UHWA Radiographer, Clinical Specialist

*** PLEASE COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM FULLY***

The Radiographer, Clinical Specialist (Theatre & Fluoroscopy Services) will:

Clinical / Professional

• Provide strategic, professional and clinical leadership to ensure the delivery of a safe, effective, efficient, quality-assured and patient-centred fluoroscopy imaging service within the radiology department, theatres and the Surgical Hub.
• Lead and coordinate the day-to-day delivery of fluoroscopy imaging services, ensuring the effective deployment and utilisation of allocated staff, equipment and resources.
• Be professionally accountable for the quality of service delivery, ensuring high standards of patient care, customer service, technical performance and clinical governance.
• Manage patient care to ensure the highest professional standards using an evidence based, care planning approach.
• Deliver and oversee patient care in accordance with evidence-based practice, ensuring the highest standards of clinical assessment, care planning and radiographic practice.
• Safeguard patient privacy, dignity, confidentiality and statutory rights in accordance with relevant legislation, professional standards and organisational policies.
• Maintain expert knowledge of current clinical, technical and professional developments, promoting innovation and leading the implementation of service improvements where appropriate.
• Promote and support a culture of continuous quality improvement, innovation and adaptability, embracing changes in service delivery and implementing agreed local work practices.
• Develop, implement, review and monitor policies, procedures, protocols and clinical guidelines in line with national standards, legislation and international best practice.
• Ensure radiographic practice complies with departmental policies, professional standards, CORU requirements and relevant evidence-based guidance.
• Lead and participate in quality improvement initiatives, clinical audit, service evaluation and the effective utilisation of resources to enhance patient outcomes and service performance.
• Work collaboratively with the Radiography Service Managers, Theatre Management, Radiation Protection Officer, Medical Physics Department, Consultant Radiologists, Surgeons, Nursing staff and the wider multidisciplinary team, to ensure the safe, efficient and effective delivery of imaging services.
• Ensure the appropriate use and optimisation of RIS, PACS and other clinical information systems, maintaining accurate patient records,· imaging workflows and data quality in accordance with hospital standards and data governance requirements.
• Maintain regular communication with the Radiography Service Manager(s), escalating operational issues, service risks and resource requirements to support the effective running of fluoroscopy services in UHW and the Surgical Hub.
• Provide clinical leadership, guidance and support to radiography staff, fostering a culture of teamwork, professional accountability, mutual respect and continuous learning.
• Represent the Radiology Department on relevant committees, multidisciplinary meetings, project groups and service development forums, providing specialist expertise and professional advice.
• Participate in continuing professional development, education, teaching, research and service development activities to advance professional practice and support organisational objectives.
• Maintain active engagement with relevant professional bodies, including the Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy (IIRRT) and contribute to the advancement of the profession.
• Support the delivery of services across the wider Radiology Department, including participation in cross-cover arrangements, rotation to other specialist areas where appropriate, working in collaboration with the Clinical Specialist Radiographer (Theatre Services) and Radiography Service Manager(s) as required.
• Ensure compliance with Data Protection legislation, information governance requirements and organisational policies relating to the secure management of patient information.
• Participate in the HSE Performance Achievement process, contributing to individual, team and organisational performance, and supporting staff development where appropriate.

Quality & Audit

• Lead and support the implementation, maintenance and continuous improvement of quality systems within Radiology services, promoting a culture of excellence, patient safety and continuous service improvement.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of, and ensure compliance with, national and international standards, professional guidance, accreditation requirements and relevant regulatory frameworks, including HSE, HIQA, EPA, HPRA and other applicable legislation and standards.
• Develop, implement, monitor and review quality assurance programmes for imaging equipment, clinical practice and departmental processes, ensuring compliance with statutory, regulatory and professional requirements.
• Participate in and lead quality improvement initiatives, clinical audit, service evaluation, research and compliance activities, analysing findings, implementing recommendations and communicating outcomes to relevant stakeholders.
• Monitor departmental performance through the collection, analysis and reporting of quality indicators, activity data, statistics and key performance metrics to support evidence-based decision-making and service planning.
• Promote and support innovation, advanced radiographic practice and radiographer-led service development projects that enhance patient care, clinical effectiveness and operational efficiency.

