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Advanced Radiotherapy Dosimetrist

Employer
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Location
Preston
Salary
£43,742 to £50,056 a year per annum, pro rata
Closing date
1 Jun 2023

View more

Profession
Other Health Profession
Grade
Band 7
Contract Type
Permanent
Hours
Full Time
Job summary

If you enjoy a challenge, are keen to further your technical skills and be instrumental in providing 'Excellent care with compassion' then join our friendly, multidisciplinary team at Rosemere Cancer Centre and make a difference.

You will join a team of 12 dosimetrists, 17 clinical scientists, 7 dosimetrists, 7 engineers and a quality manager. In addition to this we also currently have 3 STP trainees and 2 apprentice engineers in our team.

You will already be a HCPC registered therapy radiographer or on the register of clinical technologists.

Main duties of the job

You will be a senior member of the team of dosimetrists within radiotherapy physics, carrying out a highly specialist role in treatment planning with the production and checking of highly complex treatments plans for the successful delivery of therapeutic doses of radiation. You will deputise on management of day-to-day operation of treatment planning and mould room services in the absence of the lead Radiotherapy Dosimetrist. You will also support research and development work across all aspects of the service and be involved with recruitment, staff management and service delivery.

About us

Rosemere Cancer Centre is on the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Royal Preston Hospital site and provides an external beam radiotherapy service for the adult population of Lancashire and South Cumbria (1.6 Million population). The centre has:
    • Seven clinical Elekta linacs, all with CBCT, and many with flattening filter free treatment capability and equipped with Response ABC system
    • Two dedicated Philips Big Bore CT scanners
    • Vision RT surface guided technology installed on six linacs and one CT scanner
    • MOSAIQ and SYNERGISTIQ(TM)
  • Treatment planning is conducted on Pinnacle throughout the department. Some treatment planning is also being carried out on Raystation.
  • Rosemere is currently commissioned to provide SABR for primary lung tumours and oligometasteses (non-spine and spine, lung and liver) in addition to intracranial SRS.
  • Exciting developments include:
    • Roll out use of Vision RT surface guided technology for site other than breast. System already in use for breast patients.
    • Commissioning of SABR for adrenal metastases.
    • Expanding the clinical use of RayStation.
    • Roll out of use of AI for contouring.
    • Evaluation of PerFraction for independent dose check of treatment plans

For further details / informal visits contact:

Imran Patel, Head of Radiotherapy Physics (01772 522054 / Imran.Patel2@lthtr.nhs.uk) or Andrew Glendinning, Head of Treatment Planning (01772 523085 / Andrew.Glendinning@lthtr.nhs.uk)

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical Duties
  • Generate outlines for treatment area and organs at risk according to locally agreed practice.
  • Discuss and agree approaches with Clinical Oncologists to create optimum treatment plans.
  • Plan radiation treatment using complex computerised treatment planning systems to meet patients needs in accordance with agreed local and national standards and evidence based guidelines.
  • Plan radiation treatments for individual patients where the clinical needs do not conform to standard protocol. The plans produced will involve the highest level of complex planning skill to achieve the desired treatment outcome.
  • Critically analyse and independently check complex treatment plans and make judgements regarding treatment parameters and dose effects to the patient ensuring the optimum dose distribution and treatment plan is produced with the best patient outcome.
  • Provide expert technical advice on problems arising in treatment planning.
  • Proactively engage with patients, relatives and carers keeping them informed of any changes in the timing or details of their care. This may include arranging appointments for patients often in collaboration with the radiotherapy bookings team.
  • Be the lead dosimetrist on clinical disease groups, providing expert advice and specialist support to at least one treatment site.
  • Identifies potential for, and participates in, audit and evaluation programmes.
  • Support clinical mould room activity
  • Make constructive suggestions as to how the service can be improved.
  • Contribute to the maintenance and application of the departmental ISO9001 Quality System.
  • Take lead and assist in the implementation of new processes, techniques and the generation of appropriate work instructions/protocols for inclusion in the Quality System.
  • Participate in clinical commissioning and quality control programme for highly complex radiotherapy equipment to ensure all such equipment is fit for clinical use.
  • Work flexible hours and partake in a weekly shift pattern to meet patient needs and the workload demands of the service, including weekend and Bank Holiday working as required.
Management
  • To deputise in the absence of lead radiotherapy dosimetrist:
    • Providing professional leadership and escalating dosimetrist issues to other radiotherapy physics head of sections as appropriate.
    • Manage, support and co-ordinate the overall delivery of day-to-day radiotherapy treatment planning service (including mould room) ensuring that treatment plans are ready within agreed timescales.
    • Manage performance within treatment planning and mould room ensuring that any deterioration is promptly dealt with, identifying and implementing solutions to problems in collaboration with other stakeholders.
    • Organise treatment planning and mould room rota which reflects both the individual training needs of staff as well as the service needs.
  • Participate in workforce development including selection, recruitment and retention of staff.
  • Carry out dosimetrist Personal Development and Performance Reviews.
  • Support investigation of absence, disciplinary and grievance issues and performance management of dosimetrists as required.
Professional Leadership
  • Continually act as a highly credible, professional leader providing a strong professional role model for others to emulate, demonstrating expert knowledge and high standards of clinical practice.
  • Promote teamwork to achieve high standards of professionalism and performance through appropriate practice, delegation and supervision of duties carried out by junior staff.
  • Prioritise own work appropriately and helps manage others time effectively to maintain and promote high quality technical and clinical skills.
  • Actively participates in regular Personal Development and Performance Review as appraisee.
  • Maintain a current Personal Development Portfolio, in line with Trust Policy and appropriate registration body.
  • Update and continually develop own knowledge by regular, routine reading of journals and attendance at relevant study days / conferences.
  • Participate in reflective practice and clinical supervision activities.
  • Ensure mandatory training requirements are met.
  • Take an active part in team meetings.
  • Complies fully with the Trust Dress Code Policy.
  • Welcomes visitors in a manner which promotes a positive image of self, the department and the Oncology team.
  • Be able to receive and act on feedback from all staff groups.
  • Challenge inappropriate behaviour and raise/ escalates concerns.
  • Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
  • Act in accordance with current legislation, policies, procedures and good practice relating to equality & diversity.
  • Safeguard children, young people and vulnerable adults by escalating concerns in line with Trust policy and regulatory frameworks.
Education and Training
  • Provide specialist training to a number of staff.
  • Evidence of being active mentor and role model.
  • Actively involves and supports students and staff in educational opportunities.
  • Act as assessor and mentor to staff and students supporting their development.
  • Ensure staff and students are supervised and supported, providing feedback highlighting good performance and identifying areas requiring improvement.


Person Specification

Qualifications & Education

Essential

  • Degree in relevant subject
  • HCPC registered therapy radiographer or on the register of clinical technologists


Desirable

  • Evidence of leadership / management development
  • MSc in appropriate subject


Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Extensive post-qualification experience in radiotherapy including extensive knowledge and experience of radiotherapy treatment planning
  • Broad knowledge of the field of radiotherapy, including current trends within the field
  • Possess a good understanding of mould room procedures and radiotherapeutic treatment techniques
  • Extensive knowledge of relevant legislation, national standards, professional guidelines


Desirable

  • Evidence of publication/presentation at Regional / National level
  • Line management experience including staff appraisal


Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

438-RC9901

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