Important Job Application Information
Thank you for your interest in NHS Tayside vacancies.
Please see below Job Description/Specification and General Conditions of Service.
Your Application Form must be completed in full. Please note copies of Curriculum Vitae,
Qualifications and Course Certificates will not be accepted at this stage.
Please return your completed Application Form to recruitment.tayside@nhs.net (quoting the
Post Reference Number in the subject box) or to the postal address given on the General
Conditions of Service.
All completed applications are held in Human Resources until the closing date. After the
closing date a panel will meet to prepare an interview shortlist. Once this decision has been
made, all shortlisted applicants will be emailed to invite them to attend for interview. It is
important that you check your emails regularly, including your spam/junk box.
This process takes approximately six weeks. Therefore, if you have not been contacted
regarding interview within six weeks of the closing date, your application has been
unsuccessful and you will receive no further correspondence from Human Resources.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Find out more about living and working in Tayside at:
www.dundeecity.gov.uk
www.angus.gov.uk
www.pkc.gov.uk
NHS TAYSIDE - AGENDA FOR CHANGE
JOB DESCRIPTION
1. JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title
Department(s)/Location
Number of job holders
Diagnostic Radiographer
Band 5
Clinical Radiology, Perth Royal Infirmary,
NHS Tayside
2
2. JOB PURPOSE
To justify and perform Radiographic examinations, providing direct care and a high quality diagnostic imaging
service, in order to assist in the management of patients referred from clinicians and other referrers in NHS
Tayside (Dundee).
3. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
Band 8a
Locality Lead
Band 7
Superintendent
Band 6
Radiographers
Band 5
Radiographer
Band 4
Radiographic Assistants
Band 3 & 2
Assistants
4. SCOPE AND RANGE
General:
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The specific needs of each clinical area generate demands for Diagnostic Imaging. Images must be
suitable for diagnosis and archived on the PACS.
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Senior Radiographers will be available on a daily basis to provide direct supervision and training when
required during core working hours. However, out of hours the Radiographer takes on the senior
responsibility.
Clinical Areas:
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Aberfeldy, Arbroath Infirmary, Blairgowrie, Crieff, Kings Cross Hospital, Links Montrose, Royal Victoria
Hospital, Whitehills; general examinations
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General radiography including A&E, GP, Out Patients, In Patients, Ward Portables and Theatre
Ninewells Hospital:
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General radiography including A&E, GP, Out Patients, In Patients, Dental, Fluoroscopy, ITU/Ward
Portables and Theatre
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CT thrombylisis brains and general
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Dental Hospital
Perth Royal Infirmary
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General radiography including A&E, GP, Out Patients, In Patients, Dental, Fluoroscopy, ITU/Ward
Portables and Theatre
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CT general
Stracathro Hospital
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General radiography including A&E, GP, Out Patients, In Patients, Fluoroscopy, ward Portables and
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Theatre
CT general
Clinical Activity:
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240,000 examinations per annum
Clinical Provision:
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24 hours, 365 days per annum. There is a requirement to work shift patterns to cover out of hours
duties overnight, weekends and Public Holidays for A&E patients, emergency theatre and in-patient
referrals. All shift patterns will be paid at Agenda for Change Terms and Conditions
Staff Responsibility:
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To direct and supervise the workload of the Radiography Assistants (after two years)
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To direct and support Student Radiographers on clinical placement.(after two years)
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To assist in the training and induction of a new member of staff
5. MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
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Clinical:
Act independently in the assessment of referrals for X-ray examinations, taking full responsibility for the
justification of general X-ray examinations, in order to reduce unnecessary ionising radiation exposure of
patients in accordance with IR(ME)R 2000.
Maintain a high level of expertise in the safe operation of X-ray equipment and manage faults effectively.
Provide advice to clinicians on the nature of a diagnostic image either verbally or using the red dot system to
identify possible pathology and providing a written comment on this.
Work as part of a team to ensure effective communication and delivery of care.
Prioritise workload depending on the severity of patient condition and the direct impact on their management.
Liaise with fellow healthcare workers and referring to provide a high quality imaging service to patients.
Maintain accurate patient records by input of accurate information to reflect the service provided and meet
professional standards.
Work independently when providing service to patients requiring urgent imaging, due to acute trauma/stress
stress.
To care for the needs and welfare of every individual patient.
