Healthcare Science Practitioner (Clinical Technologist)

at  The Christie NHS Foundation Trust

We are seeking a motivated, methodical Healthcare Science Practitioner (Clinical Technologist) with problem solving skills to join our x-ray equipment evaluation team. The successful applicant will join a growing team of ~30 - scientists, technologists and administrators - providing equipment quality assurance and scientific support to NHS and independent sector radiology departments in the North West of England (a few customers are further afield).
The successful candidate will be assisting in all aspects of the service, including regular travel to customer sites (occasional overnight stays) to provide performance testing on a variety of diagnostic imaging equipment (e.g. dental, CR&DR radiographic and fluoroscopic), radiation protection surveys of diagnostic radiology installations and calibration of radiation instruments. When not working off-site they will be analysing data and producing reports, assisting with training of staff and customers.
Candidates should have scientific and interpersonal skills. There is a need for good communication skills to be able to work with colleagues in physics and radiology and professional behaviours are expected. Proactive team working is essential as well as the ability to work independently.
A current valid driving licence and a willingness to travel is essential to the role.
Undertakes level B (physics) equipment performance and radiation protection surveys. Writes reports detaining findings and making recommendations. Investigates concerns where they arise. Takes ownership of the quality of their work.
A working understanding of x-ray equipment, radiation instrumentation (such as dosemeters) and the relevant UK ionising radiation regulations and guidance/standards will be expected
Calibrates x-ray dose measuring equipment
Providing advice on level A (radiographer) QC testing, review results and report findings. Training and supporting customers to fulfil their QC requirements for equipment.
Support senior practitioners and scientists in aspects of regulatory compliance at The Christie and in the North West region. Taking a lead in a small aspect of organisation for the team as required.
Applicants should be registered with the RCT as a Clinical Technologist or the HCPC as a Healthcare Science Practitioner (or eligible for these registrations) and have experience in the use of a range of X-ray imaging equipment.
Suitable applicants without knowledge/skills/experience (or registration) will be considered for appointment at band 4 while training (see job description).
We are the Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection Section of the Imaging Physics and Radiation Protection Group within CMPE, based at The Christie in Manchester.
We have a large, fast paced service with opportunities for service development in response to government strategies around imaging capacity, workforce growth, role advancement, uptake of digital tools and efficient/flexible teams. Due to the size of the regional service we have access to an extensive portfolio of equipment with a focus on diagnostic/interventional radiology. Continued professional development is essential and supported.
Manchester is a hub for sport, music and culture as well as a friendly, vibrant city. The Christie is located 4 miles to the south of the City, in close proximity to Didsbury and Chorlton where there are many independent shops, restaurants and bars. There are a number of National Parks nearby and, for travelling further afield, Manchester International Airport (with flights to over 200 destinations) is minutes away while London is only 2 hours by train.
Additional information about the group can be found via The Christie website at Christie Medical Physics and Engineering
Equipment performance testing and radiation protection surveys (main focus of role)
Undertakes equipment performance and radiation protection surveys, alone or with a colleague, following standard operating procedures defined within an ISO9001 quality system:
Performs routine quality control on existing installations
Assists in the critical examination and commissioning of new equipment to ensure that it is safe for bringing into clinical use
Assists with investigation of faults on existing installations
Calibrates patient dose measuring equipment to confirm the accuracy of recorded dose
Checking the radiation protection of the installation to ensure staff and public safety
This will involve accurate positioning and methodical use of test objects.
Analysing the results of equipment performance measurements
Write electronic reports for the Radiation Protection Advisor/Medical Physics Expert and customers, detailing findings and recommending actions required
Calibrating x-ray dose measuring equipment
Perform testing of UV units, as required by the group.
Providing advice on level A QC testing, review results and report findings.
Radiation Protection
Assist in providing radiation protection advice and support as required in the team.
This includes producing ad hoc reports on equipment or customer sites, e.g. lists of equipment due, inter-comparison of similar equipment types
Updating central records of measurements, e.g. typical patient doses, equipment calibration factors
Calibrating radiation protection meters as required and/or organising dispatch of equipment for external calibration.
Supervision and responsibilities for information resources
Maintains accurate records using Excel and Access (or other databases as rolled out in the NHS), e.g. results from testing, details of equipment
Liaise with radiographic staff to book survey visits in conjunction with the Booking Team as required
Supervise less experienced healthcare science staff (assistants, associates, practitioners or scientists) when undertaking equipment performance and radiation protection surveys as part of their training.
Undertake internal audits.
A take a lead on a number of group functions such as H&S checks, oversight of online QA platforms, maintaining our inventory etc, as required
Professional
Undertakes training identified as required for role, including continuing professional development
Gains and maintains registration as clinical technologist
Follow the appropriate key work instructions, risk assessments and systems of work and ensure direct supervision of those you are responsible for until they are competent.
Collaborates with other members of the group in the improvement of test protocols.
Contributes to the teaching (and outreach) commitments of the service such as assisting in the preparation and delivery of material, e.g. at the Radiation Protection Supervisors courses.
Contributes to the research and development of the service, e.g. by carrying out measurements or processing dat

Please refer the Job description for details