MRI Specialist

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Radiographer to join our team in Waterford, Ireland.

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing high-quality MRI services to patients, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to achieve excellent patient outcomes. The role requires strong leadership skills, management experience, and a comprehensive knowledge of diagnostic radiography.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Recognise the need for effective self-management of workload and resources, adapting practice accordingly.
• Engage in leadership, promoting healthy working relationships and providing strategic and clinical leadership to deliver an effective, efficient, quality-assured, patient-centred service.
• Deputise for the Clinical Services Manager during absenteeism.
• Cary out general and highly complex radiographic procedures, maintaining high professional standards and complying with current legislation.
• Engage with consultants and develop specialised view protocols to meet patient management and surgical decisions; continuously update the Department handbook.
• Organise, plan and prioritise workload according to clinical need.
• Implement changes in practice based on evidence-based evaluation and influence practice of others accordingly.
• Advise on patient scheduling and waiting lists; assist the Clinical Services Manager to build booking grids for optimum department use.
• Develop and implement operational policies, protocols, and guidelines; conduct systematic audits to ensure optimal resource use.
• Lead clinical audits in line with HIQA standards; adapt imaging techniques and equipment for compromised patients.
• Justify and optimise radiographic examinations; schedule workflow in general and specialist areas.
• Advise on equipment selection, purchase, replacement or upgrading; troubleshoot technology and manage equipment risk.
• Maintain accurate clinical data information systems; report operation issues to the Clinical Services Manager or Radiography Services Manager.
• Manage consumables; assess patient suitability for intravenous injections (renal function and contraindications where required).
• Implement a continuous learning programme for staff on new techniques and best practice in line with ALARA and statutory instruments.
• Supervise and teach recently qualified radiographers, assistants, students and postgraduate students; support decision-making that may change a patient pathway.
• Deliver presentations on radiation protection, health and safety, and patient safety in line with current European and Irish legislation and guidelines.
• Where required, dispense and administer intravenous injections per departmental policy (rotational post).
• Ensure care and follow-up for patients with contrast reactions or other imaging incidents; maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Respect patient dignity and cultural values; monitor stock and coordinate staff rotation to ensure adequate numbers.
• Lead as an active member of radiographic and multidisciplinary teams; promote good working relationships within the diagnostic imaging department and wider hospital network.
• Ensure manual handling safety and radiation protection, adhering to ALARA principles and HIQA requirements.
• Be flexible with work patterns to accommodate volume increases and manage on-call requirements with access to transport.

Quality and Audit

• Set up, maintain and review QA programmes; participate in weekly huddles to address department issues and ongoing quality improvement.
• Encourage team learning, communications, and updates via collaboration platforms; ensure policy updates are accessible and read and signed.
• Maintain accurate information systems for clinical data; assist with equipment service records, downtime and performance, and coordinate preventative maintenance.
• Support initiatives for service development and improvement; coordinate staff rotation to ensure adequate trained staff.
• Investigate complaints, accidents and incidents; ensure compliance with hospital policies and radiographic imaging safety regulations.
• Participate in a Quality Assurance programme and maintain equipment inspection records for faults and maintenance.
• Troubleshoot imaging and electronic patient systems within the department.

Health and Safety

• Liaise with the physicist on safety issues; promote a safe environment for staff and patients.
• Know HIQA standards applicable to the role and monitor hygiene standards, infection prevention, and general safety.
• Develop checklists for system breakdowns and power outages; support sustainability initiatives and DRL monitoring for radiographic examinations.

Professional Development

• Develop a personal development plan and professional portfolio; conduct evidence-based research and participate in studies; apply outcomes clinically.
• Maintain and develop knowledge to respond to evolving clinical needs; participate in CPD and performance reviews; support staff development and autonomous working within guidelines.
• Demonstrate resilience, flexibility, and commitment to continuing professional development; manage self and others in a busy environment.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Radiography or Diploma of The College of Radiographers.
• Registered in the Radiographers Division by CORU.
• Minimum 3 years full-time post-qualification clinical experience.
• Postgraduate course in a recognised modality (desirable) or equivalent clinical experience.

About the Role

This is a key position in our diagnostic imaging department, requiring strong leadership skills and a comprehensive knowledge of diagnostic radiography. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate a high level of expertise and professionalism in their work.