Clinical Trials Radiographer (MRI)

Main area Clinical Support & Specialist Surgery Grade Band 6 Contract Permanent Contract Hours 37.5 hours per week (Full time permanent contract) Job ref 81-RI-RS

Site Radiology Research - Q01558 Town Manchester Salary £39,959 - £48,117 Pro rata, per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 19/10/:59

Job overview Are you a highly skilled diagnostic MR Radiographer with an interest in research? Seeking an opportunity to make a difference in cancer care? We are looking to appoint an MR Clinical Trials Radiographer (CTR) to join our experienced team in supporting over 450+ cancer research studies.

As an MR radiographer, you will play a crucial role in the accurate and timely diagnosis of cancer patients. Collaborating with a team of experienced radiologists, oncologists and healthcare professionals, you will perform a range of radiographic procedures using state of the art equipment and techniques. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced radiographer with an interest in research looking to further develop their knowledge and skills.

The CTRs liaise with staff across the Research & Innovation directorate to ensure an effective radiology clinical trials service. As part of your role you will be provided with training to extend your scope of practice by participating in radiographer led screening for brain metastases in MRI, as well as vetting and protocolling MR requests.
The Christie People & Culture Plan actively supports AHPs to engage in advanced clinical practice and research from postgraduate through to doctorate level education. Examples include PG Cert opportunities.

This post is 1.0 WTE, this will be split 0.5 FTE with the clinical trials team and 0.5 FTE clinically in the diagnostic MR department.

Main duties of the job To undertake MR imaging and to support the efficient delivery of the clinical service. To participate in CPD and other developmental activities. Clinical supervision of radiography students.

Communication requirements
To assist in ensuring there is effective communication between the various teams involved with the MR scanning service.
To ensure that patients understand complex information related to their scans. This may involve patients with learning difficulties or other disabilities.

Analytical skills
Assess patient's clinical condition with relation to the level of risk of giving intravenous contrast.
Adapt radiological techniques/protocols for patient/imaging improvements

General duties
Drive the implementation of new technologies and techniques, staying at the forefront of advancements in MR radiography.
Participation in weekend working and on-call when required by the service.

Research
Participate in departmental audits, research projects and quality improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery.
The successful candidate will have excellent organisational and communication skills, and should be IT literate, with experience of working with spreadsheets and data management. Attention to detail is very important.
An understanding of, or previous experience with, clinical trials processes is desirable but not essential.

Working for our organisation The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, looking after more than 64,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 25% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country.

We are the largest radiotherapy provider in the NHS with one in 20 treatments delivered at The Christie. We have up to 15 linear accelerators operating across our network of sites. We operate the largest chemotherapy unit in the UK on our main site and treatments are also provided at 13 other networked sites, and in patients homes. And as a specialist tertiary surgical centre, we focus on rare cancers, complex procedures, and multidisciplinary approaches to cancer surgery, specialising in colorectal, peritoneal, gynaecological, urological and plastic surgery.

We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We have been named by the UK's National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), as one of the best hospitals providing opportunities for patients to participate in clinical research studies, with more than 800 studies open at any time, caring for over 3,000 patients.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Duties:

• Vetting of imaging and biopsy requests to assess compliance with trial protocols, IRMER guidelines and other clinical regulations.
• Scanning of patients in MR.
• Preparation of patients for scanning - including preparation and administration of contrast and moving and handling of patients, where required.
• Provision of specialist care of patients, to ensure their comfort and safety in the department.
• Supporting clinical and research activities delivered in the MR department.
• Consenting patients to radiology led clinical trials and carrying out appropriate clinical trial activities.
• Recognise abnormal images and discuss with the radiologist the necessity for further imaging. Use professional judgement to act autonomously to adjust scanning parameters to ensure high quality imaging to ensure a smooth patient pathway.
• To act as a referrer for orbital x-rays prior to MR imaging, which involves independently assessing the risks and benefits to the patient.
• To undertake all MRI examinations as directed to an acceptable standard and seek guidance as appropriate. Aim to achieve and promote "quality" in all aspects of the radiology service.
• To ensure safety of self, staff and patients/visitors about the use of MRI scanning equipment and adhering to local Operational guidelines, MHRA and local safety screening guidelines.

Communication requirements

• Ensure there is effective communication between the various teams who have input into the radiology services such as diagnostic radiology staff, students, medical physics staff, clinicians, nursing staff, engineers, and others.
• Ensure that patients understand complex information related to their examinations/procedures and to encourage patients to cooperate fully in the process. This may involve patients with additional needs.
• Log incidents via the Trust incident system (DATIX).
• Accurate input of patient data into any Trust system.

Planning and organisational duties

• Review research protocols, imaging protocols, study amendments and modifications, and other related trial documents making judgements regarding imaging investigation requirements and regulatory compliance e.g. Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IR(ME)R), Health Research Authority (HRA) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and other appropriate regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with national standards.
• Ensure compliance within the radiology service of the agreed clinical trials protocols, confirming staff knowledge/skills, specialised equipment compatibility, availability and frequency of imaging.
• Translate complex clinical trial imaging and scheduling requirements into work practices. This may require discussion with Consultant Radiologists and Principal Radiographers for the specific trials, to enable assessment of skills and resources required.
• Act as the main liaison between radiology and R&I for a multitude of projects including organising meetings regarding trial specific requirements, attending site initiation visits, site specific questionnaires, and trial specific training with relevant stakeholders.
• Liaise with Trust Medical Physics Experts (MPE) regarding estimated radiation dose for clinical trials and investigate and record breaches of ethical radiation dose constraints.
• Liaise with Principal Radiographers to ensure maintenance records and calibration of equipment utilised for the purposes of research are maintained in accordance with clinical trial requirements.
• Undertake and update technical evaluations and risk assessments on equipment utilised for trial scanning and inform R&I of any changes.
• Work in a specialist role with accountability for own actions to work independently using own initiative to plan and prioritise own workload
• Ordering of equipment and consumable items.
• Checking patient details prior to examination and ensuring all relevant details are on the request card as per the IR(ME)R regulations. Ensuring pregnancy is excluded in female patients of childbearing years.
• Maintenance of the standards of imaging set by the department.
• Ensuring that any faults in equipment, fixtures, fittings, or fabric of any of the departments are recorded and notified to the appropriate persons, complying with and enforcing current Health and Safety and Moving and Handling regulations.
• Ensure that all relevant radiation protection and safety measures for each department are adhered to, e.g., MR local rules, ionising radiation regulations, IR(ME)R, departmental dose reduction strategies etc.
• Maintaining practices in keeping with departmental and Trust Board policies, e.g., fire regulations, patient confidentiality etc.

Analytical skills

• Adapt radiological techniques and protocols in accordance with the condition of the patient and their mobility.
• Assess patient's clinical condition regarding the level of risk of giving intravenous and oral contrast medium when relevant.

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