Radiology Department Assistant (Ultrasound)

Job description

Job summary

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wavea national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention,early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.Fixed term end date 23/07/2027.
Main duties of the job

Job overviewTo support patients during ultrasound examinations, and to assist the other imagingassistants with preparing patients and carrying out these examinations. To act as a mentor and role model to junior RDAs; being a point of contact for advice and guidance. To be proactive in your work assisting radiology staff with the view that the patients needs come first. To book patients for ultrasound examinations into the relevant ultrasound room diaries as required and to provide training into how to do this for junior RDAs. This is a rotational role through obstetric and non-obstetric ultrasound.Post will close early if max numbers reached.
About us

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave-a national programme that's changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.

This means we're working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.

We're a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Fixed term end date 23/07/2027.

Job overview

To support patients during ultrasound examinations, and to assist the other imaging

assistants with preparing patients and carrying out these examinations. To act as a mentor and role model to junior RDAs; being a point of contact for advice and guidance. To be proactive in your work assisting radiology staff with the view that the patient's needs come first. To book patients for ultrasound examinations into the relevant ultrasound room diaries as required and to provide training into how to do this for junior RDAs. This is a rotational role through obstetric and non-obstetric ultrasound.

• Post will close early if max numbers reached.

Main duties of the job

• To provide an effective Radiology service to PAH Trust, within departmental protocols
• To communicate effectively with patients, relatives, peers, clinicians, and other staff throughout the organisation
• To maintain the principles of patient confidentiality at all times
• To work as part of a team
• To work with minimal supervision
• To support radiology staff and supervise junior RDAs
• To plan and prioritise own workload
• To work flexibly to cover evening and weekend sessions within contracted hours
• To be pro-active in own self-development
• To use computerised and manual methods to update patient records for each examination
• To attend all mandatory training
• To report incidents and/or potential accidents within the department, in line with Trust policy
• To care for patients within the Radiology department in terms of their immediate physical and emotional requirements
• To develop an astute understanding of patient preparation requirements prior and during examinations
• Ensure all rooms are cleaned and stocked 7-days a week.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To check stock levels as part of the departmental weekly stock checks, document this and report low stock levels to the relevant senior manager
• To communicate with a broad range of patients prior to examination. This may include patients whose first language is not English or those who have difficulty understanding due to their medical condition
• To be able to deal with many, often conflicting, demands on attention at the same time, while remaining focused on current task
• To understand and comply with legislative obligation, including Data Protection Act, Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH, local radiation rules, departmental and Trust policies
• To carry out other duties as requested by any member of the senior management team
• To undergo an annual performance appraisal and review, whereby future objectives are identified and actioned
• To always present a professional front while on duty and be an ambassador for the profession and the department
• Coordinate the arrival and departure of patients to and from the relevant departments
• To assist in the manual handling of patients moving to and from the scanning rooms, in line with trust manual handling policies
• To train and mentor junior staff.
• To be able to prepare the ultrasound room and equipment for all various types of ultrasound scans, ensuring all equipment is cleaned appropriately between each patient.
• To act as a chaperone for patients as required.
• To organise inpatient scans according to staff skill mix/availability
• To aid in the personal care of patients
• To aid Sonographers and Radiologists in Ultrasound guided injection lists
• To liaise with patient transport
• To support staff in emergency situations
• Empathetic support required when assisting patients with unexpected scan findings, particularly in the obstetric department. Approaching the sonographer or line manager is encouraged if any emotional support is needed after distressing situations

Job description
Job responsibilities

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave-a national programme that's changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.

This means we're working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.

We're a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Fixed term end date 23/07/2027.

Job overview

To support patients during ultrasound examinations, and to assist the other imaging

assistants with preparing patients and carrying out these examinations. To act as a mentor and role model to junior RDAs; being a point of contact for advice and guidance. To be proactive in your work assisting radiology staff with the view that the patient's needs come first. To book patients for ultrasound examinations into the relevant ultrasound room diaries as required and to provide training into how to do this for junior RDAs. This is a rotational role through obstetric and non-obstetric ultrasound.

• Post will close early if max numbers reached.

Main duties of the job

• To provide an effective Radiology service to PAH Trust, within departmental protocols
• To communicate effectively with patients, relatives, peers, clinicians, and other staff throughout the organisation
• To maintain the principles of patient confidentiality at all times
• To work as part of a team
• To work with minimal supervision
• To support radiology staff and supervise junior RDAs
• To plan and prioritise own workload
• To work flexibly to cover evening and weekend sessions within contracted hours
• To be pro-active in own self-development
• To use computerised and manual methods to update patient records for each examination
• To attend all mandatory training
• To report incidents and/or potential accidents within the department, in line with Trust policy
• To care for patients within the Radiology department in terms of their immediate physical and emotional requirements
• To develop an astute understanding of patient preparation requirements prior and during examinations
• Ensure all rooms are cleaned and stocked 7-days a week.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To check stock levels as part of the departmental weekly stock checks, document this and report low stock levels to the relevant senior manager
• To communicate with a broad range of patients prior to examination. This may include patients whose first language is not English or those who have difficulty understanding due to their medical condition
• To be able to deal with many, often conflicting, demands on attention at the same time, while remaining focused on current task
• To understand and comply with legislative obligation, including Data Protection Act, Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH, local radiation rules, departmental and Trust policies
• To carry out other duties as requested by any member of the senior management team
• To undergo an annual performance appraisal and review, whereby future objectives are identified and actioned
• To always present a professional front while on duty and be an ambassador for the profession and the department
• Coordinate the arrival and departure of patients to and from the relevant departments
• To assist in the manual handling of patients moving to and from the scanning rooms, in line with trust manual handling policies
• To train and mentor junior staff.
• To be able to prepare the ultrasound room and equipment for all various types of ultrasound scans, ensuring all equipment is cleaned appropriately between each patient.
• To act as a chaperone for patients as required.
• To organise inpatient scans according to staff skill mix/availability
• To aid in the personal care of patients
• To aid Sonographers and Radiologists in Ultrasound guided injection lists
• To liaise with patient transport
• To support staff in emergency situations
• Empathetic support required when assisting patients with unexpected scan findings, particularly in the obstetric department. Approaching the sonographer or line manager is encouraged if any emotional support is needed after distressing situations

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• NVQ level 3 in acute care or equivalent experience
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills

Desirable

• The Care Certificate
• The Higher Development Award

Experience

Essential

• Experience with difficult and challenging situations
• Ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision

Desirable

• Experience working in ultrasound
• Experience with mentoring and training
• Experience with mentoring and training

Person Specification
Qualifications

Essential

• NVQ level 3 in acute care or equivalent experience
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills

Desirable

• The Care Certificate
• The Higher Development Award

Experience

Essential

• Experience with difficult and challenging situations
• Ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision

Desirable

• Experience working in ultrasound
• Experience with mentoring and training
• Experience with mentoring and training

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust
Address

The Princess Alexandra Hospital

Harlow

Essex

CM20 1QX

United Kingdom

Employer's website