out audit of patient ionising radiation doses within GHNHSFT, GHC and other clients, including calculation & issue of local Dose Reference Levels and provision of dose data for national dose audits.

1.6 To support the Head of DR physics with the investigation and reporting of incidents, including irregular staff and patient doses involving ionising radiation, using complex calculations and to make appropriate recommendations.

1.7 An understanding of patient and staff risks arising from equipment failure and staff error and should understand Risk Management processes.

1.8 To assist with planning the radiation protection requirements and safety recommendations for new & existing x-ray installations, under the supervision of an RPA/MPE. Collating and analysing complex data provided by the clinical team, architects, project managers and equipment suppliers to calculate and report the radiation protection specifications.

1.9 Assist in the management of a radiation monitoring service for the environments where ionising radiation is used clinically. This includes reporting on results and assisting with the administration of the service.

1.10 Become familiar with and ensure activities are carried out within the local quality framework. Participate in the development, routine operation & maintenance of quality systems including procedures for own area of work, ensuring they conform with Statutory Regulations and Approved Codes of Practice.

1.11 To carry out where appropriate the calibration of specialist instruments used in commissioning and performance testing of diagnostic x-ray equipment, including organising the external calibration of testing equipment and undertake internal cross-calibrations.

1.12 Assist with training other staff, students (e.g. STP) and customers. This will involve the preparation of training materials and delivery of training.

2. Professional Development, Education and Training

2.1 The post-holder must maintain an up-to-date knowledge of Diagnostic Radiology Physics and relevant Radiation Protection legislation in order to carry out the duties of the post. This will be achieved by attending relevant local and national meetings and by private study.

2.2 The post-holder must keep an accurate Continuing Professional Development Portfolio as evidence of this and should be enrolled on an appropriate CPD scheme

3. Management and Leadership

3.1 To be responsible for the safe use of expensive equipment.

3.2 Engage with other stakeholders as applicable when working on multidisciplinary projects.

4. Planning and Organisation

4.1 To be responsible for the prioritisation and management own work, working flexibly where necessary, to ensure a good professional timely response is given to those using the medical physics service

4.2 Attend and participate in DR physics team & other meetings as required e.g. clinical governance, Radiation Safety Committee, project implementation meetings etc.

4.3 Attend and participate in GLOSRAD team meetings as required.

5. Research and Development

5.1 Support and undertake research and development projects in Medical Physics and other Trust departments as agreed with the Head of DR Physics. Present work at national and international scientific meetings.

6. Communications and Working Relationships

6.1 The post holder must have good communication skills and be able to communicate with a wide cross-section of people including clinical & non-clinical staff e.g. procurement, IT, estates, device manufacturers, external contactors, other Clinical Scientists for exchange of information & networking.

6.2 Ability to document findings and recommendations clearly, both verbally and in written reports.

6.3 Openly question and challenge practice in a constructive way, so that standards are continually evaluated and improved.

6.4 May be required to present technical work at local and national meetings.

7. General Working Conditions

7.1 Lifting individual items of equipment up to 18kg (including in and out of a car for transportation) 2-4 times per week. Transporting loads of up to 30Kg on an equipment trolley across hospital sites 2-4 times per week.

7.2 Standing for long periods of time (3-4 hours) when testing x-ray equipment 1-2 times per week.

7.3 Wearing lead aprons for long periods of time (3-4 hours) once a week.

7.4 Report writing, requiring long periods of concentration, sometimes all day, working at a PC daily.

7.5 Exposure to relatively high levels of ionising radiation in interventional radiology rooms.

7.6 The post-holder must be able to prioritise & manage own workload and is required to have a flexible attitude to working hours to minimise disruption to patient services, sometimes with short notice. This may involve starting work early, finishing late or working the occasional Saturday.

Person Specification

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Good (1st or 2nd Class) Honours degree in Physics and an MSc in Medical Physics
• Knowledge and experience of Radiation Protection Physics
• Experience of performing equipment QA
• Experience of working under IRR & IR(ME)R 2017 legislation

Desirable

• Experience of working in other areas of Medical Physics
• HCPC Registration
• Evidence of maintaining CPD
• Experience of performing radiation risk assessments

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

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

Great Western Road

Gloucester

GL1 3NN

Employer's website

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