To use both verbal and written communications daily to query incorrect or unnecessary referrals, in order to
reduce patient dose or suggest a more appropriate examination.
Flexibility in the adaptation of the imaging technique and the utilisation of developed motivational and
persuasive skills to acquire accurate position and reduce mobility to produce an optimal diagnosis with
minimal dose.
To clinically evaluate images, assessing quality and determining the need for additional images to aid patient
diagnosis.
To maintain a clean and safe working environment for both patients & staff in accordance with infection
control policies.
Undertake radiographic procedures, working as part of a team overnight and weekends.
Following two year’s qualification – supervise Assistant Practitioners & can work on peripheral sites single
handed
Managerial:
Be able to exercise personal responsibility and make decisions in complex and unpredictable circumstances,
eg imaging in A&E and theatre during a multiple trauma situation.
Be actively involved in departmental audit and quality assurance to maintain effective Clinical Governance.
To be held accountable for all aspects of own work.
Regularly re-evaluate own workload to provide better utilisation of radiographic resources.
Delegate appropriate tasks and supervise Radiographic Assistants and Nursing Assistants to achieve the
desired quality of patient care.
Communicate with all staff on any aspect that affects the daily management of the department.
Comply and contribute to the implementation of departmental and professional policies and procedures such
as: Health & Safety including risk assessment and COSHH, Radiation Protection Procedures, Ionising
Radiation (Medical Exposures) Regulations 2000 – IR(ME)R 2000, Quality Assurance Program and Clinical
Effectiveness.
Educational:
Participate in mandatory training and actively pursue Continuous Professional Development keeping an up to
date personal record.
Maintain knowledge of technological and technical advances in methods of diagnostic imaging, in order to
promote a culture of continuous improvement within the department.
Develop knowledge and understanding within evidence based framework and transfer to situations
encountered in practice.
Active involvement in the training of Student Radiographers after two year’s qualification.
6. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
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Patients:
Provide information by explanation of often complex procedures, listening to the patient’s requirements in
order to encourage compliance with the imaging process. Some patients will have a barrier to understanding
or be unable to communicate and the radiographer must ensure that patients have the benefit of informed
choice.
Patients will have injuries or illness that will require the adaptation of the imaging technique, utilisation of
developed motivational and persuasive skills to acquire correct position and reduce mobility to produce an
acceptable diagnostic image.
Provide reassurance as to the necessity of an X-ray involving a risk associated with the harmful effects of
ionising radiation whilst also providing accurate information.
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Relatives / Carers:
Provide information using tact and diplomacy in the context of the standards of professional and personal
conduct and within the regulations governing the Data Protection Act.
Provide reassurance and receive information.
Ask for assistance with, and instruct in methods of immobilisation, maintaining Radiation Protection.
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Radiography Staff (internal/external):
Consult senior staff for advice.
Discuss department policies and suggest improvements.
Delegate tasks to Radiographic Assistants and Health Care Assistants.
Pass on information relating to the transfer of patient care to colleagues.
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Medical Staff / Nurse Practitioners:
Query incorrect or unnecessary referrals in order to reduce patient radiation dose.
Provide advice on guidelines for relevant X-ray examinations.
Provide advice on the nature of an image.
Seek help and advice with patients who are in pain or immobile.
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Student Radiographers and Assistant Practitioners (after two years qualified and agreed in KSF)
Decide whether the student is capable of performing an examination safely, with the patient’s consent and
after suitable tuition.
Advise the student as to the best professional practice in any situation.
Provide constructive criticism as part of the assessment process.
7. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
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BSc (Hons) or DCR in Radiography
HPC Registration
Evidence of clinical training and personal motivation is essential
Good communication skills
Ability to take responsibility and make decisions
Team worker
IT skills
Training on individual pieces of equipment used by the postholder
Training / refresher on Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000
ESSENTIAL ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
8. SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
A variety of specialised investigative and diagnostic imaging equipment is utilised which comprise multifunctional
controls. The equipment is operator dependent and requires specific skills to achieve images of optimum
diagnostic quality. Below is a list of the radiology equipment which will vary according to site.
