Job overview

This is a senior clinical post, and the postholder will work autonomously in the department adhering to Trust protocols and policies, NBSS and NICE guidelines, taking a lead role as part of the multi-disciplinary team. The post holder will also be involved with, and where appropriate collaborate in national and international research contributing to relevant networks and forums, with the aim of supporting excellence within the specialist field.

 The postholder will be a member of the breast imaging team and will work towards having expert knowledge and experience in all areas of advanced practice, providing leadership, facilitation of education support and advice all staff within and external to breast imaging for Gloucestershire Breast Screening service and symptomatic breast service. There is an expectation that a minimum of 50% of the post holder’s portfolio will be spent in direct autonomous clinical practice and providing leadership to clinicians within this clinical area.

 Additional contract details: Whilst training payment is Band 7, on completion of training  role will be Band 8A

Main duties of the job

Undertaking all radiological and specialised imaging procedures within their area of expertise, i.e. image interpretation, clinical breast examination, breast ultrasound, image guided biopsies and advanced client communications, the appointee will make clear and accurate clinical decisions in the best interest of the patient.

The postholder must adhere to the Health and Care Professions Council and the Society of Radiographers Code of Professional Conduct, and be actively involved in clinical supervision, peer review and implementation of research aligned to NHS England’s Chief Allied Health Professions Officers Research Strategy for England.

Working for our organisation

Thirlestaine Breast Centre provides the breast screening service for the population of Gloucestershire. The target population is currently 110,000 women aged 50-70 years, but it is expected to increase by up 10-15% with demographic changes over the next decade. 
We have 4 digital mammography units, 3 with stereotactic capability and all with tomosynthesis capability, one of which also has contrast enhanced mammography. There are three ultrasound units, replaced in 2021.
Two mobile units provide screening for clients at other sites in Gloucestershire. 

In terms of medical staff there are one breast clinicians, five consultant radiologists and a clinical imaging specialist radiographer involved in the screening programme. The remainder of the staff comprises specialist radiographers, nurses, and office staff.  The unit is actively involved in role extension with Advanced and Enhanced Practice Radiographers performing screen reading and image guided breast biopsy.
The co-location of the imaging and surgical clinics lends itself to an excellent collaborative approach to both elements of the breast service. Imaging input for the symptomatic patients is provided by the same staff listed above.   There are six consultant breast surgeons. There are one stop new patient clinics daily during the working week. We see approximately 5000 new cases per year; there are an additional 8000 surveillance mammograms undertaken annually. Over 300 symptomatic breast MRIs are undertaken per year