Job Description

The colorectal subspecialty of the Radiology Department at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust is vital in providing comprehensive colorectal services that are crucial in the patient care. The department provides different diagnostic imaging that aid in early detection, accurate diagnosis, staging, and post-treatment surveillance of colorectal conditions, particularly colorectal cancer. The services provided under colorectal imaging service (comprising Radiologists and Radiographers) include high-quality CT colonography (CTC), MRI for rectal cancer staging, contrast-enhanced CT for thoraco-abdominal assessment/follow up and liver MRI in cases of suspected hepatic metastases. CT Colonography (CTC): The colorectal imaging service offers a CT colonography for patients who are either too frail, had failed endoscopic colonoscopies or refuse endoscopic colonoscopy.



This non-invasive alternative provides high-resolution images of the bowel, enabling early detection of polyps, adenomas, and cancers. MRI for Rectal Cancer Staging: MRI with diffusion -weighted imaging (DWI) is a mainstay in the staging of rectal cancer, providing detailed anatomical and functional imaging to guide surgical and oncological treatments. It is also important in assessing response to neo-adjuvant therapy and a vital tool in watch and wait surveillance. Bowel Cancer Screening Support: The unit also plays an important part in the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP), providing imaging for patients with abnormal faecal occult blood test results or incomplete colonoscopies.



This ensures timely diagnosis and staging of bowel cancer. The services delivered are integral in colorectal care with a strong focus on clinical governance and rapid turnaround times, ensuring patients receive timely and accurate diagnoses. The unit works closely with colorectal surgeons, oncologists, and gastroenterologists, forming a key part of the Trusts multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach as mandated in modern cancer care. As a regional hub for bowel cancer screening with one of Londons highest diagnostic test uptake rates (78%), BHRUTs radiology services are critical to maintaining its reputation as a centre of excellence in colorectal care.



The BHRUT colorectal unit is a referral centre for early rectal cancer, advanced colorectal cancer and complex procedures like pelvic exenteration. Radiology supports these efforts by providing accurate diagnosis that inform surgical planning and oncological treatments. There has been increased need for colorectal imaging over the years due to National screening programmes and an ageing population, with a total number of 5,832 combined MRI rectum and CT colonoscopy studies performed from May 2022 till date; rising from 1,451 imaging studies in 2022 to 1800 in 2023. Due to this rising trend, investment in local Radiology capacity is not only justified but essential in maintaining and strengthening the services provided to ensure that Trust remains at the forefront of safe, effective and accessible colorectal care.



Applications should be made online, however, queries regarding the application process, assistance with completion of the application form or if you require any adjustments (for applicants with a disability) please contact Azeez Recruitment Advisor, on 01708 435000 ext. 4440.