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Ceiling suspended general X-ray tubes, static X-ray tables with rise and fall function and floating top, bucky
assemblies (erect and supine) and operator console
A&E department equipped for trauma situations
OPT unit
Fluoroscopy equipment used for screening examinations including undercouch image intensifier and 3D tube
Mobile X-ray units for ward and theatre Radiography
Mobile Image Intensifiers for Theatre Fluoroscopy
Dedicated Cardiology Suite
CR System, cassettes and reader
DR systems
Personal computers
Label printers
Stationary grids and cassette holders
CARE system
Patient hoists and other manual handling aids such as PAT slides and GLIDE sheets
Patients are transported around the department and X-ray rooms on trolleys and chairs when required
Radiological Information system (CRIS, ICE) for patient registration, link to PACS and data management
PACS system for storage, access and transfer of images
Access to the internet and NHST intranet via the resource room PCs or the e-library to access relevant
information for personal and professional development
Electronic incident reporting (AIM, DATIX)
Software programs such as Microsoft word and Excel to create documents and tables for quality assurance
and audit purposes
Responsibility for Records Management
All records created in the course of the business of NHS Tayside are corporate records and are public
records under the terms of the Public Records (Scotland) Act 1937. This includes email messages and other
electronic records. It is your responsibility to ensure that you keep appropriate records of your work in NHS
Tayside and manage those records in keeping with the NHS Tayside Records Management Policy and with
any guidance produced by NHS Tayside specific to your employment.
9. DEMANDS OF THE JOB
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Physical Skills:
A high degree of accuracy is required when positioning patients in order to minimise radiation dose and
demonstrate the anatomical features required, avoiding the need for a repeat exposure. This is of particular
importance in trauma situations where a timely diagnosis and subsequent treatment is imperative.
Have the expertise to handle and operate highly specialised and expensive equipment.
Highly developed hand / eye co-ordination is required when manipulating equipment and images.
During the positioning process the operator is required to manipulate the X-ray tube, patient and film often at
the same time, whilst continually assessing the condition and needs of the patient.
In theatre there is a requirement for spatial awareness in order to manoeuvre large, cumbersome equipment
in restrictive conditions, maintaining a sterile environment for ongoing surgery. These units must also be
positioned with precision using multi-planar locks requiring good hand / eye co-ordination.
Possess basic life support skills.
Transferring and positioning patients for all radiological examinations requires a high level of physical strength
and fitness.
Possess keyboard skills for the entry of data into the RIS, ICE, CR and PACS.
Physical Demands:
Maintain a high level of physical fitness to frequently move ceiling suspended X-ray tubes through 3
dimensions during all shifts.
Walk long distances when driving mobile X-ray units to perform ward radiography throughout a shift when
required.
The majority of the working day and night is spent standing and walking and bending to position patients.
The regular cleaning of X-ray equipment and the frequent changing of mattress sheets involves bending and
lifting.
The frequent transfer of patients from trolleys, beds and chairs onto X-ray tables requires the use of safe
lifting and manual handling skills, using mechanical aids when required.
Carrying large cassettes to and from the X-ray facility to the processor or CR reader.
Required to be on the feet all day, frequently whilst wearing a lead coat e.g. in theatre and on mobiles.
To independently meet the high workload demands of A&E whilst also covering portables, emergency theatre
and urgent in patient referrals when on standby overnight in the hospital, a shift requiring the individual’s
alertness and clear thought for 12 hours.
Ensuring a safe and controlled environment for both patients and staff requires that all heavy lead lined doors
are closed and secured for each examination.
Mental Demands:
A high level of concentration is required when assessing and performing examinations throughout all shift
periods.
Prioritising workload is often unpopular and requires diplomatic skills in discussion with referrers who all
believe that their patient should take priority.
Frequently, when on standby at night, take responsibility for the entire radiography service alone, managing
patients and equipment.
Should imaging equipment malfunction during an examination (occasionally during an intensive theatre case),
evaluate the situation and provide an immediate solution. In the X-ray room, the patient must be informed in a
factual yet in a reassuring, professional manner. This scenario also leads to a delay in diagnosis, thus
increasing both the physical and emotional demands on the radiographer.
Cope with the mental and physical pressures of working in acute areas, often independently, sometimes
having to provide images on severely injured, abusive or violent patients.
Emotional Demands:
Perform radiographic examinations and care for terminally ill patients.
Provide examinations for critically injured patients in the A&E department, sometimes bleeding heavily, with
distorted or severed limbs and / or severe burns.
