Mammographer Practitioner
We employ over 9,500 staff, many of whom are internationally renowned and have won awards for their work.
Job overview
The role of Mammography Practitioner is to provide and maintain a high standard of mammography for all patients and clients attending for breast imaging. To work alongside Advanced Practitioners in interventional procedures assisting in core biopsies, VAB’s and localisations.To undertake daily, weekly and monthly quality control tests in line with the department’s quality assurance programme and report any equipment malfunction or image deterioration promptly. Regular self-assessment and peer review of performance associated with service audit is integral to the role.
Mammography is undertaken for the East Lancashire Breast Screening service at mobile sites across East Lancashire and the main Breast Imaging Unit at Burnley General Hospital and for the Trust Symptomatic Breast Service.
Main duties of the job- Perform all mammography examinations to the highest standard with precision and speed in line with the NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) guidelines, and ensure that the client/patient episode is documented and carried out in accordance with departmental protocol
- Use relevant knowledge, clinical experience, and departmental protocols to select the appropriate mammographic projections and exposures to ensure optimum diagnostic imaging
- Participate in the updating of procedures and protocols to reflect changes in practice
- Evaluation of mammography images to assess diagnostic quality and adequacy
- Adhere to departmental protocols and procedures including Ionising Radiation Regulations (2017) and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017
- Undertake vetting of mammography requests for symptomatic and family history patients, ensuring all imaging request provide sufficient and relevant clinical information for justification in accordance with IR(ME)R 2017
- Actively participate and be responsible for equipment quality control and safety checks
- Undertake clinical duties in the service in accordance with the service staffing rota
- Perform assessment mammography and provide technical and clinical assistance in all mammographic interventional procedures
Working for our organisation
East Lancashire Breast Imaging Department is committed to providing high quality care for all clients/patients attending for Breast Imaging. Imaging is undertaken for East Lancashire Breast Screening and Symptomatic Services, delivered at the base unit and at the various sites in the community visited by the mobile breast screening unit.Our department has 4x 3D mammography sets, with 2 that are biopsy enabled and 2 contrast enhanced ready. It also has 3x Samsung RS85 Ultrasound machines. The double ended mobile van is equipped with 2x 2D mammography sets.
Our staff are friendly, supportive and dedicated professionals who will make you feel very welcome. Our service is committed to encouraging staff to widen their scope of practice, with continuous professional development actively encouraged and supported by expert clinical leads.The departmental staffing reflects the 4 tier structure, with staff working at all 4 practitioner levels .
Detailed job description and main responsibilities- Actively participate and be responsible for equipment quality control and safety checks as defined in the departmental quality control manual, documenting all test parameters, and reporting any equipment faults and/or test results outside acceptable limits to the QA Radiographer, Operational Lead or Breast Imaging Manager, recording any action taken
- Provide professional support, guidance, and leadership to less experienced members of staff, including trainee mammography practitioners, assistant practitioners, mammography assistants and radiography students
- Be proficient in assisting clinicians during biopsy procedures using basic nursing techniques as required
- Ensure a high level of environmental quality is achieved by always maintaining cleanliness and tidiness in all areas whilst complying with infection control policies
- To be able to critically appraise quality standards of mammography to ensure a high-quality diagnostic service (through regular self-assessment and peer review processes).
- Communicate with all referrers to ensure imaging requests are justifiable and the clinical information provided facilitates the appropriate imaging techniques being employed in accordance with IR(ME)R 2017
- To work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide the highest standards of patient care
- Ensure the screening examination is acceptable to clients by communicating effectively and demonstrating sensitivity and consideration at all stages of the process, ensuring that individuals are well prepared for the examinations they undergo, whilst gaining their willing co-operation.
- Encourage re-attendance for subsequent screening rounds by using interpersonal skills and offering support and advice, particularly to agitated and anxious clients
- Communicate effectively with those patients/clients who do not have English as their first language
- To continually participate in the promotion of the Breast Screening Service, breast awareness and general health promotion, empowering clients through support and education
- Provide the highest level of care and support to all users of the service, including relatives and carers
- Whilst not responsible for issuing “bad news” the post-holder must have the ability to communicate sensitively to patients whilst carrying out diagnostic tests in clinics where women are often anxious
- Ensure that any clinical abnormalities are reported back to the reporting consultant or advanced practitioner as per protocol, to assist in diagnosis.
