THE ROLE OF THE LEAD PAEDIATRIC RADIOGRAPHER
In 2009 the Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR) published Practice Standards for the Imaging of
Children and Young People and made a recommendation that a paediatric lead radiographer should be
appointed:
“Standard 6 MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Radiography managers act as the arbiter of quality service provision to the satisfaction of staff and
the general public and have the ultimate responsibility for providing services, maintaining
standards and educating the public. It is the responsibility of senior service managers to ensure a
quality paediatric service by appointing a paediatric lead radiographer to undertake managerial
responsibilities”.
The Children’s Imaging Taskforce has produced this list of possible roles for the lead paediatric radiographer.
The list is extensive and it is not suggested that all roles would be fulfilled by one person but that, depending on
the local situation and management structure, the following could feature in the job description:
The lead radiographer should:
1. champion children's service delivery and act as an advocate for children's matters in the adult
department.
2. keep up to date with children's issues and makes sure that they are shared within the department
3. set and maintain standards for imaging children in adult hospitals.
4. ensure that radiation doses are as low as reasonably practical and compliant to the (IRMER)
regulations.
5. advise on the purchase of new equipment for imaging children during the procurement process
(including devices and accessories) being mindful of protocols determining the appropriateness of
paediatric examinations, including radiation dose reduction functions within equipment and monitor
facilities
6. be responsible for staff training to maintain and improve imaging techniques for children with
particular reference to children with learning, behavioural and physical disabilities.
7. develop and maintain local paediatric protocols and guidelines, working with radiologists and other
interested parties
8. participate in departmental audits and , set up paediatric audit to include enlisting the views of children
to inform practice
9. provide health promotion materials to raise awareness and promote healthy life styles in children
10. act as lead for safeguarding children and Basic Life Support (BLS) for babies and children for all
radiographers and support staff in the department
11. ensure all equipment used for imaging children has appropriate paediatric settings within its
programmes and that they are used
12. ensure that CR and DR equipment has paediatric algorithms, where possible, and develop local DRLs
for children
13. visit specialist children’s centres and establish links to share policies, practice and documentation
14. liaise with play specialists to support children and young people prior to and during imaging
procedures
15. liaise with senior service managers and radiologists to ensure that the child's perspective is always
taken into consideration
16. networks with other children's departments within the hospital to make sure that the service is seamless
17. be skilful in imaging children and is a role model for others to emulate
Special note regarding UKAS Assessment and Accreditation for Imaging Services Accreditation Scheme
(ISAS):
As the standard should be broadly interpreted, all standard statements and criteria must be contextualised for the
various patient populations, including children. Therefore the lead paediatric radiographer will need to review
all administrative, clinical and safety procedures as well as all equipment and facilities and information to
ensure that they are competent for that patient group.