Mammographer (Band 6)

at  Airedale NHS Foundation Trust

To assist the organisation in the efficient operation of the mammography service. To undertake clinical mammographic procedures as an autonomous and highly skilled practitioner, professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of their professional and clinical work. To be highly involved during interventional radiological procedures i.e. Stereotactic core biopsies and mammographic guided localisations using highly specialised digital equipment.
(This requires skill and precision for the digital locating of breast lesions and manipulation of co-ordinates to enable the radiologist to accurately biopsy breast lesions whilst patient in mammography unit, or the accurate insertion of wire localisation for theatre excision). Setting-up the sterile trolley for interventional procedures, and ensuring safe disposal of all disposable items and cleaning specialised equipment including biopsy gun. Have the specialist knowledge and experience to plan and prioritise your personal, patient and mammography unit workload. Undertake specimen radiography, this includes co-ordinating the radiography of theatre breast specimens (patient is anaesthetised in theatre until the specimen is x-rayed and reported on by the radiologist to identify the precision of cancer removal with safe margins - this time is strictly audited).
To participate in the updating of imaging protocols, procedures, guidelines etc. when required. To maintain the highest standards of professional practice, radiographic technique and patient care by interpreting departmental protocols and policies, following the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) guidelines and performing examinations to Occupational Standards. To provide advice related to the mammography service when required.
To be able to work independently to high standards under pressure, sometimes single-handedly, during very busy one-stop symptomatic clinics for investigating breast cancer and surveillance mammography after breast cancer has been diagnosed. A professional and personal commitment to maintain competence to practice by attendance at study days and update courses as necessary to maintain Continuing Professional Development (CPD). When service provision allows attend weekly multi-disciplinary team meetings where patients radiology, pathology and clinical findings are presented and discussed, contributing to the discussion where appropriate. Communicating with patients who are anxious and very concerned that they may have breast cancer, who may be distressed, requiring sensitivity, reassurance and empathy.
Need to be well-informed to address patient concerns over cancer (and radiation dose) and be able to discuss complex and sensitive information with both patient and colleagues. To ensure that all specialised equipment is appropriately and safely used, cleaned and maintained and faults accurately recorded, reported and appropriately actioned. Perform rigorous quality control monitoring including radiographic and technical quality assurance checks on all equipment and document results. To have knowledge and understanding of the National Health Service Breast Screening Program (NHSBSP) guidelines with particular reference to Quality Assurance standards.
To work within and ensure compliance with relevant Ionising Radiation Regulations e.g. Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations [IR(ME)R] acting as both practitioner and operator under the regulations. To take an active part in clinical audit and to help develop an effective approach to clinical governance. To ensure that patient examination (including dose) and equipment records are accurately maintained.
To assist in the induction, training, supervision and sharing of knowledge to facilitate learning of trainee Mammographers, Mammography Assistant Practitioners, Radiology Assistants, Radiography students (under-graduate) and qualified Radiographers, nursing and medical students and others. To liaise and promote effective working relationships with other departments and hospital staff including consultant level, and to maintain effective communications within the multi-disciplinary breast team. To maintain close links with the main Radiology department, attending department meetings as appropriate. To complete QA in area of responsibly in accordance with procedure and upload data onto the relevant area on Aireshare.
Ensure all Breast Interventional equipment is fully stocked and up to date. To undertake duties outside of normal hours as required. To undertake duties in other areas of the Directorate as required. To keep up to date with Directorate and Trust information, events and developments by attending meetings, reading appropriate communications and discussion with colleagues.
Please see job description for further duties

Please refer the Job description for details