- Participate in mandatory and other relevant Trust training
- Participate in role extension, and attending courses, conferences or meetings as deemed necessary
- Undertake regular Personal Development Review (PDR) with the relevant senior member of staff
- Be responsible for monitoring personal performance and technical recall rate in accordance with NHSBSP mammographic standards
- Participate in the training of trainee Mammography Practitioners, Assistant Practitioners, Clinical Assistants and Student Radiographers in liaison with the formal mentor
- Participate in service development initiatives
- Always maintain an efficient workflow in all areas of the service
- Maintain an awareness of current issues, views, research, and policy changes in all professional and relevant health associated issues
- Adhere to the Society of Radiographers Professional Conduct Code
- Maintain patient/client confidentiality
Post holders are expected to work flexibly within their pay band. They should be expected to carry out activities for which they are competent. Alternatively, they may carry out the additional duties if they are receiving support or training in order to obtain the recognised level of competence.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria- BSc (Hons) Radiography or DCR
- HPC Registered
- Member of SOR or personal indemnity insurance
- Post graduate Certificate in Mammography or equivalent
- Willingness to study for post graduate certificate in mammograhy
Experience
Essential criteria- Post qualification radiography experience
- Evidence of CPD
- Mammography experience in Breast Screening Service or Symptomatic Breast Service
Knowledge & Skills
Essential criteria- Computer literate
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Evidence of high standard of radiography
- Ability to work within a team
- Ability to work in a defined role
- Good decision making skills
- Ability to empathise with the client/ patient's needs
- Ability to work under pressure
- Awareness of current professional issues
- Knowledge of National Breast Screening Service
- Knowledge/ understanding of audit
Personal Attributes
Essential criteria- Self motivated and confident in own ability
- Manage priorities and work under pressure
- Ability to maintain client/ patient confidentiality
- Ability to provide flexibility in work hours and work additional hours when required
- Car driver/ owner
It is important you are made aware of the following as regards your application to East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
- Please note that the salary advertised is for full time hours. If this post is less than 37.5 hours per week, the salary will be pro-rata. For posts on Agenda for Change pay-scales, new entrants to the NHS will normally commence on the first pay point of the relevant band.
- This vacancy may close before the closing date if the recruiting manager deems sufficient applications have been received. Therefore it is advised to complete your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
- Please ensure you check the email account from which you apply regularly as we will use this to contact you regarding your application.
- Please note that shortlisting is completed anonymously with candidates being assessed against the essential criteria for the post. Therefore only applicants, who can clearly demonstrate how they meet our person specification criteria in their application, will be short-listed.
Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS)
If the role you are applying for is identified as either controlled or regulated activity as defined in in the Safeguarding vulnerable Groups Act (2006) any offer of employment is provisional upon a satisfactory DBS check being obtained.
The healthcare sector is exempted from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
In line with other NHS organisations in the North West Region, the Trust is now passing the charge for undertaking a DBS check on to candidates in the event they are successfully appointed into the post for which they have applied. Candidates can choose whether to pay this over 1-3 months as a deduction from the monthly salary.However, if you are applying for a post as a BANK worker, the payment must be made in full at the time of employment checks. By applying for this vacancy you are agreeing to this undertaking in the event you are successfully appointed.
The cost of an Enhanced Disclosure will be £55.38 and for a Standard Disclosure will be £27.38.
This cost is not applicable for a Volunteer post
The Trust is an equal opportunities employer, committed to improving the working lives of our staff and operates a 'Zero Tolerance' policy to aggression, violence, bullying and harassment. In addition, our aim is to help protect children and vulnerable adults by providing a first-class service to the recruitment of people into positions of trust.
We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve.
We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability or social background.
We especially welcome applications from members of our black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, as we have identified that ELHT has an under-representation of BAME employees. Appointments will be made on merit.
Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme.
If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible. By telephone 01254 732075 or email [email protected] or write to Employment Services, Parkview Offices, Haslingden Road, Blackburn, BB2 3HH