Risk Management, Infection Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety

• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, professional standards, organisational policies and regulatory requirements relating to radiation protection, infection prevention and control, hygiene services, health and safety, and risk management.
• Promote and monitor safe professional practice in accordance with statutory regulations, evidence-based guidance and departmental policies, ensuring the highest standards of patient and staff safety.
• Foster a culture of safety by identifying, assessing and managing clinical and operational risks, taking appropriate action to mitigate hazards and escalating concerns where necessary.
• Ensure that all incidents, near misses and clinical risks are reported, investigated and managed in accordance with the HSE Incident Management Framework and local risk management procedures.
• Promote and maintain a safe, clean and organised clinical environment for patients, staff and visitors, ensuring compliance with infection prevention and control standards and hygiene requirements.
• Ensure imaging equipment, accessories and work areas are maintained in a safe and operational condition, reporting defects promptly and taking appropriate action to minimise service disruption and clinical risk.
• Promote compliance with radiation protection legislation and local radiation safety procedures, working collaboratively with the Radiation Protection Officer, Medical Physics Department and multidisciplinary colleagues to optimise patient and staff safety.
• Demonstrate and promote safe systems of work, ensuring staff adhere to agreed policies, procedures and best practice in relation to manual handling, equipment use, infection prevention and occupational health and safety.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, professional standards, organisational policies and regulatory requirements relating to radiation protection, infection prevention and control, hygiene services, health and safety, and risk management.
• Promote and monitor safe professional practice in accordance with statutory regulations, evidence-based guidance and departmental policies, ensuring the highest standards of patient, staff and visitor safety.
• Promote a culture of patient safety by supporting radiography staff to identify, escalate and effectively manage clinical and operational risks.
• Identify, assess, monitor and manage risks within the area of responsibility, contributing to departmental and organisational risk assessments and implementing appropriate risk mitigation measures.
• Ensure all complaints, incidents, accidents and near misses are reported, investigated and managed in accordance with the HSE Incident Management Framework, hospital policy and relevant governance procedures.
• Participate in, or lead where appropriate, incident reviews, root cause analyses and Open Disclosure processes, ensuring that learning is embedded into practice and service improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to the development, implementation and review of Service Plans, Quality Assurance programmes, Risk Management strategies, Health & Safety initiatives and governance frameworks in collaboration with Radiography Services Managers and other relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure departmental, hospital and operational policies, procedures and clinical guidelines are communicated, understood, implemented and monitored for compliance by all radiography staff.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of HIQA National Standards, hygiene standards, HSE Infection Prevention and Control guidance and other relevant regulatory requirements applicable to radiology practice.
• Develop, implement, maintain and monitor a comprehensive quality assurance programme for fluoroscopic imaging services and associated equipment within the Surgical Hub, ensuring compliance with statutory, professional and manufacturer requirements.
• Ensure the safe use, care, cleaning, storage, routine checking and maintenance of imaging equipment, ancillary devices, personal protective equipment (PPE) and radiation protection equipment, escalating faults promptly and minimising clinical risk.
• Ensure all fluoroscopy equipment and radiology equipment within the Surgical Hub is operated safely and in accordance with approved operational policies, manufacturer guidance and departmental procedures.
• Liaise closely with the Radiography Services Managers, Radiation Protection Officer, Medical Physics Department and other relevant personnel regarding quality assurance, equipment performance, regulatory compliance and patient safety matters.
• Promote environmental sustainability by supporting and participating in initiatives relating to energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction and the delivery of a low-carbon healthcare service in line with HSE sustainability objectives

