Band 6 Therapeutic Radiographer | North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust

The radiotherapy department sits within oncology outpatients. We treat approximately 1200 new patients including breast, prostate, lung, head & neck and GI.

Currently we use a Philips 16 slice wide bore CT scanner; we have two Varian TrueBeam Linacs and one Halcyon running on
Aria with Eclipse planning, creating opportunities for advancing the service. In addition, we have a new Xstrahl superficial skin unit.

The service is continually working to implement practice
development and all staff are encouraged to contribute to the achievement of these. We are able to provide opportunities for staff development both through robust in-house training programmes and CPD funding.

We are continually looking to develop roles within radiotherapy, we currently have two consultant radiographers specialising in Urology and Head and Neck and are exploring an additional advanced clinical practitioner role for Breast.

We have an established SABR service that offers SABR for lung and Oligometastic disease.

The Senior Radiographer will be expected to provide autonomous clinical practice, advice and support relevant to all areas within the scope of the role.

They will be expected to develop the staff within their area and to seek to continually improve the service, whilst acting as the deputy for the
team leader in all required areas.

They will work with a degree of autonomy including;
Provide advice, and support to other professionals, the wider multidisciplinary team, patients and their families/carers, across the radiotherapy pathway from pre-treatment to treatment delivery including advice after discharge from the service if required.

Work with the team locally and colleagues nationally to promote improvement and development of the service.

Participate in the training and development of the radiotherapy team, and proactively enhancing patient experience.

North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Hospital Trust (NMUH) is one of London's busiest healthcare providers, providing hospital care and community services for the 350,000 people living in Enfield, Haringey and beyond.

Our specialist services include HIV, cardiology, blood disorders, diabetes, fertility, sickle cell and thalassemia. In addition to a full range of cancer diagnosis and treatment services, the Helen Rollason Cancer Support Centre is based on-site and provides services to support cancer patients' wellbeing.

We also provide community services and have a dedicated 0-19 service for children and young people in Enfield so that they can get the best possible start in life. This includes health visitors and school nurses who are delivering the national Healthy Child Programme, which provides a structured framework for the delivery of key interventions to support the health and wellbeing of children and families from 0 to 5 and school aged children from 5-19. The 0-19 service aims to improve pathways and partnerships with services in the hospital and deliver excellent care for the children and families., The post holder is therefore defined as an "Operator" as defined by the IR(ME)R 2017 Regulations, however may be required to act as a "Practitioner" under a defined scope of practice to meet the emerging requirements of the service.

These regulations require that the post holder be responsible for each and every practical aspect of medical exposures that he/she carries out.

1. Expert Practice
1.1. To develop and maintain good working relationships with all staff and departments, liaising with all members of the multidisciplinary team and other professional health care groups to ensure a quality, patient centred, seamless service.
1.2. To be an integral part of the multidisciplinary team, providing the highest possible standard of care for patients
1.3. Participate in decisions regarding patient management, seeking advice and reflecting on practice where appropriate to develop the necessary skills for the role
1.4. To apply decision making and problem solving skills in all radiotherapy technical processes to resolve a range of issues in their relevant area
1.5. To apply role extension where service dictates additional skills be required within areas of knowledge and capability
1.6. To recognise limitations and to seek support as per departmental escalation policies
1.7. To communicate, guide and encourage patients and carers through all stages of the radiotherapy process, with sensitive support for both their physical and emotional reactions. Including signposting for any Holistic Needs and psychological and/or counselling
services if required.
1.8. To provide advice about treatment and side effects for patients, relatives and carers, in a timely, appropriate and sensitive manner
1.9. To assess, recognise and manage radiotherapy radiation-induced toxicity and cancer-related side effects during treatment
1.10. To respect the ethical, moral, cultural, religious and social values that underpins a patient's identity.
1.11. To generate and sustain relationships that maintains and promotes human dignity, rights and responsibilities and ensures confidentiality.
1.12. To provide the above elements of patient care to those suffering with dementia as per trust policy
1.13. To report any injury to patients, visitors or contractors in accordance with Trust policy, completing appropriate documentation and informing the Head of Radiotherapy.
1.14. To be professionally and legally responsible for all aspects of the post-holders own practice, practising within the framework of current legislation, fulfilling the duty of care to the patient, public and the Profession.
1.15. To comply with departmental policies for IR(ME)R 2017 compliance.
1.16. To work under the supervision of senior/superintendent radiographers to review departmental protocol in their respective designated areas
1.17. To comply with professional, statutory and Trust policies and procedures (e.g. Code of Professional Conduct, SoR Guidelines on Professional Practice and CPD, Health and Safety at Work Act etc.)
1.18. To undertake other duties that may occasionally be required as per service needs

2. Professional Leadership, Education & Training
2.1. To demonstrate and encourage the management of personal and professional development, maintaining and improving skills and knowledge through appraisal, and a portfolio of sustained and effective life-long learning.
2.2. To provide support, advice and education for the radiotherapy team using advanced communication and influencing skills
2.3. To promote the Profession, demonstrate equipment, and contribute to the education of visitors, students, other health care professionals, patients and the wider community.
2.4. To participate in the clinical teaching and support of students, radiographers and to act as Student Assessors, with regard to the under graduate degree in Radiotherapy
2.5. To participate in the induction of new members of staff, actively engaging with their initial training and providing a point of contact for queries, feedback, and wellbeing support.
2.6. To assist in the assessment of clinical competency for junior radiographers and new members of staff.
2.7. To participate in presentations when appropriate, promoting knowledge and awareness of radiotherapy, developing the service as one team.
2.8. Provide educational sessions within the Trust and externally

3. Practice & Service Development
3.1. To participate in the department's on-going clinical & quality audit programme and appropriate work related research and developmental projects.
3.2. To disseminate research and best practice findings in the form of publications, presentations and posters to a national and international audience.
3.3. To participate in the compilation of accurate local statistics for audit purposes on machine activity.
3.4. To remain appraised of the evidence base in the practice of the specialism through relevant reading on current research projects, trends and developments.