EDUCATION, TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

• Identify and act on training needs and set up appropriate in-service training programmes in consultation with management and the Clinical Specialist Radiographers.
• Keep abreast of on-going Hospital training and developments.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of clinical, technical and radiological developments in relation to radiography practice having regard to changes in statutory and voluntary services.
• Report back to staff any changes in best practice following attendance to study days.
• Take responsibility for own learning and development needs and actively contribute to the learning and development of the multidisciplinary team.
• Provide education and information to patient or family as required.

OVERVIEW OF ROLE:

UPMC Aut Even are recruiting for the role of RIS/PACS Clinical Specialist Radiographer to join our friendly and dynamic team. We are looking for a Radiographer to lead in the operational management of Radiology IT in our growing multi-modality Radiology department (MRI, CT, X-ray, Ultrasound and Theatre). The department currently operates an integrated AGFA RIS/PACS and will be implementing Optum Image share in 2025.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To Lead in the operational management of the RIS/PACS service working closely with and under the direct guidance of the Radiology Services Manager. To provide a quality radiology service to all patients attending Aut Even, in line with professional best practice and hospital guidelines, policies and procedures. A minimum of 50% of FTE time will be spent carrying out the clinical duties of a Radiographer as required/directed by the RSM.

In addition to the normal responsibilities of a Radiographer at Aut Even:

• To take responsibility for all aspects of the Radiology service that relate to electronic image capture, storage and review through PACS and tele-Radiology and patient information and results reporting through RIS (Dicom & Non-Dicom)
• Attending relevant local, divisional, ICS and external meetings
• Providing relevant complex technical information to support operational and financial decisions in a non-technical language.
• Working collaboratively with staff and external stakeholders to build alignment & consensus around clinical systems to ensure effective contribution to patient management within Radiology and the wider hospital.
• Provide clear and concise documentary evidence to support the development of the business cases for clinical systems.
• Ensure projects comply with all governance policies and to participate in the Governance of the Department in areas including Risk Management, Health and Safety, Research and Audit activities.
• To take responsibility for the efficient and effective working of PACS and RIS supporting Quality assurance processes and best practice
• Responsible, as system administrator, to ensure appropriate maintenance and housekeeping arrangements are in place to support PACS/RIS operation.
• Facilitate addition of new imaging modalities to the system.
• Assist Imaging Department leads in developing PACS & long-term strategic planning.
• Working closely with the Applications Team to support cross skilling, training and development
• Contribute effectively to the delivery of an effective and responsive team.
• Encourage the highest professional and technical skills in staff through personal example, development and training
• Develop and implement contingency procedures for both planned and unplanned downtime.
• To provide specialist technical services and be able to analyse complex technical problems which may relate to system data, workflow, hardware, interfacing or networking
• To be able to provide solutions to complex issues explaining these in a non-technical language to clinical and non-clinical staff.
• Establish/support operational policy and working procedures for the routine use of
• Radiology and IT Systems
• Support clinical and non-clinical in understanding ways in which clinical systems enhance efficient and effective healthcare delivery.
• Undertake interrogation of the systems databases for statistical analysis.
• Working closely with the Applications Team to ensure that staff are adequately trained in maintaining and supporting the Radiology systems
• Encourage the highest professional and technical standards in all staff, using personal
• example, training and development
• Provide first-line support to application-level problems as required.
• Make recommendations for any additional training initiatives required.
• Devise and provide training for all users of RIS / PACS.
• Training for non-radiological staff reviewing images in wards or clinics
• Training for clinicians acquiring and assessing radiological images
• Training for Divisional and Clinical Administration staff
• Retraining for staff following incorrect practices that result in errors
• Give presentations to staff and students to deepen understanding of clinical systems
• System Administrator duties
• Ensure appropriate maintenance and housekeeping arrangements are in place to support the day-to-day operation of Radiology systems.
• Ensure the functionality of any software and hardware upgrades prior to ‘going live’.
• Ensure accuracy of system database & maintain updated information in conjunction with user community
• Ensure detailed documentation of hand over to support information is provided prior to a go-live and subsequently maintained
• Manage & review system utilisation, together with user privileges and folder management.
• Develop and implement procedures for planned / unplanned system downtime. To include a robust 24/7/365 technical support exists, with supporting procedures, documentation and escalation process
• Act as a source of knowledge to be consulted by other professionals, working collaboratively with staff and external stakeholders to build alignment & consensus around clinical systems implementation
• Ensure that all patient images are assigned to the correct folder and reconcile incorrect data
• Identify patterns, suggesting incorrect practice or equipment faults
• Support re-training and procedures with staff who are not following protocols
• Have a detailed understanding of the Data Protection Act (2018), General Data Protection Regulation (2016), other relevant legislation and standards relating to IT or confidentiality
• Ensure that all current use of clinical systems adheres to legislation and recommended practice
• Ensure that proposed uses of clinical do not breach relevant legislation
• Work with the IT department and equipment manufacturers to ensure that unauthorised access to the system does not occur
• Develop procedures / guidelines e.g. issuing of Staff logins and passwords and guidelines for use of clinical systems
• Ensure all infection control standards are adhered to
• Ensure that IT equipment faults are reported appropriately. Plan equipment maintenance / repairs to keep downtime to an absolute minimum
• Inform Professional Leads, Service Leads and Digital Services if equipment is likely to be out of action for a significant period or if service provision is likely to be compromised and ensure records surrounding such events are maintained
• Participate in departmental audit programme, Quality assurance programmes and ensures Radiology and Clinical Systems fully comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act and any other governance information requirements
• Implement a quality control programme to ensure IT equipment is maintained and handled correctly
• To actively participate in all clinical components of the roster
• To consistently demonstrate leadership skills in line with the Hospital Values
• To support and deputise for the RSM as required
• To demonstrate expertise and specialist knowledge of technique and processes involved in the production of consistent high-quality imaging.
• To support in the development and embedding into practice protocols and guidelines ensuring consistency in service provision.
• To support in the management and development of the Radiology department to provide a quality service by utilising resources in an efficient and safe manner.
• To be able to constantly adapt staffing and service provision to the demands of the workload at short notice.
• To develop and promote the Radiology department focusing on quality of service and optimising patient pathway within the service provision available.
• To actively participate and support team development in optimisation and development of quality.
• To act as facilitator in order to disseminate knowledge within the clinical team in in regard to image quality and changing/ developing practice.
• To manage resources efficiently.
• To have in depth knowledge and support in the correct implementation of hospital and Radiology department policies and procedures.
• To maintain the equipment performance and take relevant corrective action if faults are noted.
• To respond to verbal complaints from patients or carers.
• To participate in departmental audits.
• To liaise with clinical teams to ensure effective communication and multi-disciplinary working.
• To actively participate in the governance requirements and assurance for the Radiology department including risk management, incident investigation and documentation.
• To actively support in the consistent implementation of Human Resources Policies.
• Maintaining personal Continued Professional development and Code of Conduct in line with the CORU requirements.
• Liaise with Medical Physics on safety issues and other operational issues as appropriate.
• Effectively communicate with all members of the radiography staff in assisting the department to achieve KPI targets and developments.
• Undertake and participate in team building and training of Radiography Staff.
• To notify the Radiography Services Manager of any leave in accordance with hospital policy
• To maintain an environment conducive to learning and development.