Lead Radiographer - Quality and Education MRI

The successful applicant will be responsible for the continual improvement of image quality, helping to maintain the high-quality service that we provide and will work alongside the MRI Lead Operational Radiographer and Lead Radiographer for MRI Safety to develop and educate our workforce.
There will be an expectation to attend a course for a practice educator. The successful candidate will be expected to work clinically across both sites.
There is scope within this role for MRI image reporting. It is not essential that the successful candidate can perform this but the opportunity for training can be provided if desired.
Our department at Whiston hospital contains a GE 1.5T Signa Voyager whilst our CDC at St Helens Hospital houses a GE 1.5T Signa Explorer Lift and a GE 3T Signa Pioneer. The department offers a full range of MRI examinations, including specialist services such as arthrography, breast and enterography. Our radiographers are involved in continuous professional development, and we are keen for them to attain post graduate education in MRI., + Responsible for administration, performance monitoring and data quality of the PACS/RIS and other integrated systems.
+ Responsible for training of staff in PACS/RIS and associated systems.
+ Perform diagnostic imaging examinations in accordance with departmental protocols.
+ Be competent in the use of all appropriate imaging equipment.
+ Participate in the on-call, flexible working and out of hours service as required.
+ Responsible for QA program in designated area
+ Abide by radiographic protocols.
+ Abide by all Radiation Protection regulations.
+ Report all equipment malfunctions to appropriate personnel.
+ Responsible for sending accurate image data to the Picture Archiving Communication System for storage, transmission, and archive.
+ Justify radiographic examinations for Junior Radiographers, Radiographic Assistant Practitioners and Student Radiographers. Authorise radionuclide imaging examinations on behalf of the ARSAC holder as appropriate.
+ Promote quality initiatives, ensuring the quality of patient care and compliance of quality standards.
+ Undertake staff appraisals.
+ Establish and maintain effective communication with patients on complex, contentious and sensitive issues, using persuasion and negotiation where required.
+ Maintain a patient, courteous manner in all aspects of communication with patients and staff especially in distressing situations.
+ Liaise with lead clinicians to ensure effective running of the service.
+ Maintain a good working relationship with other departments and staff to ensure the provision of and efficient and effective service to all users and patients.
+ Communicate with service users and external agencies.
CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
+ Autonomously undertake Advanced Practice in a specialised area of radiography by displaying expert clinical practice, this could be either clinical interpretation of images, performing radiological or interventional procedures
+ To provide clinical leadership to all staff in the department
+ To act as a radiographic clinical expert in the relevant field
+ Provide clinical support and advice to staff.
+ Responsible for setting and maintaining a high quality of clinical and professional standards within the department.
+ Promote and ensure compliance with radiographic protocols.
+ Ensure clinical and professional standards are met at all times.
+ Exercise clinical judgement in the utilisation of resources and initiate liaison with relevant clinical teams if clinical findings necessitate.
+ Perform all aspects of clinical and technical procedures as per departmental policy.
+ Ensure compliance with COR code of conduct and HCPC regulations to ensure registration is maintained.
ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
+ Responsible for accurate data entry on the Radiology Information System
+ Ensure all documentation associated with regulations are kept and stored appropriately.
TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSBILITIES
+ Responsible for the training and development of staff both radiographic staff and external staff.
+ Contribute to continuing education programme by attending courses and keeping abreast of current professional developments.
+ Participate in department CPD programme.
+ Ensure professional standards are maintained by contributing to the clinical training and development of radiographers, radiographic assistant practitioners, and students.
LINE MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
+ Responsible for the day-to-day management of the designated department, planning and prioritising workload.
+ Ensure the effective and efficient running of the service with due regard to available resources.
+ Allocating activity to ensure maximised use of capacity. Using data to inform decisions.
+ Monitor and evaluate all aspects of service delivery with regard to waiting times ensuring that waiting times are kept to a minimum.
+ Demonstrate effective leadership qualities and promote teamwork.
+ Undertake initial investigation of patient and user complaints and exercising judgement and initiative take appropriate actions to resolve the problem/complaint.
+ Promote a working culture that improves quality.
+ Responsible for clinical and professional standards within the designated department
+ Identify and contribute to service development within the department.
+ Responsible for implementing policies within the designated department and contribute to Radiology Trust policies.
+ Responsible for risk assessments within the designated area
+ Responsible for the maintenance and servicing of all equipment in the designated work area, liaise and communicate with manufacturers.
+ Responsible for optimum use of resources within the department and maintain adequate stock levels.
+ Participate in the procurement (specification, evaluation and selection) of radiographic equipment.
+ Promote quality initiatives, ensuring the quality of patient care and compliance of quality standards.
+ Promote compliance with all Trust risk management procedures and ensure risk management strategies are implemented including Health & Safety legislation for Control of Radiation, COSHH, VDU use, handling of patients, fire regulations and security etc.
+ Ensure compliance with all statutory, professional, and organisational requirements. Liaising with outside agencies to ensure compliance with statutory regulations when required. Ensure all documentation associated with regulations are kept and stored appropriately.
+ Ensure all staff are compliant with the relevant registration eg HCPC, RSAC Act as radiation protection supervisor for a designated department/Modality
+ Refer patients for on-going imaging examinations within departmental protocols.
+ Responsible for the day-to-day management of the designated department
+ Contribute to the recruitment, selection and appointment of professional, technical and support staff in accordance with policy and procedures.
+ Monitor staff performance and formulate personal development plans in accordance with Trust development review process (IPR).
+ Monitor and action dose discrepancies via Dose Monitor alerts. Produce Dose audits and DRLs. Monitor and action incidents within own work area that are reported via Datix.
RESEARCH & AUDIT
+ Participate in the audit of current techniques and keep up to date with the research and development of new techniques.
+ Participate in departmental audit and research programmes Undertake audit with other radiographers and radiologists.
Thank you for considering an application to work for Mersey West Lancashire NHS Trust. You are part of an exciting and forward-thinking NHS Trust who are one of the best places to work for in England.
Given sometimes we receive a high volume of applications to work for us, please be aware, that we may close a vacancy earlier than stated should a sufficient number of applications be received from which a shortlist can be confirmed. Therefore, you are advised to apply at your earliest convenience.
The Trust may contact you during the recruitment process for your feedback on your experience. We always aim for continuous improvement in our practice.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
We actively cultivate a professional environment of fairness, equality, dignity, and respect for all individuals. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and value the unique skills, perspective and experience you bring. We are grounded in the belief that diversity enhances our collective strength, fostering innovation and excellence within our workforce. We welcome all applications irrespective of people's race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups.
As a Disability Confident Leader, we commit to offering an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job (the essential criteria) listed in the personal specification. If you wish to apply under this Guaranteed Interview Scheme, please indicate this on the online application form.
If you are having difficulty completing an online application, or require any disability reasonable adjustments, to the application process, please contact [email protected]
We also commit to offering an interview to all armed forces veterans who meet the minimum criteria for the job (the essential criteria) listed in the personal specification. If you wish to apply under this Guaranteed Interview Scheme, please indicate this on the online application form.
The Trust operates anonymous shortlisting where no personal information about you, including your name or personal details are shared with the recruiting manager. No equality information is shared at any time during the recruitment process with the recruiting manager or other people involved in the decision-making process.
The equality monitoring information you provide is used in the following situations: to review our recruitment practices; where a job is limited to a specific person to verify their eligibility to apply; and to offer disability reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Following the recent update on UK immigration policy for those on a Health and Care Visa or Skilled Worker Visa, please click here to check your eligibility before applying for this post as we may be unbale to provide sponsorship.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
If this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 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.
Please note if applicable, applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment.
If you have not already done so, you are therefore encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service to which a small annual fee of £13 per year applies.
Flexible Working
We actively support flexible working patterns throughout MWL. Changes made to the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook mean that:
· All employees have the right to request flexible working from day one of employment.
· There is no limit on the number of requests they can make.
· Employees have the right to make requests, have them considered, regardless of the reason.
At Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, we will consider requests for flexible working. We would also encourage you to also discuss flexible working options at interview stage.
Working for Team MWL
Staff recognition is especially important to us; as well as performance reviews and appraisals, we recognise staff through Employee of the month. Along with supporting you to achieve your career goals we offer a generous pension scheme, unsocial hours payments (where applicable), 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata) and access to a range of NHS discounts. Our Staff Health and Wellbeing programme offer a variety of services.
The Trust is a non-smoking across all our sites. Failure to follow this rule could lead to disciplinary action. For more information, see the Smoke Free NHS website
The Trust will not accept applications which are found to be AI generated.
Additional Information
Before applying, we encourage you to review the Trusts Values and Behaviours which are We are KIND, We are OPEN, We are INCLUSIVE, which can be found here.
An applicant guide to help and support you with your application and what to expect during your recruitment journey can be accessed in the supporting documents.
Good luck with your application. We hope to welcome you to Team MWL very soon.

