Job Description
The Royal Marsden Hospital is one of Europe’s largest Oncology centres and was the world’s first hospital dedicated to cancer research, diagnosis, treatment and education, with sites in Chelsea and Sutton our new Cavendish Square site which opened in April 2021.
We are currently inviting applications from enthusiastic individuals to join the Diagnostic Radiology team at our Chelsea site in Central London.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and experienced imaging assistant to join our dedicated team. We are particularly interested in response from a radiology assistants or HCA with radiology and outpatient experience.
We provide excellent opportunities for professional and personal development in a well-resourced environment.
Key skills required:
- Evidence of effective interpersonal skills with particular ability to liaise with multidisciplinary team members.
- Experience of working in a pressurised environment.
- Experience of working in relevant care environment, e.g. within a hospital in a radiology or OPD department.
The Diagnostic Imaging service provides an essential service to the hospital and will offer CT with dual energy, MRI, Mammography, Ultrasound as well as general X-Ray and IR . We have been awarded QSI accreditation in March 2018.
The Imaging Assistant will be responsible for assisting in the timely, efficient and courteous provision of the Diagnostic Imaging service. This will include:
- Communicating appointment details to patients both by phone and in writing
- Ensuring that all patients are appropriately prepared and ready for imaging at the required time
- Assisting radiographers and Radiologists in the performance of Diagnostic Imaging examination and procedures, in CT this is working between on 2 floors
- Provision of appropriate patient care
The post-holder will be required to work closely with a team of highly skilled professionals to facilitate the smooth running of the Department. Key working relationships in the department will be with the imaging, medical, clerical and nursing staff. In addition there will be contact with Consultants and their secretaries throughout the Trust and other Health Services. The department works within a quality management system and we have been awarded QSI accreditation from 2018.
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals – one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey – as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital
At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.
At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits and learning and development opportunities. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.
For moreinformation, please refer to the job description and person specification.
Key areas of responsibility
- To assist in radiographic examinations undertaken within the department (CT, MR, Ultrasound, X-Ray).
- To communicate effectively and empathetically with patients and their escorts prior to, during and after an examination.
- To deal with colleagues, patients, carers and relatives in a helpful, reassuring and friendly manner.
- To support radiographic, medical and nursing staff in the examination of patients by ensuring a safe, clean and hygienic working environment.
- Ensure patients are appropriately prepared for radiographic examinations and procedures following defined protocols.
- Assist patients in their personal preparation for diagnostic imaging tests and procedures, including helping with dressing.
- Measure and record patients’ height and weight
- Perform venepuncture for venous blood sampling and/or cannulation preparation for diagnostic imaging tests which require IV contrast after training within the RM policy
- To provide the radiographic, medical and nursing staff with correct equipment for each procedure, prepared according to agreed nursing protocols and standards.
- Report to registered radiographers any problems arising during observation of or conversations with patients and carers.
- To handle and dispose of contaminated body fluids (faeces, blood, urine etc.) in a manner appropriate to the level of bio-hazard and radiation hazard.
- To undertake daily equipment checks and document compliance or report repairs/faulty equipment as necessary, e.g. resuscitation trolley, oxygen and suction equipment, fridge temperatures and emergency equipment
Administration / Clerical Responsibility
- To handle all enquiries, in person or by telephone, including the passage of information in a timely manner.
- To record patient attendance and notify relevant staff when patients arrive.
- Assist clerical staff in making bookings and schedule patients for examination, taking into account clinical priority and scheduling accordingly.
- To liaise radiographic, medical and nursing staff when arranging non-standard investigations in ultrasound.
- To be responsible for ensuring that patients are given appointment letters and patient information sheets where relevant.
- To liaise with Senior Radiographer in-charge to ensure that pharmaceuticals are stocked and ordered in sufficient time.
- To liaise with other appropriate departments, wards and hospitals to ensure patients are given appropriate and accurate information and transport booked as required.