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Job summary

Main area
Radiology
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 4
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
410-CLIN-7877679
Employer
Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Liverpool Heart & chest Hospital
Town
Liverpool
Salary
Band 3 salary until assistant practitioner course is completed
Closing
29/03/2026 23:59
Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust logo

Radiology Assistant Practitioner

NHS AfC: Band 4

As the largest single site specialist heart and chest hospital in the UK, we, at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, have a clear vision 'to be the best cardiothoracic integrated healthcare organisation'.

We provide specialist services in cardiothoracic surgery, cardiology, respiratory medicine including adult cystic fibrosis and diagnostic imaging, both in the hospital and out in the community.

We serve a catchment area of 2.8 million people, spanning Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales and the Isle of Man, and increasingly we receive referrals from outside these areas for highly specialised services such as aortics.

Heart and lung disease continue to be amongst the biggest killers in the UK and the communities we serve are marked by increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease, higher levels of heart failure, hypertension, coronary artery disease and an ageing population.

Our reputation for strong performance is important in delivering the best care for our patients and high quality clinical services. This is underpinned by a culture of research and innovation, delivered in modern estate and facilitated by technology. New and upgraded clinical areas are designed with patients and families fully involved to deliver their needs.

As part of our long term plan, we aim to form strong clinical and organisational relationships where possible. There is clear evidence that partnerships improve patient care and enhance quality and we aim to collaborate with a range of other providers and professionals with the aim to extending access and improve quality.  

Our vision is underpinned by five strategic goals:

  • Quality: to deliver the highest quality, safest and best experience for patients and their families by providing reliable care 
  • Service and Innovation: to develop our service portfolio for patients by developing innovative models of care
  • Value: to maintain financial viability, enhance service delivery and develop new models of care to improve the health of our patients and safely reduce costs
  • Workforce: to be the best NHS Employer by 2019 by attracting and retaining the best staff to deliver excellent patient care
  • Stakeholders: to develop productive relationships with key stakeholders in order to enhance our profile and reputation.

Our Mission

“Excellent, Compassionate and Safe care for every patient, every day”

Job overview

LHCH  is looking for highly motivated members of staff to become a Radiography Assistant Practitioners.  The successful applicant will be enrolled onto a 2 year degree apprenticeship, after which they would become a qualified Assistant Practitioner. The AP course will provide the candidate with a Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care (Radiography Route).  This will enable the applicant to practice as an Assistant Practitioner in Diagnostic Radiography (within their scope of practice). 

As part of their training, the post-holder will be required to undertake self-directed study, attend online learning sessions and will be required to travel to the university when required. On the job training will also be provided by qualified Radiographers in the General X-Ray department. 

Entry requirements:

The requirement is NVQ L3 or equivalent (e.g .  Access to HE course). Relevant experience/other qualifications/portfolio of evidence that can demonstrate capability of study at the required level can be considered by the University.  Maths/English can be studied while on the course to the required level, but it is recommended that where possible, the candidate has these prior to starting the course.  It is essential that at the end of the Apprenticeship the student has Maths and English at GCSE/L2 Functional Skills.   

Main duties of the job

This is a training post offering the successful candidate the opportunity to work in a supported learning environment in the Radiology Department.

Salary for this degree apprenticeship post will be Band 3 for a fixed term of two years and Band 4 on successful completion of the Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care (Radiography Route).

 

The candidate will be supervised when carrying out all clinical activity through the course of the degree apprenticeship. Level of supervision may be direct or indirect as per skills and competencies obtained by the apprentice.

Working for our organisation

As the largest single site specialist heart and chest hospital in the UK, we, at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, have a clear vision 'to be the best cardiothoracic integrated healthcare organisation'.

We provide specialist services in cardiothoracic surgery, cardiology, respiratory medicine both in the hospital and out in the community.

We serve a catchment area of 2.8 million people, spanning Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales and the Isle of Man, and increasingly we receive referrals from outside these areas for highly specialised services such as aortics.

