Clinical Specialist Radiographer - General X-Ray, 11 Month FTC - UPMC Whitfield Hospital, Waterford
Location: UPMC Whitfield Hospital
Job type: Fixed Term
Overview of role
We are recruiting for a Clinical Specialist Radiographer of General Xray at UPMC Whitfield Hospital.
The post holder will lead, guide and supervise radiographic and other staff to successfully manage the General Radiology Department and Theatre/Fluoro/Portable Imaging with effective utilisation of all resources allocated.
A Clinical Specialist Radiographer must have strong leadership qualities, management skills and core professional competence, including autonomous practice in the clinical setting.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical
Recognise the need for effective management of both workload and resources and adapt practice accordingly.
Engage in leadership, 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 RSM during absenteeism.
Undertake primary responsibility on a day-to-day basis for the General and Theatre imaging service and the effective utilisation of all resources allocated.
Advise on equipment selection, purchase, replacement or upgrading.
Contribute to the preparation of plans for the service – monitor and report on their implementation.
Implement and maintain accurate information systems for clinical data in accordance with hospital standards.
Carry out general and highly complex Radiographic procedures ensuring high professional standards of work are achieved and maintained while abiding by strict current legislation.
Engage with consultants and develop individual specialised view protocols to meet their needs for patient management and surgical decision making.
Continuously develop and update the Department handbook in line with agreed changes in practice.
Organise, plan and prioritise workload according to clinical need.
Implement change in practice based on the critical evaluation of evidence-based practice.
Advise on patient schedules and waiting lists, assist the CSR to build booking grids to ensure optimum usage of Department facilities.
Develop and implement 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 **** and SI *******.
Demonstrate leadership skills in adapting techniques and equipment for imaging of compromised patients.
Justify and optimise radiographic examinations in the role as practitioner.
Demonstrate the ability to schedule the workflow in both the general and specialist areas.
Troubleshoot technology, risk-manage equipment and audit equipment.
Maintain accurate information systems for clinical data in accordance with hospital standards.
Report all operation issues to the Radiography Services Manager.
Manage consumables efficiently.
Assess patient's suitability for I.V. injections by checking renal function and any contraindications where required.
Implement a continuous learning programme for all staff to keep up to date on new techniques and best practice in line with ALARP principles and adhering to Statutory Instruments (i.e. SI 256 & SI 30).
Supervise and teach recently qualified radiographers, assistants, students and masters-level postgraduate students.
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.
Dispense and administer I.V. injection as per Departmental policy where required.
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.
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 Radiographic Service Manager on the rotation of staff through the Department to ensure an adequate number of trained staff are available.
Ensure all staff are trained in manual handling tasks including patient movement in accordance with Hospital Policy and Training.
Lead and be an active member of both a radiographic and multidisciplinary team, fostering good working relationships within the diagnostic imaging department and the wider hospital network.
Radiation safety: ensure that the three principles of radiation protection – justification, optimisation (ALARA) and dose constraints/limits – are adhered to.
Be familiar with SI 256 and SI 30 and the basic safety standards for the protection of health workers and the general public against ionising radiation.
Demonstrate flexibility in possible changes to work patterns, e.g. extending working hours to accommodate patients when volume increases significantly.
Participate in the Departmental on-call rota with access to own transport.
Quality & Audit
Be involved in setting-up, maintaining and reviewing QA programmes.
Involve weekly huddles to address department wins and any issues identified, outline ongoing audits and encourage staff engagement for ongoing quality improvements.
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.
Maintain accurate records of equipment service, maintenance, malfunction, downtime and performance and coordinate preventative maintenance schedules in accordance with clinical demand and Department policy.
Support the Radiographic Service Manager in implementing initiatives aimed at ongoing service development and improvement.
Liaise with senior staff on the rotation of staff through the Department to ensure adequate numbers of trained staff.
Investigate and take appropriate action in accordance with hospital policy in relation to complaints, accidents and incidents.
Ensure 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 all 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 and complied with routinely.
Participate in implementing and maintaining a quality assurance programme for the Department giving an update on completed and incomplete tasks on a regular basis.
Implement and update equipment inspection record for minor and major faults, including visual and functional defects.
Be able to troubleshoot all imaging and electronic patient systems within the diagnostic imaging department.
Health & Safety
Assist with implementing and maintaining a quality assurance programme for the Department.
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 applicable to the role (e.g., Healthcare, Infection Control, Hygiene).
Assist in developing a checklist for all staff to complete in the event of system breakdown and power outages.
Ensure hospital policy on hygiene standards is understood by staff and compliance monitored.
Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low-carbon efficient health service.
Be aware of diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for routinely performed radiographic examinations and how they compare to national and local DRLs.
Professional & Education
Develop a personal development plan (PDP) and maintain a professional portfolio; critically self-evaluate.
Participate in evidence-based research and research studies; apply learning outcomes in the clinical setting.
Enhance knowledge, skills and aptitudes necessary to respond to changing clinical profile, hospital/service developments and legal requirements such as licensing.
Participate and deliver CPD.
Provide peer support when necessary.
Engage in performance with manager.
Participate in staff engagement and performance reviews.
Demonstrate resilience, composure, flexibility and openness to change.
Commit to continuing professional development.
Manage and develop self and others in a busy working environment.
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.
Must be registered with the Radiographers Registration Board (CORU).
Minimum of 6 years full-time post-qualification clinical experience.
Recognised postgraduate course as recognised by the IIRRT (desirable) or relevant clinical experience in a specialised modality.
Equal Opportunity Statement
UPMC is an equal opportunity employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Benefits & Compensation
Competitive base pay with performance-related and premium pay where applicable.
Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents; competitive pension; company-funded death-in-service benefit (x3); critical illness cover up to age 66.
Rewards for performance through the annual ACES programme.
Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days; flexible working opportunities to support family commitments.
Opportunities for career development through continued learning and advancement.
About UPMC
UPMC is a renowned multinational academic medical centre committed to delivering people-focused care that's close to home.
Headquartered in Pittsburgh and affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shapes the future of health through clinical and technological innovation, research and education.
UPMC expands its expertise globally, bringing world-class care across continents through its UPMC International division—a owned and operated network of hospitals and ambulatory care centres in Italy, Ireland and Croatia.
In Ireland, UPMC has been providing high-quality healthcare in the South East since ****.
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 in Waterford and Cork, UPMC The 4th Practice in Mallow and across UPMC Sports Medicine Clinics in Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, Tipperary, Cork and Mayo.
UPMC has also established a nationwide concussion network.
UPMC's Global Technology Operation Centre is based in Kilkenny.
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