AGENDA FOR CHANGE

NHS JOB EVALUATION SCHEME

JOB DESCRIPTION

1.  JOB IDENTIFICATION

Job Title: Radiography Student Helper
AFC Grading: Band 2
Responsible to: Radiology Manager
Department: Radiology
473
Job Reference:
No of Job Holders: 1
Last Update : 02/05/13

2. JOB PURPOSE

To assist Radiographers during x-ray examinations. Provide direct care to the patients. Daily cleaning of the clinical rooms and changing cubicles to ensure a high standard of hygiene and service to the patients. Give patient preparation e.g. Gastrografin, for their examination where appropriate. Act as a patient advocate.
3. DIMENSIONS
Clinical areas: General Department, CT Scanning, Ultrasound, Front office
Clinical activity: Approx 13,500 examinations per annum.
Clinical provision: 9-5 Mon – Fri (37.5 Hrs per week)
Staff Responsibility: Radiographers will direct the workload of the post holder depending on the needs of patients and the department.
Assist in the training and induction of a new member of staff and student radiographers.

4.  ORGANISATIONAL POSITION See attached sheet

5. ROLE OF DEPARTMENT

·  To provide a high quality, efficient and effective Radiology service to a diverse range of patient types and clinical conditions.
·  Diagnostic imaging equipment is used to carry out radiological examinations on Patients. Reports are provided to referring clinicians. The report assists the referrer in providing a diagnosis of the patient’s condition in order to decide on an effective course of treatment and care.
·  Interventional Radiology is carried out to assist in the treatment of a patient’s condition.
·  The departmental clinical governance strategy ensures a high standard of care for patients undergoing radiological examination and promotes multidisciplinary team working

6. KEY RESULT AREAS

Clinical
·  Assist radiographers in moving and handling of patients to ensure a safe environment.
·  Assisting patients with undressing and dressing. Helping patients to the toilet.
·  Inform the radiographers of patient’s arrival having checked the patient’s details first.
·  Help to transfer patients from chairs/trolleys to scanner bed.
·  Provide reassurance to patients by way of clear explanation as to the nature of an examination.
·  Ensure the clinical rooms are kept clean and tidy and stocked with supplies.
·  Give preparation to the patients prior to their CT or ultrasound scan, under the direction of the CT radiographers and sonographers.
·  Help to set up equipment trolleys for some examinations such as CT Pneumocolon.
·  Organise patients to be brought to the department and taken back to the wards under the direction of the Radiographers. Assist portering or nursing staff as required.
·  Monitor stock levels for consumables and change laundry when required. Ensure clean gowns are available for patients at all times.
·  Work as part of a team to ensure effective communication and delivery of care.
·  Liaise with fellow healthcare workers and referring clinicians to provide a high quality imaging service to patients.
·  Observe Divisional policies in respect of patient care, Health and Safety and Radiation Protection.
·  Act as a chaperone if required for the patients and clinicians benefit.
·  Duties will depend on work load, patient and radiographer requirements.
·  Monitor and maintain pharmacy levels, including the oxygen cylinders.
·  Maintain a clean and safe working environment for both patients and staff in accordance with infection control policies.
·  Assist with any administration duties including filing, answering the telephone, greeting patients on arrival, photocopying and document shredding.
Educational
·  Participate in mandatory training and seek personal development under the guidance of the radiology manager
·  In house training will be provided to enhance skills in health care and IT as appropriate.

7a. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY

·  Patient Hoists
·  Patient immobilisation devices e.g. Foam pads and sand bags.
·  Patients are moved around the X-Ray Rooms/Department on trolleys and chairs when required
7b. SYSTEMS
·  RIS system for patient registration.
·  Access the Trust intranet.
·  Access PACS if required.
·  Manual records if RIS system is down.

8. ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK

·  Duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the Senior Radiographers and may be changed depending on the requirements of the Radiology Service.
·  Radiographers will be available to consult on a daily basis and provide direct supervision and training when required.
·  Senior radiographers will delegate other non-clinical tasks.
·  A senior radiographer will undertake appraisal in order to agree an annual performance development plan.
9. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
·  Prioritise departmental duties appropriately depending on radiographer patient workload.
·  Assess a patient’s ability to undress for an examination and assist them.
·  Decide if stock levels need replenishment in line with the departmental procedure and
advise the radiography staff and SATO.

10. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB

·  Ensuring personal safety and that of the patient and other staff, during lifting and handling procedures.
·  Understanding the needs of individual members of staff and patients.
·  Prioritising workload.
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
Patients
·  Provide information by explanation of often complex procedures, listening to the patient’s requirements in order to encourage compliance with the imaging process.
·  Provide assistance and reassurance to patients awaiting examinations.

Relatives/Carers

·  Provide reassurance and receive information
·  Ask for assistance with, and instruct in methods of immobilisation, maintaining Radiation Protection.
Radiography Staff (internal/external)
·  Consult radiography staff for advice
·  Pass on information relating to patient transfer to colleagues

Medical Staff/Nurse Practitioners

·  Seek help and advice with patients in pain or who are immobile
12. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
Physical Skills:
·  Provide physical assistance to patient’s requiring changing into gowns often with disabilities and an inability to communicate.
·  Assist Radiographers in the positioning of patients when required
Physical Demands:
·  The majority of the working day is spent standing and walking and bending to assist patients.
·  Regularly changing mattress sheets involves bending and lifting.
·  Frequent transfer of patients from trolleys, beds and chairs onto CT and x-ray beds requires the use of safe lifting and handling skills, using mechanical aids when required.
Mental Demands:
·  Helping anxious patients feel at ease for radiographic examination.
·  Use caring and diplomatic skills when assessing a patient’s needs prior to examination.
·  Balancing the varied demands of the job within the time constraints of the position.
Emotional Demands:
·  Provide assistance and care to terminally ill patients awaiting radiological examinations.
·  Assist radiographers dealing with critically injured patients.
Working Conditions:
·  Exposure to unpleasant odours and bodily fluids frequently throughout the day.
·  Moving from cold air conditioned areas to hot and conditions in the working areas.
·  Working constantly in artificial lighting with little or no natural daylight.
·  Exposure to verbal abuse from some patients.
·  A risk of physical abuse from patients, who may be confused, disorientated etc.

13. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB

·  No formal qualifications are required but the post holder must have good written and verbal communication skills
·  Undergraduate experience in a wide range of radiological investigations
·  Ability to follow instructions and a willingness to learn
·  Team Worker
·  An enthusiastic and caring nature
·  Flexible approach to work.
·  Ability to work on own initiative.
14. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
A separate job description will need to be signed off by each jobholder to whom the job description applies.
Job Holder’s Signature:
Head of Department Signature:
Review Date. / Date:
Date:

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Job Title: Radiography Helper (3 month summer post) AFC Band 2

Department: Radiology

Location: Western Isles Hospital, Stornoway.

FACTOR / ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLE
EXPERIENCE / Undergraduate experience in a
wide range of radiological
investigations / Ability to work
independently as well as
part of a team
QUALIFICATIONS
TRAINING
RESEARCH
PUBLICATIONS / Currently studying for Bachelor of
Science in Diagnostic Radiography or equivalent. / Evidence of ongoing
professional
development
KNOWLEDGE AND
SKILLS / Familiarity with all forms of
general radiography
Good communication skills
Ability to prioritise and good time
management / Exposure to
imaging techniques and
modalities
DISPOSITION / Ability to work in a pressurised, acute
environment
Flexible to meet the changing needs
of the service.
OTHER

6