SENIOR THERAPEUTIC RADIOGRAPHER

Job Description:

Senior Therapeutic Radiographer:

• To demonstrate and utilise specialist knowledge of radiotherapy treatment side effects, skin reactions and their management.
• To ensure that patients have been fully informed by medical staff of reasons for imaging/ treatment and expected side effects during and after completion of treatment.
• Following treatment prescribing by the Clinical Oncologist, assess patients prior to imaging/ radiotherapy treatment to ensure that the patient is well enough for the procedure, referring patients back to medical staff as required.
• To be responsible for planning procedures in the CT Simulator under agreed protocols, including decision on optimum patient position, volume to be imaged and input of data into Virtual Simulator and Mosaiq (electronic patient/ prescription information system).
• To resolve complex planning/ treatment issues, analysing and solving problems, affirming the accuracy/ suitability of radiotherapy treatment with reference upwards to the Superintendents or other health professionals as required.
• To analyse, approve or reject treatment verification images, when necessary adapting treatment field alignment, to ensure radiotherapy site accuracy as defined within the treatment verification imaging protocols.
• To check manual treatment calculations and data, some of which will be complex, on paper prescriptions and on the electronic prescription storage/ recording and verification system.
• To liaise with Oncology consultants and other Health Professionals within the multi-disciplinary team, regarding complex treatment information, ensuring that local and national legal requirements are met.
• To ensure that radiotherapy planning /treatment equipment is available for scheduled maintenance and to affirm its suitability for clinical use following any work/calibrations.
• To ensure that all clinically necessary equipment is used safely.
• To immediately report and record any malfunction of equipment.
• To maintain confidentiality for patients, their careers and staff.
• To provide advice and support for terminally ill patients, their careers and families.
• To maintain a high level of concentration to ensure accurate and safe treatments are planned/ delivered, including fine adjustment of field alignment to tolerance limits of 2mm on patients.
• To participate in the on-call service, Bank Holiday working and shift work when required, demonstrating an ability to be flexible and adaptable.
• Be responsible for treatment planning procedures in the CT Simulator.
• To demonstrate radiotherapy techniques and explain side-effects etc. to students and Health Professionals from other disciplines. E.g. dieticians, nurses etc.
• To assist medical staff in the treatment planning/out-patient/ patient review clinics as required.
• To maintain high standards of Quality Assurance, informing Superintendents and medical staff of clinical errors, recording and assessing these incidents to identify constructive action to prevent further errors.
• To dispense medication to patients when necessary following agreed protocols.
• To participate in clinical audit and clinical governance issues as required.