Senior Radiographer General X-Ray and Fluoroscopy

Location: On site / Waterford, Ireland
job type: Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector: Medical & Healthcare | Clinical

Salary: Competitive Salary

Overview of Role

The Radiology Department provides a service to both Inpatients and Outpatients. It includes General Radiography, Theatre Imaging, Ultrasound, Mammography, MRI, CT and DEXA services. The holder of this post will work as a member of the Radiology Department and multi- disciplinary teams, providing a high-quality MRI service to patients in accordance with professional standards of practice.The post holder will lead, guide, and supervise radiographic and other staff to assist the CSR in the management of the General Xray and Fluoro Imaging service including theatre imaging. The senior diagnostic radiographer should have strong leadership qualities, as well as management skills and core professional competence, including autonomous practice, in the clinical setting. They must be able to manage in a rapidly changing environment and be willing to undertake such additional duties within the Radiology Department, as may be assigned from time to time. The successful candidate must have a high capacity for responsibility and individual initiative. The senior diagnostic radiographer has a comprehensive and detailed knowledge of diagnostic radiography, and an awareness of the roles, abilities, and limitations of all members of the multi-disciplinary team.

 Each Modality has a set of key performance indicators to improve quality, drive performance, and ensure efficiency to deliver:

• Higher quality service
•  More consistent standards of care
•  More consistent access to care

Working week: The standard working week applying to the post is 35 hours plus on-call.

Duties & Responsibilities

Clinical:

• The senior diagnostic radiographer must recognise the need for effective self-management of both workload and resources and be able to adapt practice accordingly.
• Engage in leadership when required to do so, creating and promoting healthy working relationships. Provide strategic and clinical leadership which results in the delivery of an effective, efficient, quality assured and patient centred service.
• Deputise for the CSR during absenteeism.
• To carry out general and highly complex Radiographic procedures ensuring high professional standards of work are achieved and maintained while abiding by strict current legislation.
• To engage with consultants and develop individual specialised view protocols to meet their needs for patient management and surgical decision making. Continuous development and updating of Department handbook in line with agreed changes in practice.
• To organise, plan and prioritise workload according to clinical need.
• The senior diagnostic radiographer can implement change in practice based on the critical evaluation of evidence-based practice.
• The senior diagnostic radiographer can influence change of practice of others in this regard.
• Advise on patient schedule and waiting lists, assist the CSR to build booking grids to ensure optimum usage of Department facilities. 
•  Contribute to the development and implementation of operational policies, protocols, and guidelines to ensure optimum utilisation of resources and systematic audit of such usage.
• Lead in the performance of clinical audit in accordance with SI 256 of 2018.
• Demonstrate leadership skills in adapting techniques and equipment for imaging of compromised patients.
• is responsible for the justification and optimisation of radiographic examinations in their role as practitioners.
• Demonstrate the ability to schedule the workflow in both the general and specialist areas.
• Advise as required on equipment selection, purchase, replacement or upgrading.
• Technology: troubleshooting; risk management of equipment; audit of equipment.
• Maintain accurate information systems for clinical data in accordance with hospital standards.
• Report all operation issues to CSR and/or Radiography Services Manager.
• Manage use of consumables efficiently.
• Assess patient’s suitability for I.V. injections by checking Renal function and any contra- indications, where required.
• Implement a continuous learning programme for all staff to keep up to date on new techniques and best practice in line with ALARA principles and adhering to Statutory Instruments (i.e.SI 256 & SI 30)
• To supervise and teach recently qualified radiographers/Assistants/Students and masters level post graduate students.
• Be able to make decisions based on radiographs that may change the patient’s pathway and bring identified abnormalities to the attention of the referring clinician or radiologist.
• Advise and deliver presentations on the application of current European and Irish Legislation and guidelines about radiation protection, health & safety, and patient safety.
• To dispense and administer I.V. injection as per Departmental policy, where required. (Rotational post for suitably trained staff)
• Ensure all patients who suffer a contrast reaction or any other illness during or after an imaging incident are correctly cared for and followed up afterwards in line with Hospital Policy.
• To maintain the principles of patient confidentiality at all times and ensure all staff uphold this principle.
• Ensure due regard is given to the customs, values and spiritual beliefs of all patients and staff.
• Monitor and ensure stock levels are maintained in the immediate work area.
• Liaise with the CSR / Radiographic Service Manager on the rotation of staff through the Department to ensure an adequate number of trained staff are available.
• Be able to lead and be an active member of both a radiographic and multidisciplinary team. The senior diagnostic radiographer must also foster good working relationships within the diagnostic imaging department and the wider hospital network.
• Ensure all staff perform Manual Handling tasks including Patient movement in accordance with Hospital Policy and Training.
• Radiation safety: To ensure that the three principles of radiation protection, namely justification, optimisation (ALARA) and dose constraints/limits are adhered to. To be familiar with S.I.256 and S.I 30. which include the basic safety standards for the protection of health workers and the general public against the dangers arising from Ionising Radiation and the health protection of individuals against the dangers of ionising radiation in relation to medical exposure.
•  Demonstrate flexibility in possible changes to work patterns eg. extending working hours to accommodate our patients once volume increases significantly.
• To manage and participate in the Departmental On call rota with access to own transport.

