UHWS Radiography Assistant

***********PLEASE COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM FULLY, CV'S ARE NOT ACCEPTED**********

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The Radiography Assistant role involves:

• The duties outlined hereunder
• Any other duties that may be necessary in the context of Radiology department which may vary depending on the care setting.

The successful candidate will be part of an effective team dedicated to the delivery of high quality service to patients and must demonstrate a caring and responsible approach to duties carried out and will work under the guidance and supervision of radiographers. Duties will be according to the requirements of the specific work area and the day to day needs of the Department. Under the general direction and control of the Radiography Services Manager, the Radiography Assistant will be responsible for the following:

Core Responsibilities

The Radiography Assistant will:

• Work with Radiography, Medical and Nursing staff providing appropriate care to patients.
• Respect and maintain the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of the patient in relation to all activities as per statutory requirements.
• Ensuring patient transfers are made in a timely fashion from wards and other departments/area as directed by the radiographers.
• Liaise with the portering & ward staff to. Responsible for co-ordinating and liaising with Portering services staff, ward staff and Radiographers regarding x-ray scheduling for in-patients and arranging appropriate patient transport
• Assist other staff with the transport, lifting, moving and positioning of patients within the department when necessary, in accordance with the Hospital Manual Handling Policy.
• Assist in the transfer of non-ambulant patients from trolleys, beds and wheelchairs to imaging couch and back safely, repositioning patients in chairs and beds and ensure their comfort and safety.
• Accompany and assist Radiology staff in the transfer of patients to other areas within the hospital and outside the hospital as required, including pushing and or pulling of beds, trolleys, wheelchairs and any other mobile equipment as directed by the Radiography Services Manager(s) or designate.
• Liaise with the Radiographer regarding patients’ attendance in the department. Inform the Radiographer or Nursing staff if any patient requires assistance. Observe patients and report any concerns back to the Radiographer.
• Be alert to patients with special needs and inform the Radiographer or Nursing staff if the patient requires assistance.
• Assisting Radiographers in the preparation of patients for examinations.
• Assisting patients with dressing, undressing and putting on gowns as directed by the Radiographers.
• Assist and monitor patients while they are taking preparations for examinations.
• Help and support patients prior to and after procedures/examinations and ensure patients comfort at all times pre and post examination where necessary (e.g. provision of blankets etc.).
• Greeting patients at the Reception Desk, escorting patients to the appropriate waiting area and/or into changing cubicles when required.
• Accompany patients undergoing imaging procedures when necessary.
• Reassure patients in department waiting areas when examinations are delayed and give a reasonable estimate of when examination will be completed.
• Assist with patient hygiene needs (e.g. bedpans, emesis bowls etc.)
• Accompany and supervise infirm patients to the toilet. Remain and assist in patient toileting.
• Assist with patient hygiene needs (e.g. bedpans, sick bowls etc.)
• Prepare and serve food / refreshments / beverages to patients as requested by the radiographers and nursing staff.
• Help and support patients / assist in the feeding of patients as required
• Assist with confused or agitated patients while in the department and remain with and monitor patients that require supervision.
• Assist patients with walking as requested.
• Assist with monitoring patient’s children, if necessary, while procedures are being performed.
• Assist with emergency first aid as directed.

General Duties

The Radiography Assistant will:

• Work in any area within the Radiology Service as may be required in agreement with the Radiography Services Manager.
• Contribute to customer care by carrying out basic reception/phone cover as and when required.
• Assist where necessary in certain administrative tasks as assigned by the Radiographer, including using the telephone effectively and efficiently, dealing with queries when possible, passing on clear messages and locating appropriate personnel using the inter-com system when necessary.
• Provide administration support within the department as required by the Radiography Services Manager (s) or designate.
• Ensure patient notes are collected when requested and contribute to the maintenance of updating patient/client documentation/ electronic records.
• Collect patient documentation and charts from reception, wards etc and ensure all paperwork is correct for each individual patient.
• Comply with protocols for documentation & recording statistical data.
• Assist with the disposal of confidential waste.
• Carry out any appropriate duties requested and clean up afterwards.
• All aspects of general housekeeping in the area of work - assist in maintaining order, cleanliness, tidiness & safety of procedure rooms and changing cubicles in accordance with hospital infection control and department guidelines.
• Ensure adequate supply and rotation of stock. Monitor and replenish stocks and consumables in the general x-ray rooms and other imaging areas on a daily basis as required. Maintain orderly storage of radiology & general clinical supplies in addition to relevant clerical supplies - forms & information sheets.
• Collection / delivery of supplies and equipment when required. Unload and put away all stores into the designated areas.
• Change linen/paper rolls on imaging tables, couches and trolleys.
• Assist Registered Professional in preparing patients for procedures and assisting where necessary during procedures ensuring the care and comfort of all patients (i.e. provide appropriate information about the process, application of pressure and dressings post procedure, prepare dressing trolley area etc)
• Assist Radiographer with procedures (i.e. preliminary Triple ID, set up aseptic trolley, open required instruments, decontaminate area following biopsy)
• Ensure linen cupboards and linen trolleys are kept tidy and stocked.
• Deliver and check specimens to laboratory where applicable.
• Assist patients with dressing and grooming
• Check hoist & battery as required.
• Attend in-service training/instruction as required.
• To carry out any other duties relating to day-to-day operation as directed by the Radiography Services Manager (s)/Clinical Specialist Radiographer or radiographer in the assigned area.
• Attendance may be required in the event of the Major Incident Plan being activated.
• Locate and bring oxygen supply or suction equipment to the patient as directed by the Radiographer
• Ensure oxygen cylinders are full and that used suction equipment is replaced.
• Training will be given in use of oxygen cylinders and suction equipment.
• Assist with weighing patients if necessary.
• Assist with issues relating to day-to-day department operation such as Stores, Pharmacy, Catering & Laboratory.
• Use PPE when required.
• Carry out any other duties relating to day-to-day operation as directed by the RSM(s) or Clinical Specialist/Senior Radiographer in the assigned area

