Radiology Department Assistant

Come and join a forward thinking Nationally recognised Specialist Centre, providing excellent healthcare for women, babies and their families.  In addition to our core Obstetrics, Maternity, Neonatal and Gynaecology services we have recently established a CT and MRI service as part of the Crown Street Community Diagnostic Centre. This is an exciting development and provides CT and MRI to the region as well as to the Women and babies at LWH.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and flexible RDA to join our Imaging Team; to work within the multidisciplinary team to ensure high standards of patient care and quality of examinations within the Radiology Department, under the direction and supervision of an appropriate Registered Health Care Professional.

The Imaging Department is a forward thinking and friendly team specialising in general x-ray, fluoroscopy, Ultrasound, MRI and CT.

As well as providing care on the Liverpool Women's Crown Street site there is a requirement with this post to work within our satellite Community sites as required.

The post holder will:

Support the delivery of a high quality, safe and compassionate healthcare service.

·         Support the Clinical staff when carrying out a range of imaging examinations to a consistently high standard, professionally and efficiently following department procedures.

·         Use initiative to ensure that a safe, efficient, and caring environment is always maintained.

·         Comply with all Trust and Department policies and procedures.

·         Act as a role model to others in all aspects of their work and consistently demonstrate LWH Trust Values

·         Demonstrate behaviours that support and encourage an inclusive culture.

Clinical

1.    Ensure a high standard of clinical care within the department, supporting more junior staff to do likewise by technical excellence.

2.    Assist patients prior to, during and after imaging examinations.

3.    Assist with the preparation of examination rooms prior to commencement of a clinical list.

4.    Assist with the preparation of patients before and after examinations, including helping them to change when necessary.

5.    Assist with completion of patient questionnaires which are undertaken prior to Imaging examinations/ procedures.

6.    Give clear explanations of the procedure prior to the examination taking place.

7.     Liaise with other departments regarding transport of patients, keeping them informed of any problems that may arise.

8.    Respond to the care needs of the patient with patience and empathy that promotes privacy and dignity.

9.    Support staff and colleagues in their roles including environment, equipment and patient care, chaperone, patient transfer, reception, telephone, image and medical records handling, computer use and data input.

10. Reassure patients prior to examinations, maintaining sufficient knowledge of imaging examinations to support patients and put them at ease without reference to clinical staff.

11. When trained and deemed competent, undertake clinical activities, using appropriate equipment such as IV Cannulation, positioning of patients or placement of MR coils ensuring documentation is completed appropriately following procedure.

12. Interact with staff and the general public both face to face and via the telephone in a calm and professional manner.

13. Recognise the signs of deteriorating health and command assistance from clinical staff as required for the purposes of patient care and advice.

14. Maintain emergency equipment within the area, performing daily checks and utilising such equipment appropriately in an emergency situation.

15. Comply with all aspects of the local rules for radiation protection and current legislative requirements including the Ionising Radiation Regulations.

16.  Utilise appropriate personal protective equipment.

17. Where relevant, have the knowledge and skills to identify and report any faults in equipment to the radiographer/ sonographer in charge, assist in organising local minor repairs according to Trust procedures.

18.  Ensure appropriate and safe disposal of clinical waste.

19.  Help maintain a high standard of cleanliness within the clinical areas, viewing areas and patient waiting / changing areas, including toilets.

20. Assist with cleaning and care of imaging systems and other equipment.

21. Act as chaperone and support the patient in examinations.

22.  Work efficiently without supervision, organising and prioritising work, and liaising with clinics and wards to optimise service.

23. To participate in multi-disciplinary team working.

24. Maintain accurate and concise patient records using the relevant computerised system.

25. Use and promote correct manual handling techniques.

26. Take delivery of new stock, checking off goods received against delivery note and place in storeroom ensuring storage encourages efficient stock rotation.

27. The post holder will work within the Imaging Community Satellite sites as required.

Clinical Governance

1.    To comply with Trust and local policies, including attendance at specified mandatory training sessions.

2.    To comply with departmental and organisational policies and procedures, including reporting of all accidents and incidents.

3.    To contribute to the implementation and promotion of a quality Imaging service.

4.    Identify potential hazards by monitoring the condition of equipment within the department and reporting any defects in a timely manner.

5.    All employees of the Trust are required to carry out their duties with due regard to the fair access policy and respect the cultural beliefs and customs held by clients and staff.

Education, Experience and Research

1.    Participate in research, surveys or audits as required.

2.    Participate in departmental Quality assurance programme and any relevant audits of working practice as and when required.

3.    Participate in appropriate personal development programmes as required.

Communication

1.    To maintain a polite, courteous, and professional attitude to staff and patients at all times.

2.    To maintain effective and efficient communication links within the department and with other directorates, promoting a positive image of the department.

3.    Communicate with a wide range of patients undergoing imaging examinations and provide an explanation of ongoing care and support as needed.

4.    To communicate information to patients with empathy, providing reassurance and understanding in order to encourage cooperation in the examination/ procedure.

5.    Communicate with patients who may have difficulty in understanding or where English is not the first language.

6.    The post holder will liaise with staff from all departments in the trust.

7.    Provide and receive complex or sensitive information requiring tact or persuasive skills.

8.    Must be able to demonstrate the English language proficiency level required for this post.

Professional

1.    Undertake internal and external training where required (incl. IV cannulation, Induction training, CPR, manual handling, infection control and COSHH and any other appropriate managerial, professional, and technical course) and utilise these skills in the application of the knowledge gained.

2.    Be a reflective practitioner and participate in the staff appraisal scheme and Personal Development Review (PDR) as an appraisee.