Radiographer Aide

We are looking to recruit a radiographic aide to join our friendly team in the radiology department at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. The Christie is a renowned centre of excellence and is the North West Regional Radiotherapy and Oncology Centre. We are proud of our 100-year history and excellent reputation and we strive to invest in and develop our staff so we can continue to provide the highest quality care and treatment.

The Radiology department sees over 50,000 patients each year. The services we provide comprise general radiology, CT scanning, MR scanning, ultrasound and interventional radiology.

This is a very busy and ever changing role. The majority of the role will be to provide support for the radiographers in the care of patients and their relatives while in the Radiology department. This involves undertaking questionnaires, administering oral contrast and cannulating patients prior to their examination. You will also be expected to chaperone patients and set up sterile trolleys for interventional procedures. No previous experience in some elements of this role are required as training will be provided.

You should have good communication skills, be enthusiastic and committed to helping deliver a high quality service. The successful candidate will be hard working, enjoy being part of a team whilst still able to use their own initiative. With this post there will be a requirement for you to be involved in extended working with occasional weekend working so the successful candidate should be flexible.

The radiology department has an AMAZING team of staff – join us and be part of it!

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

• Assist in monitoring and maintaining the smooth running of the Radiology department.
• Escorting patients and visitors between the radiology department and other areas of the hospital.
• Assisting patients before, during and after examinations as required by the Radiographers / Radiologists. This will include going through any patient safety questionnaires with the patient and giving the patient any preparation necessary for the examination under the guidance of the Radiographer.
• Assist radiographers to process patient data.
• Conveyance of patients by wheelchair and stretcher as required between the Radiology department and other areas of the Hospital.
• Conveyance of letters, notes, samples, appointment slips and any other goods between the Radiology department and other areas of the hospital.
• Assist radiographers with IV procedures and removal of the cannula at the end of the examination.
• Positioning of patients for their examination
• Maintaining a high standard of personal work while acting as a member of a team.
• Ensuring necessary paperwork is completed for each patient following the procedure.
• Be familiar with and observe the local rules of the department, Safety at Work and COSHH regulations.
• Collection and maintenance of stock.
• Accurate input into any Trust computer system.
• Maintain a personal development portfolio.
• Administering of oral contrast as part of the preparation for CT scanning.
• Siting of a cannula in advance of the radiology examination.
• Willingness to participate in weekend/out of hours working.

PATIENT CARE

• Receiving patients, preparing them for the examination and assisting patients to undress if required.
• Assisting/chaperoning during examinations.
• Assist Radiographers as required with the moving and handling of the patient.
• Setting sterile trolleys for interventional procedures such as biopsies and drainages
• Explaining the examination procedure to patients and providing emotional support for anxious patients.
• Maintain professional standards in treating each patient with courtesy, kindness, sympathy and confidentiality.

EQUIPMENT RELATED

• Switch on equipment prior to work commencing so that it is warmed up and ready to operate when the department opens.
• Carry out necessary quality assurance (QA) on the equipment at designated frequency as required by QA protocols.
• Ensure correct stock rotation; prepare stock lists prior to ordering.
• Report any faults noted in functioning or condition of any machinery or equipment to the Clinical Specialist in charge for repair to be arranged.
• Check and maintain oxygen cylinders and other auxiliary equipment in the absence of a regular porter.

Any other duties, which after discussion, might be reasonably requested to maintain the smooth running of the department