Senior Radiographer General Xray and Fluoroscopy – UPMC Whitfield Hospital
Location: UPMC Whitfield Hospital
Job type: Fixed Term
Overview of role
The Radiology Department provides a service to both inpatients and outpatients, including General Radiography, Theatre Imaging, Ultrasound, CathLab, PET CT, MRI, CT and DEXA services.
The holder of this post will work as a member of the Radiology Department and multidisciplinary teams, providing a high-quality radiology service 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 (+/- CathLab, if applicable) imaging.
The senior diagnostic radiographer should have strong leadership qualities, as well as core professional competence, including autonomous practice in the clinic setting.
They must be able to manage in a rapidly changing environment and be willing to undertake additional duties as may be assigned.
The successful candidate must have a high capacity for responsibility and individual initiative.
The senior diagnostic radiographer must have a comprehensive and detailed knowledge of diagnostic radiography and an awareness of the roles, abilities, and limitations of all multidisciplinary team members.
Key performance indicators for each modality focus on higher quality service, consistent standards of care, consistent access to care, and stronger leadership.
Working week: 35 hours plus on-call.
Contract type: 11-month fixed-term contract.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical
Recognise the need for effective self-management of workload and resources and adapt practice accordingly.
Engage in leadership when required, creating and promoting healthy working relationships.
Provide strategic and clinical leadership to deliver an effective, efficient, quality-assured and patient-centred service.
Deputise for the CSR during absenteeism.
Carry out general and highly complex radiographic procedures ensuring high professional standards 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 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 critical evaluation of evidence-based practice and influence change among others.
Advise on patient schedule and waiting lists, assist the CSR to build booking grids for optimum utilisation of Department facilities.
Contribute to the development and implementation of operational policies, protocols and guidelines to optimise resources and audit usage.
Lead in the performance of clinical audit in accordance with SI 256 of **** and SI *******.
Demonstrate leadership in adapting techniques and equipment for imaging of compromised patients.
Be responsible for the justification and optimisation of radiographic examinations as a practitioner.
Schedule workflow in both general and specialist areas.
Handle technology troubleshooting, risk management of equipment and audit of equipment.
Maintain accurate information systems for clinical data in accordance with hospital standards.
Report all operation issues to the CSR and/or Radiography Services Manager.
Manage consumables efficiently.
Assess patient suitability for IV injections by checking renal function and contraindications.
Implement a continuous learning programme for all staff to keep up to date on new techniques and best practice, adhering to ALARA principles and statutory instruments (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 IV injection as per Department policy (rotational post for suitably trained staff).
Ensure patients who suffer a contrast reaction or other illness during or after an imaging incident receive correct care and follow-up following hospital policy.
Maintain the principles of patient confidentiality at all times.
Respect 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 staff rotation to ensure an adequate number of trained staff are available.
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.
Ensure all staff perform manual handling tasks in accordance with hospital policy and training.
Enforce radiation safety principles: justification, optimisation (ALARA) and dose constraints/limits; be familiar with SI 256 and SI 30.
Demonstrate flexibility in work patterns, such as extending working hours to accommodate increased patient volume.
Participate in the departmental on-call rota with access to own transport.
Quality & Audit
Involved in setting up, maintaining and reviewing QA programmes.
Participate in weekly huddles to address department "wins" and issues, outline ongoing audits and encourage staff engagement in quality improvement.
Encourage staff to engage in Team Learning, communication and updates through Teams.
Share all communications and policy updates with "Read and Sign" on Teams for accessibility.
Maintain up to date Teams folders ensuring latest Document Controlled versions are live and all staff complete read-and-sign process.
Encourage staff to report all incidents, including good catch and learning opportunities through Viclarity.
Maintain accurate information systems for clinical data.
Assist with maintenance of accurate records of equipment service, maintenance, malfunction, downtime and performance; coordinate preventative maintenance schedules.
Support initiatives aimed at ongoing service development and improvement.
Liaise on staff rotation issues with the CSR / Radiographic Service Manager.
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 are understood and complied with.
Ensure the General Xray Department and Theatre Imaging units operate in accordance with operational policy.
Ensure safety questionnaires are completed and uploaded to the Radiology IT System per Department policy.
Ensure compliance with infection control, health and safety policies.
Participate in the implementation and maintenance of a QA programme, providing regular updates to the CSR on completed and incomplete tasks.
Implement and update equipment inspection records for minor and major faults.
Troubleshoot imaging and electronic patient systems within the department.
Health & Safety
Assist with implementation and maintenance of a quality assurance programme.
Liaise regularly with the physicist on safety issues and other operational matters.
Promote and maintain a safe environment for staff and patients.
Maintain working knowledge of HIQA Standards applicable to the role (e.g. Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare-Associated Infections, Hygiene standards).
Develop a checklist for staff to complete in case of system breakdown and power outages.
Ensure hospital hygiene policies are understood and monitored for compliance.
Support sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a low-carbon efficient health service.
Be aware of diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for routinely performed examinations and their comparison to national and local DRLs.
Professional/Education
Develop a personal development plan (PDP) and professional portfolio.
Critically self-evaluate and conduct evidence-based research; participate in research studies.
Apply learning outcomes clinically.
Maintain, enhance and develop knowledge, skills and aptitudes necessary for changing patient profiles, service developments and legal requirements.
Participate in and deliver CPD.
Provide peer support when necessary.
Engage in performance review 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.
Effectively evaluate information and make appropriate decisions.
Act autonomously within agreed guidelines.
Qualifications & Experience
• Degree in Radiography or Diploma from the College of Radiographers.
• Must be registered with the Radiographers' Division by the Radiographers Registration Board maintained at CORU.
• Minimum of 3 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 and Benefits
Equal Opportunity
– UPMC is an equal-opportunity employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Compensation
– Competitive pay including base, performance related and premium pay where applicable.
Benefits
– Fully paid maternity and paternity leave; competitive pension plan; company-funded death in service benefit x 3; critical illness cover for all employees up to the age of 66.
Performance and Recognition
– Rewards for performance to support UPMC's goals and mission through the annual ACES programme.
Work-Life Balance
– Enhanced annual leave up to 27 days and flexible working opportunities.
Development and Career Opportunities
– Opportunities to reach career goals through continued learning and advancement.
About UPMC
UPMC is a renowned multinational academic medical centre committed to delivering people-focused care 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 – an owned and operated network of hospitals and ambulatory care centres in Italy, Ireland and Croatia.
In Ireland, UPMC provides 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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