Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Key results from the job holder

• Perform all mammographic 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.
• Evaluate mammographic images to assess diagnostic quality and adequacy.
• Adhere to departmental protocols and procedures including Ionising Radiation Regulations (IRR17) and Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IR(ME)R 2018).
• 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 and Line Manager, recording any action taken.
• Undertake clinical duties in the service in accordance with the service staffing rota.
• Perform assessment mammography and provide technical and clinical assistance in interventional mammography including stereotactic core biopsies, magseed/wire localisation and MRI guided Breast biopsies.
• Provide professional support, guidance and leadership to less experienced members of staff, including trainee mammographers, assistant practitioners, mammography helpers, health care 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 maintaining cleanliness and tidiness in all areas, at all times whilst complying with infection control policies.
• Maintain an awareness of current issues, views, research and policy changes in all professional and relevant health associated issues.
• Ensure compliance with the requirement to maintain professional registration.
• Uphold professional conduct at all times in accordance with Society of Radiographer (SOR) Statements for Professional Conduct and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards for Proficiency for Radiographer

Planning and Organisational Duties

• Maintain an efficient workflow in all areas at all times.
• Ensure client/patient data is recorded accurately on appropriate databases.
• Participate in service development initiatives.
• Participate in service audit and presentation of associated findings to peer group.
• To assess the first line of approach to repair faults in a timely fashion, to maintain and return equipment to service.
• To undertake managerial duties in the absence of the Lead/Deputy Lead Radiographer.
  Communications and Key Working Relationships
• Communicate with all grades of referrer to ensure imaging requests are justifiable and the clinical information provided facilitates the appropriate imaging techniques being employed in accordance with IR(ME)R 2018.
• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary 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 all the examinations they undergo, whilst gaining their willing cooperation.
• 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 clients/patients who do not have English as their first language.
• Participate in the educational and health promotional aim of the service to other professions and service users.
• 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 clients/patients whilst carrying out diagnostic tests in the clinics where women are often anxious.
• Ensure that any clinical abnormalities are reported back to the reporting consultant as per protocol, to assist in diagnosis.

Responsibility for Finance

• To ensure that responsible use is made of resources

Responsibility for Human Resources

• To participate in orientation and induction of newly appointed staff.
• To support the Lead/Deputy Lead Radiographer in her absence.
• To supervise members of staff working at lower banding

Responsibility for Health & Safety
Compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 – the post holder is required to fulfil a proactive role towards the management of risk in all of their actions. This entails the risk assessment of all situations, the taking of appropriate actions and reporting of all incidents, near misses and hazards, and a statutory duty of care for their own personal safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.

Responsibility for Teaching

• Undertake appropriate, documented continuing professional development in accordance with the requirements of HCPC.
•  Participate in mandatory and other relevant Trust training.
• Participate and attend courses, conferences or meetings as deemed necessary.
• Undertake regular personal development review with the Line Manager.
• Responsible for monitoring personal performance in accordance with NHSBSP mammographic standards.
• Responsible for monitoring personal technical recall rate in liaison with the QA Radiographer.
• Participate in the training of trainee Mammographers, Assistant Practitioners, Mammography helpers and Student radiographers in liaison with the formal mentor.
• Participate in clinical update training sessions as arranged by the service with the Unit Trainer or Regional training Centre.