Therapeutic Radiographer Radiotherapy

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Duties:

Operate radiotherapy equipment safely and accurately interpreting and applying radiation prescription plans.

Be clinically competent to safely and efficiently manipulate all complex and specialised equipment associated with the planning and treatment of patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment with ionising radiation.

Work in on a rotational basis through both the pre-treatment and treatment areas of the department.

General Duties:

Technical

Accurately interpret complex treatment plans and prescriptions

Undertake verification processes evaluating the accuracy of treatment using portal imaging or CBCT.

Undertake in-vivo dosimetry measurements for patients receiving external beam treatment.

Calculate, data input and electronically check radiotherapy plans and prescriptions.

Use department computerised patient management systems to schedule, record and monitor patient activity.

Undertake appropriate treatment unit quality assurance checks reporting any faults or errors in line with departmental / Trust policies.

Undertake treatment planning activities including use of CT scanner and Raystation to produce virtual simulation plans.

Patient Care

Monitor patients medical condition and progress during treatment recording and reporting any significant changes to the appropriate consultant or Macmillan Review Radiographer

Participate in planning and delivering a supportive care package for patients undergoing radiotherapy offering appropriate advice and making onward referrals where necessary.

General

Take individual professional responsibility for the accurate delivery of treatment to radiotherapy patients ensuring that the requirements of all ionising radiation regulations are adhered to.

Assist in the daily workload of the department, liaising with portering service, administration staff and other members of the MDT to facilitate the co-ordination of patient appointments.

Maintain the professional standards of the department, making suggestions for possible service developments.

Provide direct supervision and training of undergraduate students and less experienced staff enabling their professional development.

Undertake training / updates required to operate equipment safely effectively and to maximise its therapeutic / diagnostic potential.

Take responsibility for personal Continuing Professional Development activities including Trust mandatory training, sharing knowledge and cascade training where appropriate.

Move patients and heavy equipment using safe and approved techniques and aids, updating Manual Handling training annually in line with Trust policy.

To ensure professional appearance and a high standard of hygiene is maintained at all times in compliance with the trusts uniform policy.

Undertake Out of Hours and On-Call duties to support full service delivery.

Communication

Ensure that any records relating to the planning, treatment and care of patient are accurately recorded and maintained as per departmental / trust policy

Seek appropriate support and guidance regarding any concerns related to the accuracy of a treatment.

Report any malfunctions / breakdown of equipment to the appropriately.

Communicate and receive sensitive information, maintaining patient confidentiality at all times

Communicate with Cancer patients and their carers in a sensitive and reassuring manner in order to ensure that each patient understands the treatment of procedure for which they are undergoing.

Clinical Governance

Be responsible and accountable for own actions in accordance with the HCPC Radiographers Professional Code of Conduct

Work within the standards and requirements of Quality Management System and contribute to the development, implementation and audit of radiotherapy quality procedures and work instructions.

To understand and comply with professional, statutory and trust policies and procedures (e.g. SCOR Code of Professional conduct)

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Experience (either post grad or undergraduate) using modern Radiotherapy equipment and verification systems including CBCT

Desirable

• Previous experience / training on Elekta Linacs or Mosaiq

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc Radiotherapy or equivalent
• HCPC registration

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Knowledge of a wide range of current Radiotherapy techniques and associated requirements for patient care
• Awareness of IR(ME)R regulations and their implication for Radiotherapy practice
• Able to communicate complex or sensitive information in a manner which aids understanding and compliance (verbal and written)
• Able to work under pressure

Desirable

• Knowledge of new developments in Radiotherapy treatment and the cancer agenda

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Caring and empathetic
• Works well as part of a team
• Able to work effectively in an emotionally charged environment
• Inspires confidence in patients and colleagues

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

Charles Hastings Way

Worcester

Worcestershire

WR5 1DD

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/

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