Consultant Radiographer in Breast Imaging

at  North Tees Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

The following duties are specific skills required in relation to Consultant Radiographer in Breast Imaging status. All the skills will be applicable to working within the NHSBSP and the symptomatic service. The Consultant Radiographer in Breast imaging will practice at a consultant level providing specialist expert care for patients and having a high degree of autonomy. To report including description of image, suggested diagnosis and advice recommending further actions for patient.
Work as an unsupervised clinical practitioner exercising a high degree of personal and professional autonomy, acting and demonstrating advanced clinical competence, decision making and a knowledge base beyond those associated with conventional radiographer roles. The post holder should have the skills, ability and confidence to be the only person with these skills in the Unit when the Consultant Radiologists are unavailable To accurately complete the client/patient documentation required during diagnostic work and following invasive procedures To assist in the provision of one-stop clinics for patients on a regular basis working alongside consultant surgeons. This involves advising and reporting of required mammography and undertaking and reporting of ultrasound scans during the clinic for patients who are likely to be highly anxious about a possible diagnosis of cancer To undertake assessment of women recalled under the NHSBSP according to all guidance and quality standards required by that Programme. This will involve concurrent use of all mammographic interpretation, ultrasound investigation and invasive biopsy skills in conjunction with excellent abilities in patient communication and support To competently and independently perform interventional procedures such as local anaesthesia administration, skin incisions, ultrasound guided core biopsies and cyst aspirations, stereotactic core biopsies and vacuum assisted biopsies and ensure adequate haemostasis.
To handle any x-ray breast tissue specimens during core biopsies [whilst patient is still in position] as well as surgical biopsy specimens, which are brought to unit for imaging whilst patient is still under general anaesthetic in theatre To perform ultrasound examinations of the breast and axillae and simultaneously undertake biopsies. As lesions may be only several millimetres in size, a high level of manual dexterity and hand-eye co-ordination is required to ensure accurate sampling. Directing the use of specialized mammographic equipment being able to retrieve tiny tissue samples for micro-calcification seen in the breast under local anaesthesia and small skin incisions. After removal, being able to accurately place a small marker clip at the same site in case surgery is required following biopsy results.
Ultrasound guided /stereotactic guided localizations including; wire guided and Iodine seed, along with other new localisation methods as they develop. Using ultrasound or mammography equipment to visualize the site of the tumour /area to be surgically removed and, under local anaesthesia, place the localiser exactly at this site, which may be only several millimetres in size Regular attendance and participation at the weekly breast MDM To participate in the unit interval cancer To audit ones own mammography reporting paying attention to specificity and sensitivity To be able to discuss the patients clinical history and present symptoms and able to deal with difficult questions from patients in particular regarding the results of the examinations and further actions To be able to positively respond to unpredictable work patterns and frequent interruptions Contribute and assist with the strategic and operational development of the imaging service, working closely with internal and external agencies on complex and diverse issues Have direct management of patient care within the triple assessment team. Judge whether the results of the diagnostic imaging are concordant with the presented pathological findings, and decide on further imaging and biopsy when appropriate. Be an effective member of the multidisciplinary team and be responsible for and help to advise the correct treatment and management pathway Manage a caseload of mammography reporting, ultrasound scanning, image guided biopsy and localisation procedures, audit and research and other advanced practice duties Demonstrate commitment to IWL principles and flexible working patterns, to meet the needs of the service and staff Tackle discrimination and harassment, and promote equality and diversity in the workplace Reduce sickness absence; work place accidents; and promote zero tolerance on violence against staff Take responsibility for personal development and education and the development of a Personal Development Plan.
Carry out regular appraisals for staff, ensuring business goals are clearly communicated and linked to objectives Review training and development of all staff, so all staff have a personal development plan, and support staff in reaching their full potential as identified through the appraisal proces

Please refer the Job description for details