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NHS Western Isles
Western Isles Hospital, Stornoway
RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT
JOB DESCRIPTION
1. JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title:
Clinical Support Worker Higher Level (CSW Radiography)
Responsible to: Radiology Manager
Department(s): Radiology
No of Job Holders: 2
Job Holder Reference:
Last Update:
18th November 2014
2. JOB PURPOSE
To assist Consultant Radiologists and Radiographers during specialist procedures, radiographic and
ultrasound examinations, providing direct patient care and maintenance of equipment in order to ensure
a high quality of service to patients.
To facilitate the delivery of local and national screening programmes by acting as chaperone and data
entry.
To carry out general duties such as reception desk duties, booking patients into RIS and patient
chaperoning.
The post holder will comply with the IR(ME)R 2000 (Ionising radiation [medical exposure] regulations) at
all times.
The post holder maybe required to work in any of the departments associated with Radiology.
3. DIMENSIONS
Clinical Areas: Radiology Departments in Western Isles Hospital and Uist and Barra Hospital
Clinical Activity: 13,000 examinations per annum
Clinical Provision: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Staff Responsibility: Radiologist, Radiographers and system administrators will direct the workload of
the post holder depending on service needs. The post holder will assist in the training and induction of
new members of staff.
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4. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
NHS WI Radiology Directorate
Radiology Department Manager
Band 7
Sonographer Radiographer s x 3
Band 6
Senior Radiographer s x 5
Band 5
Radiographer s x 2
Band 3
System Administrator x 1
Clinical Support Worker Higher Level X 2
Radiology Admin Assistant X 1
(Service Change posts yet to be
matched under AFC)
Band 2
Summer Helper
Summer Helper
Student Radiographer s/
Work placement students
5. ROLE OF DEPARTMENT
1. To provide a high quality, efficient and effective Radiology services to the population of the Western
Isles.
2. Diagnostic imaging equipment is used to carry out radiological examinations on patients and reports
are provided to referring clinicians. The report assists the referrer in providing a diagnosis of the
patient’s condition in order to decide on an effective course of treatment and care.
3. The departmental procedures and practices ensure a high standard of care for patients undergoing
radiological examination and promotes multidisciplinary team working.
4. Provide an environment suitable for the training and education of student Radiographers and work
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experience students on clinical placements.
5. To work according to the IR(ME)R regulations at all times
6. KEY RESULT AREAS
Clinical
1. Have knowledge of and work within the strict guidelines for radiation protection at all times
including IR(ME)R 2000. Ensuring patient, staff and own safety whilst observing NHSWI policies
in respect of patient care, Health and Safety and Radiation Protection.
2. Maintain a clean and safe working environment for both patients and staff in accordance with
infection control guidelines and ensure all cleaning schedules are up to date. On rotation, daily
cleaning and monthly deep clean of all clinical rooms and daily cleaning of non clinical areas e.g.
waiting room, front office, staff room and changing room. Undertake cleaning of Radiology rooms
after imaging of infectious patients.
3. Liaise with ward staff prior to patient leaving the ward, with reference to infection control/patient’s
needs, to ensure patients are not sent to the department inappropriately.
4. On a rotational basis, act as a chaperone for patients and clinicians benefit, including during
examinations of an intimate or personal nature such as transvaginal ultrasound scanning.
5. Preparation & administration of oral contrast medium for screening room lists (barium
swallow/follow through) as directed by Radiographers/Radiologists. Preparation and
administration of Gastrografin for CT patients as directed by Radiographers/Radiologists.
Administration of water to patients as directed by Radiographers/Radiologists in preparation for
CT, US and/or fluoroscopy.
6. Prepare for and assist with a range of specialist examinations some of which are non-routine
including Sterile Hysterosalpingograms (female reproductive organ imaging) and non-sterile
Barium Enemas (Large bowel imaging) ensuring rooms are kept clean and tidy and stocked with
supplies. Each examination has different preparation needs and expectations of the CSW.
7. Assisting with Barium enema procedures including insertion of rectal balloon catheter.
8. Prepare sterile trolleys unsupervised, in accordance with infection control protocols and local
rules, clearing up after the procedure and ensuring equipment is cleaned appropriately.
9. Dispose of sterile instruments, used sharps and clinical waste to appropriate areas as per
department protocols and infection control guidelines.