Move quickly from a routine examination to an acute setting due to sudden and unpredictable demand, eg Xray of a painful finger with no history of trauma, to a victim of a road traffic accident requiring multiple X-rays,
independently taking responsibility for the diagnostic imaging service to that patient.
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Sensitive handling is required with all patient groups from neonates to geriatrics. Care, understanding and
sensitivity are required when dealing with all patients and especially when patients are anxious or distressed.
Working Conditions:
Exposure to unpleasant odours and bodily fluids and infections frequently throughout all shifts and therefore
utilising the use of universal infection control precautions.
Be required to wear heavy lead rubber aprons during fluoroscopy procedures, often in a hot theatre
environment.
Risk of exposure to scattered ionising radiation, particularly during fluoroscopic procedures.
Moving from cold air-conditioned areas to hot air conditions in the working areas.
Working constantly in artificial lighting with little or no natural daylight.
Sometimes working with hazardous chemicals, both during the replenishment of the processor chemical
mixers for the departmental daylight processors and for the processor in the theatre darkroom.
Exposure to verbal and physical abuse from some patients, both intentional and unintentional (eg patients
who may be confused or disorientated).
Periods of time spent in front of computer monitors accessing data.
Working alongside equipment that constantly emits low-level noise.
10. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
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Be accountable for own professional actions, working independently.
Use skills to evaluate clinical information, mechanism of injury and assess a patient’s condition, often acute to
decide on an appropriate technique to obtain the optimum quality radiograph.
When acting in the role of the practitioner under IR(ME)R decide whether an X-ray request is authorised and
the appropriate examination to diagnose a patient’s condition. If an examination is rejected due to
impropriety, this must be discussed with the referring clinician with advice given to them as to a more
appropriate procedure.
Plan and prioritise workload.
Assess and be involved in the development and implementation of radiographic procedures.
The final decision whether or not to X-ray the patient is the Radiographer’s responsibility.
Assess the condition of the patient to determine the possibility of anaphylactic reaction following the
administration of a contrast media.
Be aware of how rapidly stable and controlled situations can become emergency, life-threatening ones and
respond with speed and accuracy to facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment.
Recognise abnormal appearances on images and make a decision on whether further imaging is implicated.
This judgment can be supported by highlighting the abnormality using the Ninewells Red Dot Protocol where
a written comment is also provided, or by discussing the findings with the referring clinician.
Following the examination, ensure the patient understands the procedure for receiving their results and is well
enough to be discharged from the department.
11. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
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On a daily basis, be prepared to operate imaging equipment in differing and demanding environments, being
able to manage and unpredictable workload effectively and interact successfully with fellow health care
workers.
Combining training in new techniques or newly procured equipment with normal patient workload.
Directly supervise and train student radiographers whilst maintaining a high throughput of patients.
Cope with the mental and physical demands of working in acute areas, independently, sometimes having to
provide images on severely injured, abusive or violent patients.
Work in unpleasant conditions such as body and bodily fluid odours and contact with infectious or contagious
materials.
Dealing with patients who may become emotional and/or aggressive.
Balancing mental and physical speed and accuracy, ensuring that the service to patients is never
compromised.
While working with reduced staffing levels at night, meet the high work rate demands of A&E, whilst also
covering emergency theatre, portables and urgent in patient referrals.
Exposure to scenarios where the patient’s prognosis is poor.
Controlled and stable situations can quickly escalate to become emergency life threatening conditions.
Working with ionising radiation, accuracy is of primary importance with a minimal margin for error.
Keeping up to date with Continuous Professional Development therefore always improving the service
provided.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
POST REF NO:
D/CH/54D/15
JOB TITLE/BAND:
Band 5 Radiographer
LOCATION:
Clinical Radiology, Perth Royal Infirmary with Tayside rotation
CRITERIA
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
EXPERIENCE:
Worked as a member of a small team
Experience of teaching
or training others, does not need
to include radiography
QUALIFICATIONS:
(Training;
Research;
Publications)
Qualifications required leading to DCR (R) or BSc
Diagnostic Imaging.
