Registered Healthcare Science Practitioner

at  The Christie NHS Foundation Trust

We are seeking an experienced, methodical Healthcare Science Practitioner 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). Applicants should be patient focused and flexible to change where quality can be improved.
Candidates should have scientific and interpersonal skills. Proactive team working is essential as well as the ability to work independently.
A radiographer or engineer with relevant experience in the field of Diagnostic Radiology / Radiation Protection may be suitable for this post.
We welcome external applicants and would encourage you to get in touch if you would like to informally discuss your suitability for the post.
See the essential and desirable criteria for more. Additional information about the group can be found via The Christie website at https://www.christie.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/services/christie-medical-physics-and-engineering/diagnostic-radiology-and-radiation-protection
Duties will involve performance testing on a wide variety of diagnostic X-ray equipment, e.g. mammography, dental, angiography and CT, and radiation protection surveys of diagnostic radiology installations. At this level, independent commissioning of equipment is expected as well as routine level B (physics) QA testing. 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.
Teaching and supervision of less experienced staff is a continuous activity at this level and participation in driving your profession forward will be expected.
Communication skills are essential to work with healthcare providers in clinical settings (such as radiographers) and within CMPE to support other technologists and scientists.
Applicants should be registered with the RCT as a Clinical Technologist, the HCPC as a Healthcare Science Practitioner (or eligible for these registrations), or with HCPC as a Radiographer and have experience in the use of a wide range of X-ray imaging equipment. Candidates without registration or sufficient training may be appointed at Band 5 until competent however they must have relevant experience already.
A current UK driving license is essential as frequent travel (approx. 3 days a week) is necessary in this role.
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.

Equipment performance testing and radiation protection surveys
Undertake equipment performance and radiation protection surveys, alone or with a colleague, following clearly defined operating procedures in line with an ISO9001 quality management system. This will involve accurate positioning and methodical use of test objects. This will cover the full range of X-ray imaging equipment. It includes:
Critical examination and commissioning of new equipment
Routine quality control on existing installations
Investigation of faults on existing installations.
Calibration of patient dose measuring equipment
Checking the radiation protection of the installation.
Analyse the results of equipment performance measurements.
Write electronic reports (for the Radiation Protection Adviser, Medical Physics Expert and radiology staff) detailing the findings and recommending any action required.
Maintain accurate records using Excel and Access, e.g. results from testing, details of equipment
Calibrating x-ray dose measuring equipment
Perform testing of UV units, as required by the group.
Providing advice on and demonstrate level A QC testing, review results and report findings
Radiation Protection
Assist in providing radiation protection advice and support. This may include
performing standardised patient dose calculation, environmental monitoring, trial personal monitoring, patient dose audit, preparation of risk assessments and local rules with oversight from a Radiation Protection Adviser and/or Medical Physics Expert.
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
3. Management
Liaise with radiographic staff to book survey visits in conjunction with the Survey Team Administrator, with the potential for taking the lead for one geographic area.
Supervise less experienced healthcare science staff (assistants, associates, practitioners or scientists) when undertaking equipment performance and radiation protection surveys as part of their training.
Raise service issues or training opportunities in an appropriate forum to allow the team to adapt and learn e.g. through the quality management system, in a ‘survey meeting’, via modality leads or your line manager.
Undertake internal audits.
Participate in the recruitment process for technical staff as required.
Contribute to ensuring the quality of the diagnostic and radiation protection service as required and as directed by the survey team lead or group leader
Undertake line management functions for appropriate staff.
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
4. Professional
Demonstrates the agreed set of values and accountable for own attitude and behaviour
Maintain registration.
Keep abreast of developments in the field and undertake continued professional development (self-directed and as directed by your line manager).
Proactively share learning within the team and take part in meetings attended
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.
Collaborate with other members of the group in the improvement of test protocols.
Take a lead on surveys for a particular modality, developing protocols and gaining clinical understanding of the use of that modality, under the guidance of a medical physics expert/modality lead within our group.
Collaborate with other members of the group and radiology staff in other hospitals on the optimisation of imaging equipment.
Contribute to appropriate teaching activities and outreach events within the group, such as assisting in the preparation and delivery of material, e.g. at the Radiation Protection Supervisors courses. May also be involved in organising courses.
Contribute to the research and development of the service, e.g. by carrying out measurements, processing, reporting and presenting data
This job description indicates the duties and responsibilities that are appropriate to meet the present needs of the service. Since from time to time these needs may change it is necessary to recognise that the post holder must be willing to undertake other and/or different duties that may, after discussion, be assigned by the Director