Mammographer

at  Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

Clinical/Professional To produce high quality mammography images with a minimum number of repeat images as an autonomous practitioner and as part of a multi professional team, in a manner that meets professional, departmental and legal standards and requirements. To regularly participate in documented image assessment. To adhere to the NHSBSP Guidance for Breast Screening Mammographers and participate in the BSP Quality Assurance programme. To act as an independent radiographic practitioner, meeting the standards set within the Health Professions Councils professional code of conduct.
To use professional discretion and experience to ensure that clinical practice is carried out correctly, professionally and within the legal framework. To attend mandatory clinical and academic update courses for radiographers. To maintain own level of competence and undertake continuing professional development through participation in internal and external development opportunities; to maintain a portfolio of evidence in support of CPD undertaken. To attend staff and multidisciplinary meetings, working closely with all other disciplines involved in breast care.
To be aware of and participate in all Quality Management System (QMS) within the Department and participate in QMS audit. To participate in any local research activities, assist in the collection and analysis of statistical data together with the production of reports for journals and posters/papers at conferences. To be able to use the departmental radiology information computer system to register patients, to check results and appointments. To have a working knowledge of the National Breast Screening Computer System (NBSS) to facilitate involvement in the planning and scheduling of clinics.
To be able to accurately use PACS to a standard that allows advanced use and basic troubleshooting. To relate to all manner of patients and clients with understanding and care, respecting their privacy and dignity to provide a caring and confidential service. To work as part of a team of mammographers and to help other mammographers when possible. To supervise mammography trainees, assistant practitioners, mammography associates and RDAs.
To work as part of the departmental health care team and participate in Health promotion activities. To be responsible for the security and cleanliness of the Mobile and Static Units. To be competent in the use of all the mammography equipment and to report all equipment faults to the superintendent radiographer / QA radiographer. To undertake the departmental and Trust induction programme.
To adhere to all Trust policies including the Health and Safety Regulations; COSHH Regulations; the Data Protection Act. To comply with all radiation protection policies such as IR(ME)R the Code of Practice for the Protection of Persons against Ionising Radiations arising from Medical and Dental use. To observe all manual handling criteria when: moving patients from waiting areas into the x-ray rooms positioning patients into the correct mammography position To demonstrate flexibility over working hours and cover the extended working day. To undertake any further relevant duties as required when requested by the Band 6/7 Radiographer, Superintendent Radiographer or Radiology Manager.
Any other duties which are commensurate with the post and development of the service. Education and Research To assist with the practical training of trainee radiographer mammographers and Mammography Associate Practitioners. To undertake and participate in clinical audit and research and to act on the findings where possible. To treat as confidential, all patient information obtained in the course of this post.
Communication To communicate effectively and appropriately, with all users of the service, across all age groups and abilities, observing confidentiality and information governance. This will include: Patients, Carers & Relatives: to explain procedures, follow up procedures, radiation issues, appointments. Radiologists: to discuss examination techniques, results and outcomes, appointments. Other Health Care Professionals: to discuss breast imaging, diagnostic results procedure, radiation issues, appointments, service issues and problems.
Wards/Departments: on any issues involving patients; on any issue affecting the provision of the breast imaging service. Physical Effort & Working Conditions The post holder will: Have frequent use of VDU equipment. Have regular exposure to distressing or emotional situations e.g. discovering cancers.
Have frequent exposure to body fluids e.g. blood, urine etc and infection risks and occasional exposure to fleas/lice. Have occasional exposure to intoxicated, aggressive or abusive patients and relatives. Have daily exposure to unpredictable workload.
Be required to position and manoeuvre patients and equipment on a daily basis. In any clinical situation, patients/clients may be ambulant, in a wheelchair or have mobility problems. Movement of wheelchairs over short distances is required throughout the working period

Please refer the Job description for details