Specialised Radiology Duties

The Radiography Assistant will:

• Follow instructions, carry out tasks and adhere to safety procedures, as directed by the Radiographer, in line with the department and hospital policies.
• Read and observe UHW Radiation Safety Procedures.
• Assist and take part in audit and quality assurance programmes.
• Assisting in the movement of mobile imaging equipment as required.
• Take part in routine inspection of equipment and quality assurance procedures.
• Assist with the preparation of patients for imaging procedures/ examinations - ensuring ‘prep’ is delivered to wards or administered to patient as required/appropriate (e.g. ensuring full bladder prior to ultrasound pelvic scans, delivery of oral contrast to wards).
• Be an efficient user of the Radiology Information System (RIS) and any other systems required to fulfil the duties on a daily basis.
• Undertake basic clerical duties on the Radiology Information System (RIS), to include organising patient attendances, scanning of relevant documentation and monitoring the worklist (training will be provided).
• Assist in the retrieval of previous images for patients to include duties as may be assigned by the PACS Manager.
• Chaperone patients during intimate examinations as required by the radiographer

The role will involve rotation to the following areas in Radiology (but not limited to), with potential future development in other areas

General X-Ray

• Welcome patients and their family/guardians to the imaging service in a professional manner.
• Escorting patients and relevant paperwork to the appropriate waiting area and/or into changing cubicles
• Monitor general waiting areas - reassure patients in waiting areas when examinations are delayed and give a reasonable estimate of when examination will be completed.
• Assist the radiology staff with preparing the rooms each morning and afternoon. This includes changing the linen each morning and evening and after an infectious case.
• Clean all the x-ray equipment daily in line with hospital infection control guidelines. This includes x-ray table, erect bucky and console area.
• Assist in cleaning x-ray rooms & equipment after infectious cases.
• Participate in cleaning schedule appropriate to the area for patient related equipment (e.g. drip stands, suction, sponges, hoist etc).
• Ensure each room is stocked with gloves, gowns, blankets, sheets etc.
• Check suction & oxygen points are functioning and ready for use each day. Ensure pocket mask in each room.
• Clean lead aprons and thyroid shields when required.
• Clean DR detectors.
• Call patients in for their examinations & help them to undress if necessary.
• Assist radiographers/nurses with cleaning and tidying room after each patient when required.
• Assist radiographer with patient during examination if required
• Ensure changing cubicles are clean and tidy prior to use and are kept fully stocked with gowns with used gowns disposed of appropriately.
• Patient positioning sponges to be cleaned after each patient use

CT

• Prepare oral contrast each morning and afternoon, or when required by CT radiographers.
• Take oral contrast to ward for in-patients as directed by CT radiographers.
• Clean CT scanner and patient equipment at end of working day.

This includes:

• CT table top, Gantry & pump injector
• Drip stand
• Assist with restocking when required
• Check laundry stores in inpatient waiting area cupboards
• Change laundry basket in scan room when needed
• Replace sharps bins/yellow bags as required.
• Assist staff with patient transfers when required. This may include use of hoist.
• Assist radiographers with cleaning of room after infectious case.
• Assist radiographers with prescreening of questionnaires.

