Detailed job description and main responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.     Performs patient investigations and treatments

Receives written requests for patient studies

1.1.  Authorises diagnostic tests under written procedures and in accordance with IRMER. 

1.2.  Refers requests not covered by the procedures to the ARSAC licence holder.

1.3.  Contacts and collaborates with the referring doctors or research nurses to obtain correctly written request cards for the study.

1.4.  Schedules tests in accordance with an appropriate timetable, ensuring that all preparations necessary for their conduct are made and all necessary supplies are ordered. 

2.     Administration to patients for diagnosis and therapy.

Administers radioactive materials to patients, either orally or by intravenous injection.  This may be for diagnosis or therapy.  It may also be given as part of a research or clinical trial protocol. This involves: -

2.1      Calculating the volume of material to be used for an individual patient dose, using information on the vial label, and taking radioactive decay into account.

2.2      Withdrawing the required volume of material into the receptacle to be used for administration (e.g., syringe or cup).

2.3      Confirming the correct amount of radioactivity in the patient dose, using a radionuclide calibrator.  Adjusting the amount if necessary.

2.4      Administering the preparation to the patient according to the agreed protocol (sometimes involving specialist administration equipment).  This may involve taking the patient doses to a ward for administration.

2.5      Ensuring that all the required documentation is accurately kept.

2.6      Ensuring the patient is aware of any radiation protection measures that they are required to follow, issuing written instructions as necessary.

3.   Imaging procedures

Carries out imaging studies on patients in accordance with laid-down protocols, and those developed specifically for patients in clinical trials. This will include: -

3.1      Setting up and overseeing daily and weekly QC testing of a range of sophisticated scintillation recording and imaging equipment.  Checking the results, bringing any problems to the attention of physics staff.

3.2      Manoeuvring the patient into the scanning positions, carrying out the imaging procedure, reviewing the results and deciding if further imaging is necessary.

3.3      Preparing, analysing, and presenting the results for reporting. Prepare technical reports for a limited range of procedures.  Analysis includes judgement of the optimum shape and position of computer-generated regions round anatomical structures and inspection of interim and final results for validity.

4.              In vitro procedures

Carries out assays of radioactive materials in samples from patients.  This includes:-

4.1.  Intravenous administration of the patient dose, and the withdrawal of subsequent blood samples from the patient.

4.2.  Preparation of reference solutions, and blood samples, performing their assay using specialist auto analysis equipment and computer programs.

4.3.  Preparation and processing of results.

4.4.  Keeping of all records associated with these tests in accordance with departmental procedures.

5.     Department Administration

5.1  Organise, manage, act as lead practitioner, and take responsibility for the PET/CT service.

5.2  Collaboration with Alliance Medical and other Trusts in developing and delivering the PET/CT National Contract for Greater Manchester.

5.3  Act as point of contact for users of the Nuclear Medicine / PET/CT / radionuclide therapy service dealing with colleagues, patients, carers, and relatives in a helpful, reassuring, and friendly manner.

5.4  Deal with any patient enquiries / complaints in the first instance and communicate with the Lead Clinical Technologist where required to aid in the resolution of any issues.

5.5  Support the other Specialist / Deputy Clinical Technologists and Lead Clinical Technologist with monitoring and managing staff time and performance ensuring adequate staffing in all areas during working hours. To adapt and manage departmental working patterns/ staffing to optimise service delivery

5.6  Act as RPS for PET/CT service and associated working areas

6.     Teaching / Supervision / Human resources

6.1 Supervises more junior members of the department and assists in the training of new staff, students and staff of other departments when seconded to the Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT department as part of their training scheme.

6.2 Undertake formalised assessments of staff training in PET/CT and formally assessing the trainee’s performance and development.

6.3 Actively involved in departmental quality groups and pro-active in the sharing of good practice.

6.4 Continually monitor, audit, and evaluate clinical practice of self and others. On results and reflection propose policies or service changes and devise training programmes, whilst ensuring implementation of new policies and procedures do not impact on other departments.

6.5 Participate in the ESR process for staff within the department to assist in drawing up Personal Development Plans.

6.6 Actively manage staff attendance and sickness management as well as disciplinary and grievance issues.

6.7  Delivers and arranges teaching and training in PET/CT at graduate and postgraduate level in partnership with other healthcare professionals in partnership with higher education institutions.

6.8  Delivers advanced PET/CT education/training for radiographers, clinical technologists and support staff throughout England as part of PET/CT national contract.

6.9  Demonstrates the agreed set of values and accountable for own attitude and behaviour

7.     Governance / Audit

7.1 Undertake formal presentations of clinical and technical cases (complex and sensitive in context), within the specialist field, to staff within the multidisciplinary team. These will be presented at Governance / Audit / Training meetings or another forum appropriate to the subject presented.

7.2 Lead the education and training of other healthcare professionals and students in relation to PET/CT investigations.

7.3 Actively involved in departmental quality groups and pro-active in the sharing of good practice.

7.4 Collect performance data for measurement of compliance against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and manage breaches of KPI

7.5 Regular attendance at PET/CT board meetings

8.     Financial

8.1  There is no budgetary knowledge required other than to be aware that any increase in use will increase the cost of consumables within the department.

8.2  Arrange daily orders of radiopharmaceuticals totalling many thousands of pounds per week.

8.3  Responsible for the effective and efficient use of resources, being aware of resource requirements and limitations.

8.4  Ensure all equipment and supplies in the clinical area are maintained to enable delivery of efficient and safe care.

8.5  Produce business cases for new equipment and service development

8.6  Procurement of new equipment.

NOTE

This job description indicates the duties and responsibilities that are appropriate to meet the present needs of the service across the Christie Network. Since from time to time these needs may change, it is necessary to recognize that the post holder must be willing to undertake other and/or different duties appropriate to the grade of the job that may, after discussion, assigned by the Lead Clinical Technologist.