Education & Training

• Lead and support the induction, orientation, education and ongoing development of radiography staff working in fluoroscopy and in the Surgical Hub, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective and evidence-based practice.
• Identify the education, training and competency requirements of new and existing staff, developing and implementing learning plans to support clinical competence and service needs.
• Assess, monitor and support the clinical competence and performance of radiography staff assigned to fluoroscopy and the Surgical Hub, providing constructive feedback and contributing to performance development.
• Act as a clinical resource and expert practitioner, providing supervision, mentoring, coaching and peer support to radiographers and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Participate in and support the practice education, supervision and assessment of undergraduate, graduate-entry and postgraduate student radiographers, together with other healthcare professionals, in collaboration with academic partners and Clinical Practice Tutors.
• Support radiographers undertaking postgraduate education, advanced practice development and specialist training, fostering lifelong learning and professional development.
• Promote and facilitate continuing professional development (CPD), ensuring staff maintain competence and remain current with developments in clinical practice, technology, legislation and professional standards.
• Participate in mandatory education and training programmes and ensure compliance with mandatory training requirements relevant to the role.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of organisational developments, service priorities and emerging best practice, incorporating these into education, training and service delivery
• Foster a positive learning environment that promotes clinical excellence, reflective practice, quality improvement, research, innovation and evidence-based practice.
• Maintain an accurate personal CPD portfolio, competency records and training documentation in accordance with CORU requirements and organisational policies.

Human Resources

• Promote and uphold the HSE Dignity at Work Policy, fostering a culture of professionalism, respect, inclusion and positive working relationships within the Surgical Hub and the entire Radiology Department.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant HSE Human Resources policies, procedures and departmental guidelines, including those relating to attendance management, leave, uniform, professional conduct and employee wellbeing.
• Work collaboratively with the Radiography Service Manager(s) on human resource matters, providing timely advice and escalating workforce issues as appropriate.
• Support workforce planning initiatives to ensure the effective deployment of appropriately skilled staff in line with service demands and organisational priorities.
• Participate in recruitment and selection processes, induction and retention initiatives in accordance with HSE recruitment policies and procedures.
• Assist the Radiography Service Manager(s) in the planning and management of staff rotas, skill mix, deployment, cross-cover arrangements and clinical rotations to ensure the safe and effective delivery of fluoroscopy and Theatres services in the Surgical Hub.
• Contribute to the development of a positive, supportive and high-performing team environment by promoting effective communication, collaboration and staff engagement.
• Support staff performance, professional development and succession planning through mentoring, supervision and participation in the HSE Performance Achievement process, as appropriate.

Management

• Support the Radiography Service Manager(s) in the planning, implementation and evaluation of departmental and service plans, monitoring progress, identifying risks and contributing to the achievement of strategic and operational objectives.
• Provide day-to-day operational leadership for fluoroscopy services and Theatre services in the Surgical Hub, ensuring the safe, effective and efficient delivery of imaging services.
• Lead and promote continuous service development, quality improvement, innovation and operational efficiency through the application of evidence-based practice and service evaluation.
• Contribute to the effective management of financial and physical resources, ensuring value for money, responsible stewardship and compliance with organisational financial policies and procedures.
• Monitor and manage the efficient use of consumables, stock, equipment and other allocated resources to ensure continuity of service and minimise waste.
• Advise the Radiography Service Manager(s) on equipment replacement, procurement, service developments and technology planning, contributing to equipment specification, evaluation and commissioning in accordance with HSE Procurement Policy.
• Oversee the safe operation, servicing and preventative maintenance of fluoroscopy imaging equipment and radiology equipment in the Surgical Hub, ensuring accurate records of maintenance, repairs, faults, downtime and equipment performance are maintained and appropriate action is taken to minimise service disruption.
• Ensure accurate, timely and secure maintenance of clinical, operational and management records in accordance with clinical governance requirements, organisational policies, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Data Protection legislation and the Freedom of Information Act.
• Prepare, analyse and present reports, activity data, statistics, audits and other management information to support service monitoring, operational planning and informed decision-making.
• Promote effective communication, multidisciplinary collaboration and a culture of teamwork, accountability, equality, diversity and inclusion across the service.
• Support the implementation of a high-performance culture by participating in the HSE Performance Achievement process, setting standards of professional practice and contributing to staff engagement, service excellence and continuous improvement.

The above Job Description 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 him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.