This is a training opportunity for radiographer to join the breast imaging team. If you are interested in undertaking additional post graduate training to become a mammographer, we would like to hear from you. Trainees will be band 5 until qualified with upgraded to band 6.

This post is open to female applicants only*

Our screening programme serves a population of 82,000. Women are invited for breast cancer screening 3 yearly. Approximately 25,000 women between the ages of 50 and 70 are invited to be screened each year. The symptomatic breast service undertakes more than 6,000 mammograms per annum and is supported by our breast imaging team.

We have a mobile unit which provides mammography screening for women in outlying areas, which can be remote. You will be required to drive yourself to these sites (to include: Torpoint, Saltash, Callington, Liskeard, Launceston, Bude, Tavistock, Ivybridge and Kingsbridge). A city centre static unit provides screening for women living locally. In the Hospital Breast Unit we have two Siemens Mammography Machines, both with Tomographic capabilities, a Prone Stereotactic unit, and three Canon Ultrasound rooms. Mammographers have acquired Advanced Practice skills such as film reading, ultrasound and interventional skills.

*A genuine occupational qualification applies to this post under section 6 of the Sex Discrimination Act of 1975 and therefore it is restricted to female applicants only (ref NHS Breast Screening Programme).

Main duties of the job

To undertake the post graduate training as a mammographers in order to provide a clinical mammography service with images of diagnostic quality in a timely and professional manner

To contribute to the overall smooth running of the Breast Imaging Department by taking responsibility for specific, delegated duties and by identifying areas for improvement and development and bringing these to the attention of the Lead Radiographer.

To maintain high standards in Quality Assurance required by the NHS Breast Screening Programme.

To work at University Hospital Plymouth, the static screening site in Plymouth City Centre and on the mobile breast screening unit at various screening locations, which can be remote, within the screening area (including Torpoint, Saltash, Callington, Liskeard, Launceston, Bude, Tavistock, Ivybridge and Kingsbridge).

To work under the guidance of the Lead Radiographer Breast Imaging.

To supervise the Assistant Practitioners daily.

To supervise the Radiographer Helper/Support worker daily.

To supervise trainee Mammographers or student Radiographers

To drive to the screening locations as needed.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To undertake mammography examinations of diagnostic quality in the breast imaging department at Derriford Hospital, the Guildhall static screening unit and on the mobile mammography screening unit at the various sites across the outlying catchment area

To undertake digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) examinations on patients/clients as required

To undertake contrast enhanced spectral mammography as required

To provide the Consultant Radiologist/Radiographer, Advanced Practitioner or Registrar with x-ray guidance during breast interventional procedures

To maintain competence in all breast x-ray examinations and interventional procedures, including biopsy and localisation

To prepare equipment required for interventional procedures and to dispose of equipment safely following the procedure in line with Trust Policy

To apply dressings to the patient following interventional procedures

To maintain competence in the use of the core biopsy specimen x-ray machine

To be mindful of the needs and concerns of the women attending for breast examination, and explain to them all procedures where appropriate

To ensure all clients attending for breast screening have a positive experience ensuring they will re-attend in the future

To monitor the condition of X-ray equipment within the breast imaging service, advising the lead radiographer, or her deputy, of any defects in equipment or systems thus providing an early warning for any potential hazards

To adhere to all aspects of regulations relating to the Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH, and other PHT policies, and observe local rules relating to radiation safety in order to maintain a safe working environment at all times

To carry out all technical quality checks and equipment fault finding as required

To undertake the appropriate QA checks on the equipment taking action if required

To check the results of daily QA tests if necessary when performed by another member of staff, taking appropriate action if required

To keep appropriate records, entering clinical information onto the computer systems as required

To attend multidisciplinary meetings, when staffing level allow, and departmental staff meetings so ensuring that the post holder maintains an up to date knowledge of clinical and non-clinical matters

To keep up to date on current practice by the process of continuing professional development

To keep the Lead Radiographer, Breast Imaging, up to date with any changes or additional

To conform to the requirements of the Data Protection Act regarding patient confidentiality and integrity of health records

To participate in department audit projects, research and development projects, and any issues pertaining to the implementation of the clinical governance programme.

To support and enhance the continual quality initiative programme ensuring a quality first approach to all aspects of work

To report results at remedial or suspension level in a timely manner in order for appropriate action to be taken

To participate in the practical training of the assistant practitioners and radiographers

To supervise the qualified assistant practitioner on a daily basis

To supervise the radiographic helpers on a daily basis, ensuring the smooth running of the clinics.

To take supplies to the static site and mobile unit when rostered to work there

To take client paperwork and portable IT devices to the static site and mobile unit when rostered to work there.

For further details please see attached JD& PS

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc in Diagnostic Radiography or equivalent
• Certificate of Competence in mammography or equivalent.
• State registered with Health Care Professions Council
• Full driving licence or ability to obtain one

Aptitude and ability

Essential

• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work unsupervised and on own initiative
• Proven interpersonal skills especially verbal and written communication skills

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Demonstrable experience as a general radiographer
• Demonstrable experience as a mammographer
• Proven evidence of recent CPD

Desirable

• Previous demonstrable experience of mammographic examinations
• Computer literate
• Counselling skills

Other factors

Essential

• Car owner or access to a car for own use

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

Primrose Unit, Derriford Hospital

Plymouth

PL6 8DH

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

216-HB-W6488994