Job Description

A position is available for an Advanced Clinical Technologist / Radiographer - Band 7 to work in the Nuclear Medicine department at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust. The Christie is situated in south Manchester and is an international leader in cancer research and development. It is the largest cancer treatment centre of its kind in Europe.



You would form part of a multi-disciplinary team that provides the clinical Nuclear Medicine service to patients of The Christie. The team provides a specialist imaging service using two SPECT-CT cameras, and a PET-CT scanner. It also provides extensive molecular radiotherapy and in-vitro services. The working pattern will include extended working days and weekends.



Applicants should have a degree in a relevant science subject or equivalent, PgDip or equivalent in Nuclear Medicine and substantial experience of working in clinical nuclear medicine. Candidates will be required to maintain or work towards membership of the Register of Clinical Technologists, or State Registration as a Radiographer. N.B. This is advertised as a Band 7 post, however candidates which don't entirely meet the criteria can be appointed on Band 6 initially and after training will achieve the Band 7 post.

Duties and responsibilities include:

To be part of a multidisciplinary team.



Perform patient investigations and treatments.



Administer radioactive materials for both diagnostic and therapy investigations



Carry out imaging procedures in accordance with laid down protocols.



Supervise more junior staff and assist in the training of students and trainees.



The Nuclear Medicine Department at The Christie offers a specialist range of tests which are focussed on diagnosing and assessing cancer, including non-imaging tests, gamma camera imaging and PETCT scanning. We also provide a wide range of radionuclide therapy, including more complex procedures requiring personalised doses and/or hospital stays in dedicated facilities. Our department houses a radiopharmacy, two SPECTCT-capable gamma cameras, a PETCT suite, and facilities for both outpatient and inpatient radionuclide therapy. The Nuclear Medicine service is supported by the complimentary skills and expertise of radiopharmacists, radiopharmacy technicians, radiographers, clinical technologists, medical physicists, physics technicians, nurses, healthcare assistants, and a dedicated administration team.



Nuclear Medicine at The Christie also supports a number of Nuclear Medicine departments throughout the north-west of England and beyond, by supplying radioactive tracers and providing scientific advice on radiation safety and best practice.



The Nuclear Medicine team at The Christie pride ourselves on a friendly, inclusive and collaborative approach to delivering the very best service to our patients and driving forward improvements that will lead to better diagnosis and treatment in the future.



1. Performs patient investigations and treatments



Receives written requests for patient studies



1.1. Authorises diagnostic tests under written procedures and in accordance with IRMER.



1.2. Refers requests not covered by the procedures to the ARSAC licence holder.



1.3. Contacts and collaborates with the referring doctors or research nurses to obtain correctly written request cards for the study.



1.4. Schedules tests in accordance with an appropriate timetable, ensuring that all preparations necessary for their conduct are made and all necessary supplies are ordered.



2. Administration to patients for diagnosis and therapy.



Administers radioactive materials to patients, either orally or by intravenous injection. This may be for diagnosis or therapy. It may also be given as part of a research or clinical trial protocol. This involves: -



2.1 Calculating the volume of material to be used for an individual patient dose, using information on the vial label, and taking radioactive decay into account.



2.2 Withdrawing the required volume of material into the receptacle to be used for administration (e.g. syringe or cup).



2.3 Confirming the correct amount of radioactivity in the patient dose, using a radionuclide calibrator. Adjusting the amount if necessary.



2.4 Administering the preparation to the patient according to the agreed protocol (sometimes involving specialist administration equipment). This may involve taking the patient doses to a ward for administration.



2.5 Ensuring that all the required documentation is accurately kept.



2.6 Ensuring the patient is aware of any radiation protection measures that they are required to follow, issuing written instructions as necessary.



3. Imaging procedures



Carries out imaging studies on patients in accordance with laid-down protocols, and those developed specifically for patients in clinical trials. This will include: -



3.1 Setting up and overseeing daily and weekly QC testing of a range of sophisticated scintillation recording and imaging equipment. Checking the results, bringing any problems to the attention of physics staff.



3.2 Manoeuvring the patient into the scanning positions, carrying out the imaging procedure, reviewing the results and deciding if further imaging is necessary.



3.3 Preparing, analysing, and presenting the results for reporting. Prepare technical reports for a limited range of procedures. Analysis includes judgement of the optimum shape and position of computer-generated regions round anatomical structures and inspection of interim and final results for validity.



4. In vitro procedures



Carries out assays of radioactive materials in samples from patients. This includes: -



4.1. Intravenous administration of the patient dose, and the withdrawal of subsequent blood samples from the patient.



4.2. Preparation of reference solutions, and blood samples, performing their assay using specialist auto analysis equipment and computer programs.



4.3. Preparation and processing of results.



4.4. Keeping of all records associated with these tests in accordance with departmental procedures.



5. Department Administration



5.1 Participate in the departmental rota in both nuclear medicine and PET/CT as Duty Radiographer/Technologist for the day.



5.2 Act as point of contact for users of the Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT service dealing with colleagues, patients, carers, and relatives in a helpful, reassuring, and friendly manner.



5.3 To deal with any patient enquiries / complaints in the first instance and communicate with the Specialist / Deputy / Lead Clinical Technologist where required to aid in the resolution of any issues.



5.4 Support the Specialist / Deputy / Lead Clinical Technologist with monitoring and managing staff time and performance ensuring adequate staffing in all areas during working hours. To adapt and manage departmental working patterns/ staffing to optimise service delivery.



6. Teaching and Supervision



6.1 Supervises junior members of the department and assists in the training of new staff, students and staff of other departments when seconded to the Nuclear Medicine department as part of their training scheme.



6.2 Undertake formalised assessments of staff training in the specialised area and formally assessing the trainee's performance and development.



6.3 Actively involved in departmental quality groups and pro-active in the sharing of good practice.



6.4 Continually monitor, audit, and evaluate clinical practice of self and others. On results and reflection propose policies or service changes and devise training programmes, whilst ensuring implementation of new policies and procedures do not impact on other departments.



6.5 Demonstrates the agreed set of values and accountable for own attitude and behaviour



7. Governance and Audit



7.1 Undertake formal presentations of clinical and technical cases (complex and sensitive in context), within the specialist field, to staff within the multidisciplinary team. These will be presented at Governance / Audit / Training meetings or another forum appropriate to the subject presented.



7.2 Lead the education and training of other healthcare professionals and students in relation to NM investigations.



7.3 Actively involved in departmental quality groups and pro-active in the sharing of good practice.



7.4 Lead on a special responsibility for one or more areas of the work. This may also include undertaking additional duties in another area of the work. Examples are Infection Control, Manual Handling Co-ordinator, Health and Safety, Training and Education, COSSH, Patient Information, Audit, and QSI.



8. Financial



8.1 There is no budgetary knowledge required other than to be aware that any increase in use will increase the cost of consumables within the department.



8.2 Responsible for the effective and efficient use of resources, being aware of resource requirements and limitations.



8.3 Ensure all equipment and supplies in the clinical area are maintained to enable delivery of efficient and safe care.