10. Ensure appropriate care of patients post administration of IV contrast medium as per department
protocol.
11. Appropriate removal of IV cannula as directed by the Radiographers in line with department
protocols, Health & Safety and Infection Control guidelines.
12. Check containers i.e. sharps temporary closure, pharmibin etc daily and ensure the safe disposal
of final closure containers from within the Radiology Department.
13. Support the department workflow by assisting radiographic staff during busy periods as and when
required, e.g. preparing patients for their examinations, assisting patients to dress and undress.
14. Have an understanding of patient’s physical condition that may have an effect on their behavior,
and reacting appropriately
15. Adapt and respond appropriately to changes in patient’s condition requiring additional
nursing/radiographic support.
16. Maintain high standards of cleanliness of equipment and accessories including lead aprons and
trolleys and ensure waiting area is kept tidy and stocked.
17. Daily monitor stock levels (consumables/laundry/stationary) and replenish/order as required.
Maintain the cleanliness and order of the stock room adhering to the stock control system at all
times.
18. Ensure sufficient supply of clean gowns are available for patients at all times including collecting
gowns from laundry if necessary.
19. Assist Radiographers in escorting patients and relatives and in the moving and handling of
difficult and/ or complex patients. Assist with portering if required. Ensure a safe environment with
competent use of hoists, pat-slides and all other manual handling equipment when needed.
20. Occasionally provide reassurance to patients by way of clear explanation as to the nature of an
examination, where there may be barriers to understanding i.e. patients with learning difficulties.
21. Facilitate the delivery of local screening programmes which are run to National Protocols under
the supervision of clinical staff. This includes chaperoning of patients and accurate recording of
patient data and data entry into a national database e.g. AAA National screening programme.
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Imparting outcomes to patients with information in relation to further follow up or immediate action
depending on the findings from the ultrasound examination.
22. Regularly handle patient’s valuables when removed for a Radiology examination, and make sure
that they are returned to the patient after the examination.
23. Complies with all approved NHSWI Policies, procedures, protocols and guidance.
Reception Duties
1. Administrative and clerical duties include performing reception duties on a rotational basis,
answering the telephone, filing, mail handling, scheduling appointments and booking in patients
on attendance, photocopying and assisting the other administrative staff when required.
2. Organise attendance of inpatients and outpatients, depending on x-ray room use, priority of
examination and staff availability. Work as part of a team to ensure effective communication and
delivery of care.
3. Competent in the use of RIS V11 (Radiology Information System). Competent to input new
Radiology request on the system, search patient history, update patient demographics, book
current and future patient appointments, scanning and emailing of request cards to offsite
Radiologists, emailing reports to referrers and printing of patient reports. Anticipate problems e.g.
clashing appointments and take appropriate remedial action.
4. Competent in the use of PACS V11. Competent to search local and national archives and access
Radiology reports to address queries from stakeholders from within and outwith the organisation.
Competent to deal with general PACS queries e.g. password expired /incorrect and to know when
to escalate queries to PACS administrators.
5. Competent in the use of SCi store to look up Radiology reports and blood results for patients
awaiting CT scans.
6. Ensure referrers are notified when results are available, which includes daily maintenance of the
completed examination box and distributing clinical reports where necessary.
7. Maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to Data Protection policies at all times.
8. Assist in gathering information for audit.
Educational
1. Participate in mandatory training and seek personal development under the guidance of the
Radiology Manager. All areas of competency will be signed off by a line manager when a
satisfactory level of working is achieved.
2. Gain knowledge and undergo training in relation to a wide variety of radiological procedures,
some of which are non-routine e.g. Hysterosalpingogram and Barium enemas concentrating on
initial set up of equipment, patient care during examination and assistance of Radiographer
/Radiologist.
3. In house training will be provided to enhance skills in health care and IT.
4. Keep up to date with any policy changes especially with regards to the strict guidelines for
radiation protection including IR(ME)R 2000.
7a. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY
All imaging equipment requires a great deal of accuracy and precision. It is to be used under strict
operator and manufacturers guidelines and in compliance with statutory regulations.
1. X-ray tube/table – To aid patients on and off of the x-ray table before and after examination. Move
the x-ray tube when cleaning the x-ray room or in case of an emergency.
2. Fluoroscopic X-ray machine/table – To aid on and off of the fluoroscopic table before and after
examination. Move the fluoroscopic machine when cleaning the x-ray room or in case of an
emergency.