Ultrasound

• Escort patients to and from the ultrasound examination rooms.
• Assist the Sonographer/Radiologist with the workload, including managing the daily patient list and assisting with sterile procedures.
• Assist the Radiographer/Radiologist during Ultrasound scans.
• Chaperone for intimate ultrasound examinations as requested.
• Ensuring patient is ‘arrived’ on RIS system.
• Liaise with wards regarding patient transport and preparation for ultrasound examination (e.g. ensuring full bladders prior to pelvic scans) in consultation with the Sonographer.
• Assist patients changing into gowns and any other patient needs as directed by the sonographers.
• Ensure gel bottles are replenished.
• Clean ultrasound couches.
• Assist patients on and off couches when required.
• Assist staff when patients require hoist transfer
• Monitor and replenish stocks and consumables in the ultrasound rooms on a daily basis (e.g. stock couch rolls)
• Ensure PC and workstations are clean.
• Clean probes if required. This will include high level disinfection training.
• Assist radiographers with cleaning of scan room after infectious patient.
• Assist with scheduling and cancelling of lists as service needs required.
• Transport instruments / used equipment to the sluice for sterilisation and collection when required
• Assist with the decontamination of ultrasound probes under the direction of the radiographer

MRI

• Full MRI safety training will be given before working in MRI.
• Assist staff with patient transfers when required.
• Assist in restocking and cleaning in MRI as directed by the MRI CSR/Senior.
• Assist radiographers with prescreening of questionnaires.
• Assist with changing and care of coils.
• Assist patient off the scanner / out of the department
• Clean room prior to next patient.
• Replenish consumable i.e. gowns, couch rolls, incontinence sheets.
• Monitor and replenish stocks and consumables in MRI/CT on a daily basis as required. Maintain orderly storage of radiology & general clinical supplies in addition to relevant clerical supplies

Quality and Safety

The Radiography Assistant will:

• Support the implementation and evaluation of quality standards and improvement initiatives.
• Work within own role, adhering to current legislation, policies, procedures protocols and guidelines.
• Undertake assigned duties under the direction of a Radiographer in such a way as to ensure that care is of a high standard.
• Report all complaints in accordance with service policy.
• Ensure all actions support the enhancement of a person-centred service and a person-centred culture within the team.
• Co-operate with quality reviews /service evaluations and assists with the implementation of any necessary corrective action.

Health & Safety (including Maintaining a Safe Environment)

The Radiography Assistant will:

• In accordance with Health and Safety at Work policy, observe all rules relating to Health and Safety and Conduct at Work and to use any equipment provided in a safe and responsible manner.
• Understand and adhere to all relevant HSE policies, guidelines, and procedures, comply with health and safety, infection control and risk management procedures, comply with statutory obligations.
• Participate in maintaining a physical environment that delivers a high standard of care to patients and their families.
• Be vigilant to patient’s safety particularly while they are waiting for examinations and returning to the ward (i.e. ensuring that trolley and bed-sides are secure and any other issue that could arise in relation to safety).
• Clean spillages immediately to reduce the risk of accident and make safe the area according to hospital policy.
• Be familiar with Fire and Health & Safety regulations and ensure safety of self and others during the course of duty.
• Report any accidents, near misses, incident or potential incident to the person in charge which may compromise the health and safety of patients / clients / residents, staff or visitors and take appropriate action including completion of near miss / incident forms.
• Attend training courses as required. Only undertake any duty related to patient / client / resident care for which he / she is trained.
• Deal with emergency situations or accidents as per Hospital policy.
• Maintain a strict code of personal and general hygiene in the workplace as per work schedules and existing policies and procedures.
• Present to work wearing the agreed attire, footwear, and identification, having regard to the highest standard of attire and personal hygiene. This includes not having possession of personal mobile phones while delivering patient care.
• Conduct his / herself in a manner that ensures safe patient / client care.
• Participates in maintaining a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff by ensuring vigilance in identifying potential hazards and by taking the necessary steps to remove such hazards.

These steps will include:

• Report broken or unsafe items that need repair to the Scheduling Radiographer or the appropriate Clinical Specialist Radiographer and take them out of circulation as required.
• Move, or assist in moving, equipment and/or furniture as necessary.
• Attending to the hygiene (disinfecting and cleaning) of equipment such as beds, patient chairs or other clinic equipment.
• Be responsible for the appropriate storage and infection prevention of patient equipment.
• Returning trays and equipment to proper storage areas.
• Cleaning Tasks relate only to the cleaning of equipment that is attached to the patient directly, to ensure that the environment is safely maintained and spillages should be made safe1.
• Be aware of fire risks, and minimise same where possible. Be aware of fire exits, keep free from obstructions, attend mandatory fire training and participate in fire drills.
• Escort/transport patients within or outside the hospital when necessary.
• Assist patients with impaired mobility or additional mobility needs.