HPC registration
Any evidence of courses
attended
KNOWLEDGE &
SKILLS:
Previous sound radiographic practice or good
course evaluations during student training
Full mandatory training
Can comply to Band 5 KSF
Presentation/lecture skills
Proven communication skills, both written and
verbal
Knowledge of cross sectional
terminology and anatomy
Good organisational skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Computer literate
Motivated, caring person who can work without
direction
CT brain experience
PERSONAL
QUALITIES:
Good time keeping
Keen to learn new skills and put into practice
Confident, self motivated, logical and organised
Ability to think laterally and provide alternative
solutions to problems
Flexibility to provide out of hours and / or on- call
service
OTHER:
(eg travel across
Tayside)
Ability to communicate with staff and patients
The need to work flexibly to cover the clinical
demands of the Dundee Radiology service
Ability to travel across all sites
Must be able to comply with NHS Tayside's
Uniform, Workwear and Professional
Appearance Policy
Prior audits or suitable
dissertation results
IV cannulation experience
Able to work flexibly within a
small team
General Conditions of Service
POST REF NO:
D/CH/54D/15
JOB TITLE/GRADE:
Radiographer, Band 5
LOCATION:
Clinical Radiology, Perth Royal Infirmary with Tayside rotation
Conditions of Service
Remuneration
Hours of Duty
Superannuation
The terms and conditions of service for this post are those
determined by the NHS Staff Council.
The current salary scale for the post is £21,818 to £28,462 per
annum (pro rata for part-time staff). Placing on the scale on
appointment is normally at the minimum but may be higher
subject to verification of previous relevant service.
Salary is paid monthly by Bank Credit Transfer.
The hours of the post are 37.5 per week.
Start and finish times will be determined by the needs of the
service.
Membership of the NHS Superannuation Scheme is not
compulsory but is open to all staff between the ages of 16 and
70 (65 in some instances).
The contributions paid are a percentage of superannuable pay,
which is essentially basic pay excluding, for example, overtime
or travelling expenses.
Contribution rates with effect from 01.04.15 are as follows:
Annual Pensionable Pay
(Full-time equivalent)
Up to £15,828
£15,829 to £21,601
£21,602 to £27,089
£27,090 to £49,967
£49,968 to £71,337
£71,338 to £111,376
£111,377 and over
Annual Leave
Contribution
5.2%
5.8%
7.3%
9.5%
12.7%
13.7%
14.7%
Contributions are subject to tax relief and reduced National
Insurance contributions. NHS Tayside also makes a substantial
contribution towards scheme benefits – currently around 14% of
basic pay.
On appointment = 27 days (pro rata for part-time Staff) or 5.4
weeks per year.
After 5 years aggregated service = 29 days (pro rata for part-time
staff) or 5.8 weeks per year
After 10 years aggregated service = 33 days (pro rata for parttime staff) or 6.6 weeks per year
References
Public Holidays = 8 days (pro rata for part-time staff) or 1.6
weeks per year
All offers of appointment are subject to receipt of two satisfactory
references.
Occupational Health
Clearance
All offers of appointment to new entrants to the National Health
Service are subject to a medical examination. Medical
examinations are arranged and undertaken by the Occupational
Health and Safety Advisory Service (OHSAS).
Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974
(Exclusions and
Exceptions) (Scotland)
Order 2003
All current or spent criminal convictions, cautions, warnings or
any case pending must be disclosed prior to commencing in
employment as detailed on the application form.
Disclosure Scotland
Immigration, Asylum and
Nationality Act 2006
Please note that having a conviction will not automatically debar
you from obtaining employment with NHS Tayside. Careful
consideration will be given to the relevance of the offence to the
particular post in question. However, if you are appointed, and it
is found that you did not reveal a previous conviction your
employment may be terminated.
The successful applicant will be required to become a member of
the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG) in respect of
regulated work with protected adults and regulated work with
children.
It is a criminal offence for an employer to employ anyone who
does not have permission to live or work in the UK.
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to produce specific original
documentation at interview e.g. Passport, or full birth certificate
together with an official document giving the applicants
permanent National Insurance Number and name issued by a
Government Agency or a previous employer, as well as
photocopies of these documents.
Professional Registration/ You should have current and continuing professional registration
Induction Standards &
with HCPC and hold the appropriate qualification(s).
Code of Conduct
Smoking Policy
NHS Tayside operates a No Smoking Policy and smoking
is prohibited within NHS premises and grounds.
Applications
Completed forms should be returned to:
recruitment.tayside@nhs.net quoting the job reference in the
subject line or to Human Resources Directorate, NHS Tayside,
Level 9, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY
By closing date of 15 January 2016