UHWA Radiographer, Clinical Specialist

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The Radiographer Clinical Specialist (Ultrasound - ED) will:

Professional / Clinical

• Provide strategic, professional and clinical leadership to deliver an effective, efficient, quality-assured and patient-centred Ultrasound service in the ED.
• Undertake day-to-day responsibility for the Ultrasound Imaging service in ED, ensuring effective utilisation of allocated resources in conjunction with the Radiology Management Team.
• Be accountable for the quality-of-service delivery, including customer service, patient experience and technical standards.
• Ensure professional standards are maintained in line with CORU requirements and relevant best practice guidelines.
• Act as an advanced clinical advisor to colleagues, multidisciplinary teams and relevant stakeholders.
• Manage patient care to the highest professional standards using an evidence-based, care-planning approach.
• Liaise closely with Radiography Service Managers, Consultant Radiologists & ED Clinical Teams and other relevant staff to ensure the smooth and efficient running of services.
• Advise on patient scheduling, waiting lists and examination lists to ensure optimum use of facilities and timely access, including flexibility for urgent cases.
• Contribute to the preparation, implementation and monitoring of service plans, reporting on progress as required.
• Develop, implement and review operational policies, protocols and guidelines in line with national and international best practice to optimise resources and maintain service standards.
• Ensure Radiographers and Sonographers adhere to departmental policies, protocols and evidence-based best practice.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of clinical, technical, radiographic and Ultrasound developments across imaging modalities, promoting and implementing service improvements.
• Participate in and lead quality improvement initiatives, clinical audit and systematic review of resource utilisation.
• Assist in the development and implementation of Risk Management, Quality Assurance, Health & Safety and governance strategies.
• Ensure effective and appropriate use of PACS/RIS systems, maintaining workflows, templates, records and clinical data in accordance with hospital standards.
• Maintain accurate records relating to equipment service, maintenance, malfunction, downtime and performance.
• Advise on equipment selection, procurement, replacement and upgrading, and coordinate preventative maintenance schedules in line with clinical demand.
• Order and maintain appropriate Ultrasound stock levels in liaison with supplies/materials departments.
• Provide practical instruction, supervision and support for students and other healthcare professionals.
• Engage in leadership of skilled staff, fostering positive working relationships, teamwork and a healthy work environment.
• Represent the department/team at meetings, committees and working groups, providing specialist advice as required.
• Participate in continuing professional development, education and research activities relevant to the role.
• Maintain membership/engagement with relevant professional groups, including the IIRRT Ultrasound User Group. Participate in the HSE performance achievement process with line management and staff as appropriate.
• Participate in duties across the wider Radiology Department, including rotation to other specialist areas and deputising for Radiography Service Managers when required.

Education & Training

• Participate in all mandatory training programmes as required.
• Engage in continuing professional development through in-service training, self-directed learning, and attendance/presentation at conferences, seminars and courses relevant to practice.
• Participate in the performance management and performance review process with line management.
• Contribute to the induction and on-boarding of new staff members.
• Identify training and development needs of staff and provide peer support, mentoring and guidance as required.
• Develop, maintain and support training programmes for qualified staff, trainees and students, ensuring training is available to support new service developments.
• Supervise, assess and support staff, trainees and students in clinical training environments as required.
• Take responsibility, in partnership with local management, for the practice education of student Radiographers through the provision of clinical placements and support for practice educators.
• Provide practical instruction and education for students and other healthcare professionals.

Risk Management, Health & Safety

• Promote and maintain a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors, supporting a culture of safety throughout the department.
• Identify, assess, manage and monitor risks within the area of responsibility, contributing to departmental and organisational risk assessments.
• Report, investigate and take appropriate action in line with hospital policy regarding complaints, accidents, incidents and near misses
• Assist in the development, implementation and review of Risk Management, Health & Safety and governance strategies in collaboration with relevant personnel.
• Ensure all departmental, hospital and operational policies are understood by staff, implemented effectively and monitored for compliance.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, professional standards and regulatory requirements relating to radiation safety, ultrasound safety, infection prevention and control, and workplace health & safety.
• Maintain a working knowledge of HIQA standards relevant to the role, including healthcare, hygiene and infection prevention standards, and comply with associated HSE protocols.
• Ensure the Ultrasound Unit operates at all times in accordance with approved operational policies and procedures.
• Implement, maintain and monitor quality assurance programmes for the department and all equipment.
• Ensure all equipment is safe, functional, appropriately cleaned and maintained, and supervise the correct use of ancillary equipment.
• Liaise with Radiography Services Managers regarding quality assurance, compliance and safety matters relating to the department.
• Participate in departmental audits, quality reviews, statistics collection and performance monitoring.
• Respect and maintain the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of service users in accordance with statutory and organisational requirements.
• Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to help deliver a low-carbon, efficient health service.

Management

• Contribute to the development of departmental and service plans, monitoring progress, reporting on implementation and addressing issues arising as appropriate.
• Support the Radiography Service Manager in the implementation of initiatives focused on continuous service development, quality improvement and operational efficiency.
• Contribute to financial planning and ensure appropriate budgetary control procedures are implemented in line with organisational policy.
• Ensure accurate and timely availability of pay and non-pay expenditure data as required in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Manage the efficient use of consumables, stock and other resources to ensure value for money and continuity of service.
• Participate in workforce planning, recruitment, selection and retention of staff as required.
• Liaise with the Radiography Service Manager on human resource matters, including staff rotas, deployment, rotation and maintaining adequate staffing levels with appropriately trained personnel.
• Promote effective teamwork, positive staff engagement and a workplace culture that values equality, inclusion and diversity.
• Advise on equipment selection, procurement, replacement and upgrading in line with organisational needs and HSE Procurement Policy.
• Maintain accurate records of equipment servicing, maintenance, malfunctions, downtime and performance, and coordinate preventative maintenance schedules in line with clinical demand.
• Ensure accurate records are maintained in accordance with clinical governance standards, organisational requirements, Freedom of Information legislation and GDPR requirements.
• Prepare and provide reports, statistics and management information as required.

KPIs

• The identification and development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which are congruent with the Hospital’s service plan targets.
• The development of Action Plans to address KPI targets.
• Driving and promoting a Performance Management culture.
• In conjunction with line manager assist in the development of a Performance Management system for your profession.
• The management and delivery of KPIs as a routine and core business objective.

The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office