Senior Information and Support Therapeutic Radiographer

at  University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

The post holder will be an integral member of the multidisciplinary cancer care team that provides expertise in the physical, emotional and educational needs of patients undergoing all aspects of radiotherapy.
The post holder will be responsible for the delivery of the clinical review of patients during a course of radiotherapy whilst assessing their holistic needs. They will provide information, education, and practical and emotional support to patients and their carers. They will support the management of side effects, initiating appropriate supportive interventions or therapies and/or referring to members of the multidisciplinary team as needed, respecting needs, autonomy, privacy and dignity.
The post holder will be required to help develop evidence based patient information (written and audiovisual) to improve the patient experience.
To assist in the continued development of the review protocols and patient care pathways for site specific areas within radiotherapy.
To assist in undertaking audit and monitoring of standards of patient care, using the results to influence practice, thereby continually improving evidence-based practice and the delivery of patient focused care.
To work alongside the brachytherapy team to ensure patient referrals and bookings are dealt with appropriately, that patients are given timely and accurate brachytherapy information and, in the absence of the brachytherapy radiographer, support the treatment of patients undergoing brachytherapy.
To communicate condition-related specialist radiotherapy advice and information to patients and their carers, ensuring understanding, in a timely fashion.
To provide information and advice to patients, carers and staff on the side effects of cancer treatments and the support available. Offering particular expertise in the management of radiotherapy related side effects.
Using advanced level communication skills to facilitate good working relationships with patients, carers and members of the MDT and develop systems that support prompt access for patients to appropriate members of the health care team.
To communicate complex information to Consultant Clinical Oncologists and other MDT colleagues regarding patients’ conditions.
Discuss the nature of the disease, aims and potential outcomes of treatment and the impact on patient, relatives and carers, e.g. palliative treatments etc.
To negotiate with the wider health care team and external agencies such as Macmillan, community nurses and primary care to develop and deliver care pathways, enhancing patient centred quality outcomes.
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.
We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do. Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.
We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence® designated organisation – please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. Pathway To Excellence ® - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)
By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.
The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation’s core values.
To demonstrate specialist skills in the assessment and review of patients undergoing treatment, underpinned by master’s level education in review and assessment of the patient.
To keep up to date with new ideas, practice development.
To assist the Band 7 Macmillan Radiographer in providing support, advice and education for all members of the MDT and radiographers within the department.
To form links with other cancer centres nationally and regionally through Radiographers Special Interests Groups and the West Midlands Cancer Alliance, in order to share knowledge and experience to improve practice
To maintain own professional development in conjunction with the objectives of the service and those identified at performance appraisal.
To carry out holistic assessment of the patient during treatment and, using clinical reasoning, identify suitable patient management strategies where appropriate, requesting and checking results of relevant laboratory investigations and initiating appropriate supportive interventions.
To assess patients having chemo/radiotherapy ensuring bloods are within safe levels as per protocol when patients are seen at routine on-treatment review and that side effects are managed so that the patient is well enough to continue their prescribed course of treatment.
To provide the patients with appropriate medication through using Patient Group Directives where available and liaising with medical colleagues/ prescribing radiographers where not.
To work within Clinical Operating procedures where appropriate, for example the administration of Entonox.
To discuss case management through patient outcomes, variances from patient pathways and communication with the healthcare team and disseminate to patients and careers as appropriate.
For further details of the role please see the attached job description

Please refer the Job description for details