Our reputation for strong performance is important in delivering the best care for our patients and high quality clinical services. This is underpinned by a culture of research and innovation, delivered in modern estate and our encouragement of flexible working in a variety of forms.

Please visit our website - https://www.lhch.nhs.uk/

Please follow this link for a tour of our site - https://bit.ly/36ylsoq

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

 JOB PURPOSE

·         To carry out supervised (direct and indirect) radiographic examinations within the agreed scope of practice for the role, striving to produce images that are of exemplary diagnostic quality. 

·         To work as part of the Radiology team, supporting LHCH in delivering a high quality, safe and patient focussed service and high standards by contributing to the department’s team approach to patient centred care.

·         To assist within the department, doing a range of clerical and patient related tasks.

·         Represent the Radiology team and LHCH in a professional and appropriate manner. 

·         Contribute to safe working practices, ensuring full compliance with all local and national guidance and regulatory requirements.


    The post holder will rotate through the plain film rooms, mobiles and perform non- complex screening procedures in Theatre and Fluoroscopy.

 

This is a training post offering the successful candidate the opportunity to work in a supported learning environment in the Radiology Department.

Salary for this degree apprenticeship post will be Band 3 for a fixed term of two years and Band 4 on successful completion of the Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care (Radiography Route).

 

The candidate will be supervised when carrying out all clinical activity through the course of the degree apprenticeship. Level of supervision may be direct or indirect as per skills and competencies obtained by the apprentice.

 

Key Responsibilities include:

·         Progress towards providing high quality diagnostic imaging under supervision within the required scope of practice. The scope of training may extend to supporting more complex procedures under supervision, where this is appropriate for the role and after appropriate training.

 

·         To work within all mandated Regulatory guidelines and comply with all Trust and Departmental, Policies Protocols and Guidelines, ensuring high quality, safe working practices in a safe working environment.

 

·         Provide highest quality of care, treating all patients equally. Patient assessment within scope of practice.

 

·         The post-holder will be responsible for the safe and efficient use of expensive and complex technical equipment, within the scope of their supervised practice.

 

·         Developing towards management of workload in the room/area they are responsible for.

 

·         To work as part of the wider LHCH team, supporting patient pathways for all patient types, assuring that patients receive the most effective and efficient service within the scope of the trainees practice.

                                                                      

·         To know, understand and adhere to IRMER 2017, IRR 2017 regulations and local rules, ensuring the highest standard of radiation protection for staff, patients, visitors, maintaining a safe working environment.

·         The post holder is required to communicate effectively with all levels of Trust staff, carers and relatives in order to provide best patient care.

·         Recognises that radiology examinations support wider patient pathways, patient flow and day-to-day hospital management.

·         Must communicate effectively with external support staff/engineers as required.

·         Represents the Trust and Department in a professional manner at all times.

 

 

  

 

 

·         Is able to assess the requirements of each individual patient and adapt any part of the visit or examination in order to give the patient the best experience possible.

·         Under supervision assesses each individual patient and develops toward adapting technical aspects of an examination in order to provide highest quality diagnostic imaging with lowest possible dose.

·         Under supervision assesses and maintains imaging quality, performing all necessary processing functions to achieve good quality images.

·         On qualification will work as an Operator, will be able to assess request details against departmental protocols and provide the appropriate examination.

·         On qualification it is expected that post holder will participate in any ‘red dot’ process or extension of that, whilst recognising any limitations in their knowledge or experience.

 

·         The positioning and moving of patients and x-ray equipment to perform specific radiographic examinations. The post can involve frequent periods of physical effort and handling of immobile patients during examination whilst manoeuvring the imaging equipment. Frequent moving and handling, use of Hoist, Pat Slide, Roller Board, moving trolleys, beds, wheelchairs, mobile equipment and Image Intensifiers.

·         Unpredictable workloads

·         Frequent concentration on individual patient assessment and examination technique.

·         Accurate patient data entry onto RIS and PACS systems required.

·         Occasional exposure to distressing and emotional circumstances e.g. distressed patients, injuries or terminally ill patients.

