Therapeutic Radiographer

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

The closing date is 19 January 2025

Job summary

Do you want to start your career in a small patient focused, forward thinking department? If the answer is yes, then we are the department for you. Applications welcome from 2025 graduates.

As a newly qualified radiographer you will be supported in your transition from a student to an autonomous member of the team via our preceptorship program.

As a band 5 Radiographer you will rotate through both the treatment and pretreatment areas, gaining experience on Elekta linacs using both CBCT and MV imaging as well as the opportunity to deliver superficial treatment on our Gulmay unit. You will also rotate into the pre-treatment area where you will participate in the localization of patients using a Toshiba (cannon) Wide Bore Scanner and carry out radiographer led Vsim using Raystation. Mosaiq is our booking and verification system.

We are a friendly team of approximately 35 radiographers. We strive to ensure that all patients are treated in a supportive and calming environment.

We are based in a new bespoke purpose built building on the Worcestershire Royal Hospital site, with beautiful views of the Malvern Hills and the Cotswolds. Worcester is a thriving city on the banks of the river Severn, close to areas of outstanding natural beauty. We have close links to the M5; Birmingham, Cheltenham and Bristol are all within easy reach.

We provide placements for undergraduate students from Birmingham City University as well as support apprenticeships through Sheffield Hallam University.

Main duties of the job

To work as part of a Radiography team under the supervision of Senior Radiographers in the planning and delivery of radiotherapy treatment using highly specialist equipment. Providing information, education, practical and emotional support to patients and carers during their radiotherapy episode.

The department provides clinical placements for student radiographers and the post holder will be expected to participate fully in the training and mentoring of students.

The post holder will be expected to participate in the on call roster.

About us

Our purpose is simple - Putting Patients First. We are looking for exceptional colleagues who can help us achieve this.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is a large acute and specialised hospital trust that provides a range of local acute services to the residents of Worcestershire and more specialised services to a larger population in Herefordshire and beyond.

The Trust operates hospital-based services from three sites in Kidderminster, Redditch and Worcester

Our workforce is over 7,000 strong, and our caring staff are recognised as providing good and outstanding patient-centred care. You could be one of them.

We are committed to recruiting the best people to work with us to achieve our Vision - working in partnership to provide the best healthcare for our communities, leading and supporting our teams to move 4ward. Our 4ward behaviours, which we ask all staff to demonstrate, underpin our everyday work and remain firmly at the heart of all we do.

Our objectives are simple:

  • Best services for local people
  • Best experience of care and best outcomes for our patients
  • Best use of resources
  • Best people

Better never stops, and our Clinical Services Strategy provides a clear future vision for our Trust, our hospitals, our services and our role in the wider health and care system.

We are proud to have achieved Timewise accreditation - this means we are committed to embedding flexible working within our organisation as a flex positive employer.

Date posted

03 January 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£29,970 to £36,483 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9365-25-0002

Job locations

Charles Hastings Way

Worcester

Worcestershire

WR5 1DD


Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Operate radiotherapy equipment safely and accurately interpreting and applying radiation prescription plans.

Be clinically competent to safely and efficiently manipulate all complex and specialised equipment associated with the planning and treatment of patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment with ionising radiation.

Work in on a rotational basis through both the pre-treatment and treatment areas of the department.

Technical

Accurately interpret complex treatment plans and prescriptions

Undertake verification processes evaluating the accuracy of treatment using portal imaging or CBCT.

Undertake in-vivo dosimetry measurements for patients receiving external beam treatment.

Calculate, data input and electronically check radiotherapy plans and prescriptions.

Use department computerised patient management systems to schedule, record and monitor patient activity.

Undertake appropriate treatment unit quality assurance checks reporting any faults or errors in line with departmental / Trust policies.

Undertake treatment planning activities including use of CT scanner and Raystation to produce virtual simulation plans.

Patient Care

Monitor patients medical condition and progress during treatment recording and reporting any significant changes to the appropriate consultant or Macmillan Review Radiographer

Participate in planning and delivering a supportive care package for patients undergoing radiotherapy offering appropriate advice and making onward referrals where necessary.

General

Take individual professional responsibility for the accurate delivery of treatment to radiotherapy patients ensuring that the requirements of all ionising radiation regulations are adhered to.

Assist in the daily workload of the department, liaising with portering service, administration staff and other members of the MDT to facilitate the co-ordination of patient appointments.

Maintain the professional standards of the department, making suggestions for possible service developments.

Provide direct supervision and training of undergraduate students and less experienced staff enabling their professional development.

Undertake training / updates required to operate equipment safely effectively and to maximise its therapeutic / diagnostic potential.

Take responsibility for personal Continuing Professional Development activities including Trust mandatory training, sharing knowledge and cascade training where appropriate.

Move patients and heavy equipment using safe and approved techniques and aids, updating Manual Handling training annually in line with Trust policy.

To ensure professional appearance and a high standard of hygiene is maintained at all times in compliance with the trusts uniform policy.

Undertake Out of Hours and On-Call duties to support full service delivery.

Communication

Ensure that any records relating to the planning, treatment and care of patient are accurately recorded and maintained as per departmental / trust policy

Seek appropriate support and guidance regarding any concerns related to the accuracy of a treatment.

Report any malfunctions / breakdown of equipment to the appropriately.

Communicate and receive sensitive information, maintaining patient confidentiality at all times

Communicate with Cancer patients and their carers in a sensitive and reassuring manner in order to ensure that each patient understands the treatment of procedure for which they are undergoing.