Quality & Audit:

• Should be involved in the setting-up, maintaining and reviewing of QA programmes.
• Involvement in weekly huddle to address Department ‘wins’ and address any issues identified, outline ongoing audits, encourage staff engagement for ongoing Quality Improvement Processes.
• Encourage staff to engage in Team Learning, communications, and updates through TEAMs.
• Share all communications and Policy updates with ‘Read and Sign’ through TEAMS platform so it is accessible to all.
• Maintain up to date TEAMs folders to ensure latest Document Controlled versions are ‘live’ on TEAMS and all staff complete read and sign process.
• Encourage staff to report all incidences, including ‘good catch’ and Learning opportunities through Viclarity.
• Maintain accurate information systems for clinical data in accordance with hospital standards.
• With the CSR, assist with the maintenance accurate records of equipment service, maintenance, malfunction, downtime and performance as required and co-ordinate preventative maintenance schedules in accordance with clinical demand and Department policy.
• Support the CSR and Radiographic Service Manager in the implementation of initiatives aimed at on-going service development and improvement.
• Liaise with the CSR / Radiographic Service Manager and other senior staff on the rotation of staff through the Department to ensure adequate number of trained staff are available.
• Investigate and take appropriate action in accordance with hospital policy in relation to complaints, accidents, and incidents.
• Ensure that all hospital policies and relevant legislation on Radiographic Imaging safety is understood by staff and complied with.
• Ensure the General Xray Department and Theatre Imaging units operate in accordance with the operational policy at all times.
• Ensure that all Radiation safety questionnaires are completed and uploaded to the Radiology IT System as per Department policy.
• Ensure all hospital policies on infection control, health and safety etc. are understood by staff and complied with routinely.
• Participate in the Implementation and maintain a Quality Assurance programme for the Department by creating and presenting Audit findings.
• Implement and update equipment inspection record for minor and major faults including visual defects as well as functional defects.
• Have the ability to troubleshoot on all imaging and electronic patient systems within the diagnostic imaging department.

Health & Safety:

•  Regularly liaise with the physicist on safety issues and other operational issues as appropriate.
• Promote and maintain a safe environment for staff and patients.
• Have a working knowledge of HIQA Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene standards etc.
• Assist in the development a checklist for all staff to complete in the event of system breakdown and power outages.
• Ensure that hospital policy on hygiene standards are understood by staff and monitor compliance with these standards.
• Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service
• Be aware of the diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for routinely performed radiographic examinations and how they compare to national and local DRLs.
• Trend and review Departmental DRLs, identifying and implementing process improvements, where necessary.

Professional/Education:

Must be able to:

• Develop a personal development plan (PDP) and professional portfolio;
• Have the ability to critically self-evaluate;
• Be able to conduct evidence-based research and participate in research studies;
• Apply the learning outcomes in the clinical setting.
• Maintain, enhance and develop knowledge, skill and aptitudes necessary to respond to changing clinical profile of patients, hospital/service developments and legal requirements such as licensing.
• To participate and deliver CPD.
• Provide peer support when necessary.
• Engage in performance review with his/her manager.
• Participate in staff engagement and performance reviews.
• Demonstrate resilience and composure.
• Demonstrate flexibility and openness to change.
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development.
• Demonstrate an ability to manage and develop self and others in a busy working environment.
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively evaluate information and make appropriate decisions.
• Act autonomously within agreed guidelines

Qualifications & Experience 

Possess a Degree in Radiography or the Diploma of The College of Radiographers

And

Must be registered in the Radiographer’s Division by The Radiographers Registration Board maintained at CORU.

And

Must have not less than 3 years fulltime post qualification clinical experience

And

Possess a recognised postgraduate course as recognised by the IIRRT (desirable) or the relevant clinical experience in a specialised Modality.

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

At UPMC we provide a total rewards program that is not only market competitive, but fair and provides growth opportunities for all our colleagues.

• Compensation – Competitive pay for the work employees do – base pay, performance related pay and premium pay where applicable.
• Benefits – Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents. Competitive Pension Plan, company funded Death in Service Benefit x 3 times. Critical Illness cover for all employees up to the age of 66.
• Performance and Recognition – Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC through our annual ACES programme.
• Work-Life Balance – Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days. Flexible working opportunities to support you to work around external family commitments.
• Development and Career Opportunities – Opportunities for each employee to reach their career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.

About UPMC

A $26 billion healthcare provider and insurer, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based UPMC is inventing new models of patient-centred, cost-effective, accountable care. Working in close collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shares its clinical, managerial and technological skills worldwide through its innovation and commercialisation arm, UPMC Enterprises, and through UPMC International.

Providing high-quality healthcare in the South East since 2006, UPMC’s operations in Ireland now include UPMC Whitfield Hospital in Waterford, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic in Dublin, UPMC Kildare Hospital in Clane and UPMC Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny. Outpatient care is available at the UPMC Carlow Outreach Centre, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre radiotherapy locations at UPMC Whitfield and in Cork, the UPMC Sports Medicine Clinic at SETU Arena, Waterford, TUS Moylish Campus, Limerick, TUS Thurles Campus, Tipperary, and the UPMC Concussion Network. The UPMC Institute for Health is located in Mayo and the Global Technology Operation Centre is based in Kilkenny. UPMC is the Official Healthcare Partner of the GAA and GPA. 

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