Radiology Assistant

Key Duties: Communication Provide and receive routine information requiring discretion, sensitivity or persuasive skills: Exchange factual information with patients and other healthcare professionals using persuasion, reassurance, discretion, sensitivity and empathy as required. Assessing communication needs of patients, anticipate where communication difficulties might make completion of the examination difficult and overcoming barriers. Implement alternative methods of communication if required. Provide any required after care.Communicate any delays in a timely manner. Communicate effectively and empathetically with patients, carers, visitors and members of the multi-disciplinary team. Occasionally receive and communicate sensitive information from/to patients. Be able to relate to all manner of patients with understanding and care, respecting their privacy and dignity providing a caring and confidential service. Promote the best available departmental environment for all. Clinical Develop and maintain a good knowledge of Radiology exams/procedures and associated requirements i.e preparation, during the exam and any required aftercare to ensure a safe delivery of practice/service. Contribute to the smooth running of the various departments on a daily basis as required. Undertake basic observation for patients as required i.e Oxygen Saturations and Blood Pressure. Develop own competence to deliver effective care and treatments through improving clinical/technical knowledge / skill, and expertise. Liaising with other healthcare professional i.e wards/porters, to arrange the transportation of patients to and from the department in a timely manner. Assist in patient care: getting patients changed, explaining the undressing/dressing requirements and where necessary assisting the patient both in and out of the scan table/room. Promptly and effectively, manage enquires from both internal and external sources i.e patients, hospital staff and other healthcare professionals. Confidently and competently use the departmental Radiology Information System Have a flexible approach and assist with any other duties as requested by the team, within the associated competencies of role. Assisting with moving and handling of those patients who require it in a manner that is safe following the Trust manual handling policy. Reassuring patients requiring additional support.When necessary, attending to the patients personal hygiene requirements. Understand the role of a chaperone. When working in MRI, be sensitive to patient anxiety regarding the claustrophobic nature of the MRI scanner and to be able to help patients overcome their anxiety so that the examination can be performed. Monitor stock, operate stock control and order medical equipment, accessories, consumables, linen as required via the appropriate pathway. Education Participate in the development and promotion of a positive learning environment, which meets the needs of all learners within the department environment. Participate in personal development reviews and work to achieve personal objectives/competencies. Use reflection of experience to enhance development of self and others. Use experience to support students and other Imaging Assistants through mentorship and local induction. To participate in personal development needs that may be identified by the service leads or in the appraisal process in an agreed timeframe. To assist qualified staff in the evaluation of resources to develop high standards of patient care and achieve value for money initiatives. Administrative duties To include registering the patient, updating patient records, bookings, extraction of work lists and all other associated RIS activities. Maintain accurate records at all times: Demonstrate awareness and evidence the importance of accurate data entry into hospital based systems/patient records. Maintain accurate records of examination data within RIS, including additional comments in regards to any change in standard practice. Understand the contingencies required when electronic systems fail and support the team as required. Equipment duties Adhere to the correct manual handling policy as advised during your mandatory training when moving any equipment. Understanding of the basic operation of the specialised radiology equipment following appropriate training; to include, but not exclusive of, changing of ultrasound probes, simple in and out/up and down movement of the CT and MRI scanners, accessing worklists in order to register patients exams on the modality. Report any identified faults or concerns to maintain service provision. Infection Prevention Control Ensure compliance with all Infection Prevention and Control policies and procedures understanding your role in the prevention of infection in patients and staff. Wear personal protective equipment when required. Care for, check and maintain high standards of cleanliness of clinical equipment to minimise spread of infection. To ensure appropriate infection control measures are utilised where necessary, paying particular attention to personal protection as well as the management of equipment, waste and linens contaminated by bodily fluids. Maintaining high standards of cleanliness in examination rooms to minimise spread of infection and record in line with departmental requirements. Removing patient cannulas post procedure in line with Trust policy. Undertake hand hygiene audits. Ensure safe and appropriate handling of IV and Oral contrast Governance Report any incidents on the Trust risk management system and participate in any requirements for incident investigations To ensure you are aware of your responsibilities, supporting policies and undertake the appropriate level of training for your role. Ensure all equipment is maintained to a high standard and used appropriately. Basic fault finding, reporting and documenting faults as per trust requirements. Maintain professional boundaries and working relationships with patients and colleagues. Be aware and compliant with the principles of safeguarding adults and children and how to respond to suspected abuse. Keep accurate and timely records of own work and that of other members of the radiology team. Participate in audit projects, either of their own work, that of the department or others, as required. Be responsible for own mandatory training and ensure it is up to date as per trust requirements. To ensure you remain up to date with department requirements/changes by attending departmental meetings when required, reading meeting minutes and monthly governance updates. To be aware of and comply with all standards of conduct and care related to the Trust in general and the Department of Radiology in particular. Act as an advocate for safeguarding patients; demonstrate courage to speak up when there are concerns about care. Demonstrate commitment to improving care and the patient experience to include participation in Quality Improvement Programmes. Deliver a high standard of care in accordance with WAHT policies and procedures. Finance, Information and Resources: To adhere to and ensure the effective use of resources. To maintain appropriate stock levels and ordering additional supplies as required. Health and safety Maintain knowledge of Health and Safety at Work Act, ensuring appropriate measures are taken in respect of Health and Safety for patients, relatives, visitors, hospital staff and contractors. To work at all times in a safe and responsible manner, ensuring own work practices comply with Trust and Directorate Policies on Health and Safety, Infection prevention and control ,COSSH, Security and Radiation Protection, and that any hazards are brought to the attention of the Radiographer in Charge. To ensure that you have read, understood and signed local safety procedures i.e Radiation safety policy, IRMER procedures etc. Ensuring that all apparatus and equipment, that you are competent to use, is working satisfactorily and that any malfunction is reported in line with local requirements. To work in accordance with all Trust and Clinical Imaging policies. Be aware and able to recognise emergency situations, initiate basic life support and summon the crash team when necessary. Be responsible for the appropriate health, safety and welfare matters affecting themselves, patients, visitors, professional and non-professional authorised staff within a designated, controlled or supervised area within the Diagnostic Imaging Department or the Trust. Assist patients in completing any safety forms required as part of their examination. Following completion of safety forms, evaluate the information provided to determine if the examination is safe to proceed. Escalate if necessary. Working Conditions Have frequent use of VDU equipment. Have occasional exposure to distressing or emotional situations e.g badly injured patients, cardiac arrest. Have occasional exposure to body fluids e.g. blood, urine etc and infection risks., also occasional exposure to intoxicated, aggressive or abusive patients and relatives. Other duties Ensure that they are aware of and adhere to all Trust and specific Radiology related policies. assist in promoting the overall aims of the department. To participate in department organisation and workload planning offering proposals to change department procedures. Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participate in appropriate training activities and encourage and support staff development and training. Respect the confidentiality of all matters that they may learn relating to their employment and other members of staff.

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