Clinical Governance

Be responsible and accountable for own actions in accordance with the HCPC Radiographers Professional Code of Conduct

Work within the standards and requirements of Quality Management System and contribute to the development, implementation and audit of radiotherapy quality procedures and work instructions.

To understand and comply with professional, statutory and trust policies and procedures (e.g. SCOR Code of Professional conduct)

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Operate radiotherapy equipment safely and accurately interpreting and applying radiation prescription plans.

Be clinically competent to safely and efficiently manipulate all complex and specialised equipment associated with the planning and treatment of patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment with ionising radiation.

Work in on a rotational basis through both the pre-treatment and treatment areas of the department.

Technical

Accurately interpret complex treatment plans and prescriptions

Undertake verification processes evaluating the accuracy of treatment using portal imaging or CBCT.

Undertake in-vivo dosimetry measurements for patients receiving external beam treatment.

Calculate, data input and electronically check radiotherapy plans and prescriptions.

Use department computerised patient management systems to schedule, record and monitor patient activity.

Undertake appropriate treatment unit quality assurance checks reporting any faults or errors in line with departmental / Trust policies.

Undertake treatment planning activities including use of CT scanner and Raystation to produce virtual simulation plans.

Patient Care

Monitor patients medical condition and progress during treatment recording and reporting any significant changes to the appropriate consultant or Macmillan Review Radiographer

Participate in planning and delivering a supportive care package for patients undergoing radiotherapy offering appropriate advice and making onward referrals where necessary.

General

Take individual professional responsibility for the accurate delivery of treatment to radiotherapy patients ensuring that the requirements of all ionising radiation regulations are adhered to.

Assist in the daily workload of the department, liaising with portering service, administration staff and other members of the MDT to facilitate the co-ordination of patient appointments.

Maintain the professional standards of the department, making suggestions for possible service developments.

Provide direct supervision and training of undergraduate students and less experienced staff enabling their professional development.

Undertake training / updates required to operate equipment safely effectively and to maximise its therapeutic / diagnostic potential.

Take responsibility for personal Continuing Professional Development activities including Trust mandatory training, sharing knowledge and cascade training where appropriate.

Move patients and heavy equipment using safe and approved techniques and aids, updating Manual Handling training annually in line with Trust policy.

To ensure professional appearance and a high standard of hygiene is maintained at all times in compliance with the trusts uniform policy.

Undertake Out of Hours and On-Call duties to support full service delivery.

Communication

Ensure that any records relating to the planning, treatment and care of patient are accurately recorded and maintained as per departmental / trust policy

Seek appropriate support and guidance regarding any concerns related to the accuracy of a treatment.

Report any malfunctions / breakdown of equipment to the appropriately.

Communicate and receive sensitive information, maintaining patient confidentiality at all times

Communicate with Cancer patients and their carers in a sensitive and reassuring manner in order to ensure that each patient understands the treatment of procedure for which they are undergoing.

Clinical Governance

Be responsible and accountable for own actions in accordance with the HCPC Radiographers Professional Code of Conduct

Work within the standards and requirements of Quality Management System and contribute to the development, implementation and audit of radiotherapy quality procedures and work instructions.

To understand and comply with professional, statutory and trust policies and procedures (e.g. SCOR Code of Professional conduct)

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Experience (either post grad or undergraduate) of using modern radiotherapy equipment including the use of Cone beam CT

Desirable

  • Worked within the NHS

Qualifications

Essential

  • BSc Hons (or equivalent) in Therapeutic radiography (or currently studying for)

Desirable

  • HCPC registration

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Knowledge of a wide range of current Radiotherapy techniques and associated requirements for patient care
  • Awareness of IR(ME)R regulations and their implication for Radiotherapy practice
  • Able to perform treatment set ups quickly and accurately, working to tight tolerances
  • Able to communicate complex or sensitive information in a manner which aids understanding and compliance (verbal and written)
  • Able to work under pressure

Desirable

  • Knowledge of new developments in Radiotherapy treatment and the cancer agenda

Personal qualities

Essential

  • Caring and empathetic
  • Works well as part of a team
  • Able to work effectively in an emotionally charged environment
  • Inspires confidence in patients and colleagues
Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Experience (either post grad or undergraduate) of using modern radiotherapy equipment including the use of Cone beam CT

Desirable

  • Worked within the NHS

Qualifications

Essential

  • BSc Hons (or equivalent) in Therapeutic radiography (or currently studying for)

Desirable

  • HCPC registration

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Knowledge of a wide range of current Radiotherapy techniques and associated requirements for patient care
  • Awareness of IR(ME)R regulations and their implication for Radiotherapy practice
  • Able to perform treatment set ups quickly and accurately, working to tight tolerances
  • Able to communicate complex or sensitive information in a manner which aids understanding and compliance (verbal and written)
  • Able to work under pressure

Desirable

  • Knowledge of new developments in Radiotherapy treatment and the cancer agenda

Personal qualities

Essential

  • Caring and empathetic
  • Works well as part of a team
  • Able to work effectively in an emotionally charged environment
  • Inspires confidence in patients and colleagues

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

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

Charles Hastings Way

Worcester

Worcestershire

WR5 1DD


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

Charles Hastings Way

Worcester

Worcestershire

WR5 1DD


Employer's website

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


For questions about the job, contact:

Radiotherapy Service Manager

Claire Bode

Claire.bode1@nhs.net

01905761431

Date posted

03 January 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£29,970 to £36,483 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9365-25-0002

Job locations

Charles Hastings Way

Worcester

Worcestershire

WR5 1DD


Supporting documents

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