Senior Radiographer MRI - UPMC Whitfield Hospital, Waterford

Senior Radiographer MRI - UPMC Whitfield Hospital, Waterford

Location: UPMC Whitfield Hospital

Job type: Permanent

Overview of role: UPMC Whitfield Hospital is recruiting a Senior Radiographer MRI on a permanent contract. The Radiology Department provides services to both in patients and out patients, including MRI, CT, X ray, ultrasound, mammography and DEXA. The successful candidate will deliver high quality MRI service, demonstrate leadership and manage clinical work efficiently in a rapidly changing environment.

Working week: 35 hours per week plus on call.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities Clinical

• Recognise the need for effective self management of workload and resources and adapt practice accordingly.
• Engage in leadership, creating and promoting healthy working relationships; provide strategic and clinical leadership to deliver an effective, efficient, quality assured and patient centred service.
• Deputise for the CSR during absenteeism.
• Carry out general and highly complex radiographic procedures while maintaining high professional standards and complying with legislation.
• Engage with consultants and develop specialised view protocols for patient management and surgical decision making. Update the Department handbook with practice changes.
• Organise, plan and prioritise workload according to clinical need.
• Implement practice change based on evidence based evaluation; influence others' practice accordingly.
• Advise on patient schedule and waiting lists; assist the CSR in building booking grids for optimum facility utilisation.
• Lead in the development and implementation of operational policies, protocols and guidelines to ensure optimal resource utilisation and systematic audit.
• Lead clinical audit in accordance with SI 256 of 2018.
• Adapt techniques and equipment for imaging of compromised patients.
• Justify and optimise radiographic examinations and maintain workflow scheduling in general and specialist areas.
• Advise on equipment selection, purchase, replacement or upgrading.
• Maintain accurate clinical data systems; report operation issues; manage consumables efficiently.
• Assess patient suitability for I.V. injections; administer I.V. injections where required.
• Implement continuous learning programmes for staff on new techniques and ALARA principles.
• Supervise and teach newly qualified radiographers, assistants and students.
• Make decisions based on radiographs that may alter patient pathways; report abnormalities to referring clinicians or radiologists.
• Advise and present on current European and Irish legislation and guidelines regarding radiation protection, health & safety, and patient safety.
• Ensure management of contrast reactions and follow up care in line with hospital policy.
• Uphold patient confidentiality and respect patients' cultural, values and spiritual beliefs.
• Monitor stock levels; liaise with CSR and Manager on staff rotation; lead and participate in multidisciplinary team activities.
• Ensure manual handling tasks are performed in accordance with hospital policy.
• Adhere to radiation safety principles (justification, optimisation, dose constraints/limits) and S.I.256/S.I.30 standards.
• Demonstrate flexibility to accommodate increased patient volume and changing work patterns.
• Manage and participate in the Departmental on call rota.

Quality & Audit

• Set up, maintain and review QA programmes.
• Participate in weekly huddles to address Department wins and issues, outline audits, and encourage staff engagement in QA.
• Maintain updated TEAMS folders and policy communications.
• Report incidents and learning opportunities through Viclarity.
• Maintain accurate clinical data systems.
• Assist with maintenance records and preventive maintenance schedules.
• Support service development and improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate staff rotation to ensure adequate trained staff.
• Investigate and respond to complaints, accidents and incidents per hospital policy.
• Ensure staff comply with policies on radiation safety, infection control, health and safety.
• Maintain general X ray and theatre imaging units in line with operational policy.
• Ensure completion of radiation safety questionnaires in the IT system.
• Present audit findings and update equipment inspection records.
• Troubleshoot imaging and electronic patient systems.

Health & Safety

• Consult with the physicist on safety issues and operational matters.
• Promote a safe environment for staff and patients.
• Maintain knowledge of HIQA Standards and infection control guidelines.
• Develop a checklist for staff during system breakdowns and power outages.
• Encourage sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives.
• Track and review Departmental diagnostic reference levels (DRLs); implement improvements.

Professional/Education

• Develop a personal development plan (PDP) and professional portfolio.
• Critically self evaluate and conduct evidence based research.
• Apply research findings in the clinical setting.
• Maintain, enhance and develop knowledge, skills and aptitudes for changing clinical needs, hospital developments and legal requirements.
• Participate and deliver continuous professional development (CPD).
• Provide peer support and engage in performance reviews.
• Demonstrate resilience, composure, flexibility and openness to change.
• Commit to continuing professional development.
• Manage and develop self and others in a busy working environment.
• Effectively evaluate information and make appropriate decisions.
• Act autonomously within agreed guidelines.

Qualifications & Experience

• Holding a Degree in Radiography or Diploma of the College of Radiographers.
• Registered with the Radiographers Registration Board (CORU).
• Not less than 3 years full time post qualification clinical experience.
• Recognised postgraduate course by the IIRRT (desirable) or specialised Modality experience.
• MRSO (Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer) certification is highly desirable.

Salary: €59,045.21 - €68,374.11 per annum based on a 35 hour week.

Equal Opportunity Statement: UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.