Infection Prevention & Control

The Radiography Assistant will:

• At all times be aware of the need to follow HSE and hospital practices in relation to infection control, Health and Safety policies.
• Assist with the cleaning and transfer of equipment and accessories within the department - cleaning of radiology equipment, trolleys, examination couches as required, in accordance with hospital policy under the supervision of the radiographer.
• Check patient areas regularly during the day to ensure they are clean and have adequate supplies. Inform the Scheduling Radiographer if cleaning is required.
• Maintain and update clinical cleaning records i.e. trolleys, clinical rooms, ultrasound equipment etc.
• Sorting, checking and disposing of soiled linen and clinical waste in accordance with hospital policy and infection control policy. Ensure the correct laundry bags are used and the correct use of alginate bags.
• Assist with the correct disposal of clinical and other waste.
• Check sharps and bottle boxes and replace when required.
• Ensure dirty utility/sluice rooms are clean and tidy at all times.
• Be responsible for the cleaning of bodily fluids and their safe disposal.
• Check sharps and bottle boxes and replace when required.
• Assist with the disposal of clinical waste and cleaning of Special Procedure trolleys and tables.
• Ensure that used suction equipment is replaced.
• Transport instruments to CSSD for sterilisation and collect when required.

Education & Training

The Radiography Assistant will:

• Attend and participate in meetings and in-service training when recommended, as agreed with the Radiography Services Manager(s) or designate
• Attend specialist areas for training / observation on initial appointment and at intervals as directed by the Radiography Services Manager(s) or designate.
• Take advice and training where required.
• If appropriate, whenever possible, diffuse difficult situations.
• Attend other departments for training / observation on initial appointment and at intervals as directed by the Radiography Services Manager(s) or designate.
• Participate in mandatory training programmes & in-service instruction as required.
• Comply with all Radiology & hospital policies and procedures.
• Be familiar and comply with HSE, Hospital and Departmental policies in

relation to the following:

• Health & Safety
• Infection Control including disposal of waste sharps & infected linen
• Incident and Accident reporting
• Hospital Risk Management
• Complaints procedure
• Uniform Policy
• Managing Attendance Policy
• Any other relevant policies appropriate to your area of work.
• Attend mandatory in service education on the following:
• Handling and Lifting
• Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation
• Fire Drill
• Sharps awareness/Health Safety
• Infection Control
• Control and Restraint and Breakaway Techniques Training
• Any other training appropriate to the post.

Communication and Teamwork

Effective communication is a core skill required by Radiography Assistants. These skills will be used to provide a caring service to the public in a courteous and effective manner.

The Radiography Assistant will:

• Operate in accordance with the values of the HSE. These values include integrity and openness, respect and support, caring and loyalty to the organisation (Dignity at work Policy).
• Deal professionally and be courteous and friendly to all patients, their family, visitors, other healthcare workers and with anyone whom they come in to contact in the course of their duties.
• Make the department as welcoming as possible for patients/relatives, deal with queries, take time to talk and listen.
• Make the department as welcoming as possible for patients/relatives, deal with queries, take time to talk and listen.
• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team in the provision of an integrated patient-centred service, communicating clearly and accurately with all patients and staff.
• Promote good working relationships with colleagues and with non-radiographic staff, both in the Department of Radiology and with other Departments and Hospital Staff.
• Demonstrate a range of listening skills appropriate to the context of patient, visitor and clinic situations. Be perceptive in interpreting non-verbal communication. Communicate effectively with patients taking into account their differing levels of ability to understand and their condition.
• Use a range of communication methods to exchange information with Radiography staff. Direct all enquiries about a patient’s condition to a member of the Radiography staff. This includes both telephone and verbal inquiries. Report to Radiography staff any requests from patients or relatives and any complaints of pain and distress expressed by the patients. Complete records accurately.
• Communicate effectively with all grades of staff and disciplines contributing to effective team working. Respect culture and diversity within the team. Strive to foster good working relationships within the team including handling conflict. Work effectively and co-operatively with colleagues in all disciplines. Develop and maintain good interpersonal relationships.
• Act as an advocate for patients.
• Promote a culture that values diversity and respect in the workplace.

Confidentiality

The Radiography Assistant has important obligations in relation to maintaining confidentiality. This applies to information accessed through interactions with patients and their relatives or through interactions with other staff. It is essential that we maintain the privacy of people who use the healthcare service. In the course of the employment, the appointee may have access to, or hear information concerning the medical or personal affairs of patients and/or staff, or other health service business. Such records and information are strictly confidential and unless acting on the instruction of an authorised officer, on no account, must information concerning staff, patients or other health service business be divulged or discussed, except in the performance of normal duty. There is also an obligation to report to the Radiographer, or other relevant authority, any information that may indicate the potential of harm occurring to any person.

Collaboration in Other Care/Care Area Activities

The efficiency and effectiveness with which a care provider can meet the needs of its clients depends on how well all the staff work together as a team. The Radiography Assistant is a key member of the care team, and may be requested to undertake some activities that are indirectly related to patient care.

They may include:

• To manage deliveries and/orders to Radiology services. Ensure that stock/supplies are maintained in areas as applicable including stock rotation and inventories.

The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder will 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.