3. Ultrasound couches
4. Competent in the use of patient hoists, Pat-Slides and all other manual handling equipment used in the
department
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5. Patient trolleys and wheelchairs.
6. Portable oxygen.
7. Personal Computer
8. Office Equipment (Printer, photocopier, fax machine, shredder, etc)
7b. SYSTEMS
1. Input Patient information onto paper records and computerised Clinical systems to ensure
compliance with statutory guidelines.
2. Competent in the use of RIS V11 (Radiology Information System). Competent to input new
Radiology request on the system, search patient history, update patient demographics, book current
and future patient appointments, scanning and emailing of request cards to offsite Radiologists,
emailing reports to referrers and printing of patient reports. Anticipate problems e.g. clashing
appointments and take appropriate remedial action.
3. Competent in the use of PACS V11. Competent to search local and national archives and access
Radiology reports to address queries from stakeholders from within and outwith the organisation.
Competent to deal with general PACS queries e.g. password expired /incorrect and to know when to
escalate queries to PACS administrators.
4. Competent in the use of SCi store to look up Radiology reports and blood results for patients
awaiting CT scans.
5. Competent to record patient data and data entry into a national database e.g. AAA National
screening programmes.
6. Competent in the use of software programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel to create documents
and tables.
7. Access the Internet and Board Intranet for relevant information for personal and professional
development within statutory guidelines.
8. Undertake user training to gain competency in future system developments which are essential to
the CSW role.
8. ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK
1. The Radiology Manager will undertake appraisal in order to agree an annual performance
development plan.
2. Demands for diagnostic imaging are generated by the specific service needs of each clinical area
from within and out with Western Isles Hospital and associated Hospital sites. Radiologists and
Radiographers will be available to consult on a daily basis and provide direct supervision and
training when required.
3. The Radiology Manager, senior Radiographer’s and System Administrator will delegate other
non-clinical tasks on a daily basis.
9. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
1. To use initiative and work independently when dealing with routine matters in area of work e.g.
answering telephone enquires and directing patients. Radiographers will be available for consultation
when required to deal with matters that are not routine.
2. Knowledge & understanding of the radiation protection guidelines ensuring patient, staff and own
safety at all times.
3. To be alert to patient’s comfort/condition and act appropriately, ensuring that appropriate staff are
informed & available to assist if required.
4. Occasionally patients are taken ill in the care of the CSW; a decision must be made whether it is
necessary to call for immediate assistance.
5. To be accountable for own actions.
10. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
1. Ensuring personal safety and that of the patient with regards to radiation protection.
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2. Ensuring personal safety and that of the patient during lifting and handling procedures.
3. Understanding the needs of individual members of staff and patients who may have communication,
cognitive or mobility issues.
4. Prioritising workload with demands coming from many areas of the department.
5. Clear and precise explanation of procedures to patients prior to specialist examinations
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
Patients
1. Provide routine information by explanation of procedures and listening to the patient’s requirements
in order to encourage compliance with the imaging process, using tact and persuasive skills where
appropriate.
2. Imparting outcomes to patients participating in the AAA screening programme with information in
relation to further follow up or immediate action.
3. Provide assistance and reassurance to patients awaiting examinations.
4. Often first line for dealing with frightened patients or patient complaints at the reception desk or on
the telephone.
5. Ensure that the system of how results are obtained is fully understood by patients.
Relatives/Carers
1. Provide reassurance, support and receive information
2. Ask for assistance with, and instruct in methods of immobilisation, maintaining Radiation
Protection.
Radiography Staff (internal/external)
1. Consult Radiography Staff for advice
2. Pass on information relating to patient transfer to colleagues
3. Liaise with multi disciplinary team to ensure procedures are followed safely and effectively.
Medical Staff/Nurse Practitioners
1. Seek help and advice with patients in pain or who are immobile
2. Assist nurses who are attending the X-Ray department with patients if required.
External
1. Deal with telephone queries from external sources – other hospitals, other companies.
2. Direct any person who presents at reception to the appropriate place.
12. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
Physical Skills:
1. Assist Radiographers when needed in the manipulation and positioning of patients, providing
immobilisation when required.