We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and dedicated individual to be responsible for advancing the quality of our excellent MRI service and continuing the training and education of our staff. With significant experience as a senior MR radiographer, you will need to be able to provide advice and guidance to junior staff about protocols and imaging techniques.
Part of the role involves the training of radiographers new to MRI and the mentoring of radiographers new to our team. You must have a flexible approach to working and be able to demonstrate good organisational and communication skills along with a commitment to service improvement. This role is primarily based at Whiston & St Helens Hospitals.
Applicants must hold the BSc in Radiography or the DCR(R), a Post Graduate Certificate in MRI and be HCPC Registered.

Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust serves a population of over 600,000 with a workforce of over 9000 dedicated and skilled staff across 21 sites.
We strongly believe that the communities we serve should all have access to Five Star Patient Care.
Our Services:
Acute Care
Providing emergency and maternity services at Whiston, Southport and Ormskirk hospitals, and medical and surgical specialties across all our sites.
Primary Care
Providing primary care services at Marshalls Cross Medical Centre situated in St Helens Hospital.
Community Services
Providing adult community services for St Helens and a wheelchair service in Chorley, South Ribble, and West Lancashire. Our inpatient unit at Newton Community Hospital is where patients needing acute hospital beds can continue rehabilitation, freeing up space for more unwell patients. We also provide urgent care at our Urgent Treatment Centre located in St Helens town centre.
Specialist Regional Services
We provide the Mersey Regional Burns & Plastic Surgery Unit at Whiston Hospital and the Spinal Injuries Unit at Southport Hospital to more than 4 million people across the whole of Merseyside, West Lancashire, Cheshire, Isle of Man and North Wales.
Achievements:
+ Rated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018
+ Top 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal)
+ National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme