Job Description

A position is available for a Clinical Technologist to work in the Nuclear Medicine Group. The successful candidate will be part of the team that provides the clinical Nuclear Medicine service to patients of The Christie. They will work in partnership with the Lead Clinical Technologist to manage the Clinical PET-CT service.



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.



Candidates should have a degree in a relevant science subject or equivalent; PgDip or equivalent, and substantial experience of working in clinical nuclear medicine and PET-CT. Candidates will be required to maintain or work towards membership of the Register of Clinical Technologists, or State Registration as a Radiographer.

Duties and responsibilities include:

To manage all aspects of clinical PET-CT service.



Perform patient investigations in accordance with laid down protocols and ensure all staff training for clinical PET-CT is appropriate and up to date.



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



Writing / updating protocols and training programmes for all clinical PET-CT procedures, including contrast studies.



Involvement in the PET-CT Academy for delivery of PET-CT study days.



All aspects of work to ensure accreditation of the service is maintained.



The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country.



We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years.



We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.



DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES



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 Organise, manage, act as lead practitioner, and take responsibility for the PET/CT service.



5.2 Collaboration with Alliance Medical and other Trusts in developing and delivering the PET/CT National Contract for Greater Manchester.



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



5.4 Deal with any patient enquiries / complaints in the first instance and communicate with the Lead Clinical Technologist where required to aid in the resolution of any issues.



5.5 Support the other Specialist / Deputy Clinical Technologists and 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



5.6 Act as RPS for PET/CT service and associated working areas



6. Teaching / Supervision / Human resources



6.1 Supervises more 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 and PET/CT department as part of their training scheme.



6.2 Undertake formalised assessments of staff training in PET/CT 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 Participate in the ESR process for staff within the department to assist in drawing up Personal Development Plans.



6.6 Actively manage staff attendance and sickness management as well as disciplinary and grievance issues.



6.7 Delivers and arranges teaching and training in PET/CT at graduate and postgraduate level in partnership with other healthcare professionals in partnership with higher education institutions.



6.8 Delivers advanced PET/CT education/training for radiographers, clinical technologists and support staff throughout England as part of PET/CT national contract.



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



7. Governance / 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 PET/CT investigations.



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



7.4 Collect performance data for measurement of compliance against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and manage breaches of KPI



7.5 Regular attendance at PET/CT board meetings



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 Arrange daily orders of radiopharmaceuticals totalling many thousands of pounds per week.



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



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



8.5 Produce business cases for new equipment and service development



8.6 Procurement of new equipment.



NOTE



This job description indicates the duties and responsibilities that are appropriate to meet the present needs of the service across the Christie Network. Since from time to time these needs may change, it is necessary to recognize that the post holder must be willing to undertake other and/or different duties appropriate to the grade of the job that may, after discussion, assigned by the Lead Clinical Technologist.