Senior Radiographer – Cath Lab/CT, Bank – UPMC Whitfield Hospital, Waterford
Location: UPMC Whitfield HospitalJob type: Casual/Bank
Overview of role
The Radiology Department provides a comprehensive service to both inpatient and outpatient populations, including general radiography, theatre imaging, ultrasound, cath lab, PET‑CT, MRI, CT and DEXA services. The role leads, guides and supervises radiographic and allied staff, supporting the CSR in managing the general X‑ray and fluoroscopic imaging service, including theatre imaging when applicable. The senior diagnostic radiographer demonstrates strong leadership, management skills and core professional competence, working autonomously in a dynamic clinical environment and undertaking additional duties as required. Responsibilities include maintaining high quality standards, driving performance, and ensuring efficient delivery of services.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical
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 ensure an effective, efficient, quality‑assured, patient‑centred service.
Deputise for the CSR during periods of absenteeism.
Carry out general and highly complex radiographic procedures to the highest professional standards.
Engage with consultants and develop individual specialised view protocols to support patient management and surgical decision making.
Organise, plan and prioritise workload according to clinical need.
Implement evidence‑based changes in practice, critically evaluating outcomes.
Influence the practice of others in adopting evidence‑based approaches.
Advise on patient scheduling, waiting lists and booking grids to optimise departmental utilisation.
Develop, implement and audit operational policies, protocols and guidelines to ensure efficient resource use.
Lead clinical audits in accordance with SI 256 of 2018 and SI 30 2019.
Adapt techniques and equipment for imaging of compromised patients.
Justify and optimise radiographic examinations under local and national regulations.
Schedule workflow in both general and specialist areas.
Manage troubleshooting, risk management and audit of imaging equipment.
Maintain accurate clinical information systems.
Report operational issues to the CSR and/or Radiography Services Manager.
Use consumables efficiently.
Assess patient suitability for IV injections, checking renal function and contraindications.
Deliver continuous learning programmes for staff, keeping up to date with new techniques and ALARA principles.
Supervise and teach recently qualified radiographers, assistants, students and postgraduate masters level students.
Make clinical decisions that may alter patient pathways and bring findings to referring clinicians or radiologists.
Advise and present on European and Irish legislation regarding radiation protection and patient safety.
Administer IV injections where appropriate (rotational post for suitably trained staff).
Ensure appropriate care for patients experiencing contrast reactions or other incidents.
Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
Consider customs, values and spiritual beliefs of all patients and staff.
Monitor stock levels in the immediate work area.
Coordinate staff rotation to ensure adequate coverage.
Foster teamwork and good relationships within the imaging department and wider hospital network.
Ensure staff perform manual handling tasks, including patient movement, per hospital policy.
Radiation Safety
Adhere to the three principles of radiation protection: justification, optimisation (ALARA) and dose constraints/limits, and be familiar with SI 256 and SI 30.
Be flexible to changes in work patterns, including extended hours when patient volumes increase.
Participate in departmental on‑call rota and have access to own transport.
Quality & Audit
Set up, maintain and review QA programmes.
Participate in weekly huddles to review departmental successes, address issues and outline audits.
Encourage staff engagement for quality improvement through team learning and communication via Teams.
Maintain up‑to‑date Teams folders and ensure read‑and‑sign processes.
Encourage incident reporting, including good catch and learning opportunities via Viclarity.
Maintain accurate clinical data systems.
Assist the CSR with records of equipment service, maintenance and downtime, coordinating preventative maintenance.
Support initiatives aimed at service development and improvement.
Coordinate staff rotation for adequate coverage and handle complaints, accidents and incidents per hospital policy.
Ensure staff understand and comply with radiographic imaging safety policies.
Oversee operation of General X‑ray and Theatre Imaging units in accordance with policy.
Complete safety questionnaires and upload to the Radiology IT system.
Ensure compliance with infection control and health and safety policies.
Maintain a QA programme, reporting progress to the CSR regularly.
Implement and update equipment inspection records for faults.
Troubleshoot imaging and electronic patient systems within the department.
Health & Safety
Support the implementation and maintenance of quality assurance programmes.
Regularly liaise with the physicist on safety issues.
Promote a safe environment for staff and patients.
Possess knowledge of HIQA Standards applicable to the role.
Assist in developing a checklist for staff during system breakdown and power outages.
Ensure compliance with hospital hygiene standards.
Support sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives.
Be aware of diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) and how they compare locally.
Professional / Education
Develop a personal development plan and professional portfolio.
Critically self‑evaluate performance.
Conduct evidence‑based research and participate in studies.
Apply learning outcomes in the clinical setting.
Maintain and develop knowledge, skill and aptitude in line with evolving clinical profiles and legal requirements.
Participate in CPD activities.
Provide peer support when required.
Engage in performance reviews with manager.
Participate in staff engagement and performance reviews.
Show resilience and composure.
Show flexibility and openness to change.
Show commitment to ongoing professional development.
Demonstrate ability to manage and develop self and others in a busy environment.
Evaluate information and make appropriate decisions.
Act autonomously within agreed guidelines.
Qualifications & Experience
Degree in Radiography or Diploma of the College of Radiographers.
Registered with the Radiographers Registration Board maintained at CORU.
Not less than 3 years full‑time post‑qualification clinical experience.
Possession of a recognised postgraduate course (IIRRT) or relevant specialised modality experience (desirable).
Equal Opportunity Statement and Benefits
UPMC is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive environment for all employees.
Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents.
Competitive pension plan.
Company‑funded “Death in Service” benefit at three times.
Critical illness cover for all employees up to age 66.
Performance and Recognition
Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC through the annual ACES programme.
Work‑Life Balance
Enhanced annual leave up to 27 days.
Flexible working opportunities to support external family commitments.
Development and Career Opportunities
Opportunities to reach career goals through continued learning and advancement.
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