2. Possess standard keyboard skills for the entry of data into the RIS, PACS, AAA database
3. Use dexterity and coordination when assisting the Radiologist undertaking biopsies, FNA’s and
drainages. Use dexterity when placing rectal catheters, assisting patients to drink barium and remove
IV cannula post CT scan.
Physical Demands:
1. Move/manipulate the three-dimensional ceiling suspended x-ray tubes when machine has to be
moved for cleaning of the room. The average starting and continuous pulling forces required are
6.79kg, as measured and confirmed by manual handling assessment.
2. Carrying CR cassette, detector, grid, Perspex positioning aids and foot rests, which weigh up to
4.5kg during all shifts.
3. The majority of the working day is spent standing and walking and bending to position patients with
little opportunity for resting.
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4. Frequent transfer of patients from trolleys, beds and chairs onto X-Ray tables, using mechanical aids
when required e.g. pat-slide/patient hoists.
5. Manoeuvring patients on trolleys and chairs from waiting area to x-ray room and back, frequently
during all shifts.
6. Frequent periods of sitting undertaking reception duties and inputting data into RIS and AAA
databases.
7. Weekly storing stationary and pharmacy stores involving lifting packages to shelf heights – varied
size, weight and height, but not usually heavy objects.
Mental Demands:
1. Frequent requirement for periods of concentration and accuracy while operating equipment,
during procedures and undertaking reception duties.
2. Frequent requirement for periods of concentration and accuracy whilst inputting AAA screening
data onto database.
3. Environment without natural light. 50% daily shift
4. Long periods of sitting at a VDU 30%of daily shift.
Emotional Demands:
1. Assist the Radiographer where needed, when performing radiographic examinations and help care
for ill patients.
2. Assist the Radiographer where needed, when providing examinations that involve direct contact.
3. Requirement to use diplomatic and persuasive skills when dealing with some patients/ complaints.
4. Occasional exposure to distressing circumstances i.e. dealing with terminally ill patients, patients who
need immediate treatment after ultrasound (AAA screening) or patients with severe learning
difficulties.
Working Conditions:
1. Frequent exposure to highly unpleasant working conditions. The CSW will have direct contact and
need to deal with uncontrolled bodily fluids/foul linen regularly throughout all shifts.
2. Risk of exposure to scattered Ionising Radiation particularly during fluoroscopic procedures.
3. Be required to wear heavy lead rubber aprons during fluoroscopy procedures sometimes in a hot
environment on a daily basis.
4. Working constantly in artificial lighting with little or no natural daylight.
5. Possible exposure to verbal abuse from some patients.
6. A risk of physical abuse from patients, who may be confused, disorientated and/or intoxicated.
7. Possible exposure to patients which may have infectious diseases e.g. HIV, Hepatitis, MRSA, c/Diff
8. Frequent dealings with clinical waste and soiled linen.
9. Frequent use of VDU.
13. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
Job Holder’s Signature:
Date:
Head of Department Signature:
Date:
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Person Specification
Clinical Support Worker Higher Level (CSW Radiography)
FACTOR
EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL
3 years experience working in a healthcare
environment.
A minimum of 2 years experience of
working with the public.
QUALIFICATIONS
TRAINING
SVQ 3 in Health and Social Care
or working towards
KNOWLEDGE AND
SKILLS
Good general knowledge of the day to day
operational activities and functions of a
diagnostic Radiology department.
Computer literacy with demonstrable skills
in the use of software programs such as
Microsoft Word and Excel
Literate & Numerate
Be able to work using own initiative
DESIRABLE
Experience of using Radiology
Specific software packages (RIS
and PACS)
Experience of reception duties in a
healthcare environment
Experience of stock control and
ordering
Skilled in aseptic technique for
setting of sterile trolleys
Be familiar with local policies and
procedures with particular regard
to COSHH, Local Safety Rules,
IR(ME)R 2000 and Manual
Handling and Infection Control.
Ability to work with the minimum of
supervision
Knowledge and understanding of
confidentiality
DISPOSITION
Good communication skills
Patient
Diplomatic
Conversational Gaelic
Demonstrable understanding of
the main issues associated with
delivering health services in a
Remote and Rural environment.
Empathic, to deal with distressed patients
and family when arranging or cancelling
appointments.
Ability to work under pressure
Confidential
Team working skills
Adaptable to meet the changing needs of
the service
OTHER
Able to travel occasionally to undertake
clinical duties in other NHSWI sites
Driving License