 

Planning and Organisational Skills

 

·         Contributes to the efficient and effective delivery of the workload.

·         Supports senior staff in day-to-day provision of service.

·         On qualification, independently manages workload appropriately when working in other departments or out of hours, seeking advice when necessary.

·         When working outside of working hours, under supervision, will prioritise workload appropriately, considering requirements of all patients and referrers.

·         Pro-actively seeks to fill time between patients in the most effective way for the service and in whichever part of the service requires support.

 

 

 

Responsibility for Quality and Service Improvement

 

 

·         Shares knowledge & experience with other practitioners, assistant practitioners, student radiographers and other trainees

·         Will provide the most efficient service whilst maintaining highest levels of quality and care.

·         Will support creation and maintenance of any documentation as appropriate and when required.

·         Will highlight potential service improvements or efficiencies via the appropriate route.

·         Will support any service improvement activity

 

 
     

 

Responsibility for Finance, Equipment and Other Resources

 

·         Is responsible for safe use of all equipment used within the remit of the role.

·         Must highlight training deficiencies in relation to any equipment.

·         Has shared responsibility to monitor equipment during day-to-day activity and to report any issues at the earliest stage.

·         Has shared responsibility for appropriate care of equipment, including day-to-day housekeeping.

·         There are no financial responsibilities.

 

 

 

 

Information Technology and Administrative Duties

·         Post holder will be required to use the provided Radiology Information (CRIS) and PACS systems.

·         It is expected that data quality will be maintained by compliance with all data entry requirements in CRIS and PACS .

·         It is the post holders responsibility to report data entry errors that have been saved against a patient record.

 

 

Responsibility for Research and Development

·         The post holder will support any R&D activity as required

 

MANAGERIAL/LEADERSHIP

Ensure a healthy, safe and secure working environment, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, maintaining accurate documentation and reporting any concerns.

 

EDUCATION/LEARNING

·         Maintain and developing professional competency, meeting the requirements of appropriate professional bodies in respect of CPD.

·         Share learning.

·         Identify own training needs and contribute to the departmental education programme.

·         Participate in all Trust mandatory courses

·         Take responsibility for own learning and development by recognising and taking advantage of all opportunities to learn, including full participation in appraisal, supervision, action learning and by maintaining a professional/personal portfolio of learning

 

This job description is an outline of the role and function. It is not intended to describe all specific tasks.

 

All staff at LHCH have a responsibility to:

·         Always act in accordance with professional Codes of Conduct and guiding documents

·         Maintain up to date skills and knowledge

·         Maintain an awareness of patient led service issues

·         Maintain a professional/personal portfolio

·         Adhere to all Trust policy, procedures and guidelines.

·         Adhere to Trust standards of behaviour and expected performance

·         Comply with Infection Prevention and Control (IP&C) policies and procedures as appropriate to their role and responsibilities in their individual work setting. Staff are required to be personally accountable for their actions and be responsible for their own compliance in relation to IP&C polices, protocols or advice.

·         Ensure they work in accordance with local procedures and report any issues which they consider to be a risk to the health and safety of themselves and/or others.

·         Act in accordance with the Trusts values and behaviours

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • NVQ L3 or equivalent (e.g . Access to HE course).
  • Clinical/healthcare experience in Radiology
Desirable criteria
  • Maths and English at GCSE/L2 Functional Skills.

Skills & Knowledge

Essential criteria
  • Strong interest in a Career in Radiography
  • Able to learn and develop the role.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Able to work as part of a team
  • follow procedures and protocols, working to agreed standards
  • Ability to organise, plan and prioritise workload efficiently
Desirable criteria
  • Experience using CRIS
  • Experience using EPR
  • Experience using PACS
  • IT skills

Values & Behaviours

Essential criteria
  • Own values in line with Trust values
  • Caring
  • Diplomatic
  • Teamwork
  • Showing compassion for patients
  • Highly self-motivated
  • Acts as a role model
  • Takes ownership
  • Evidence of continued learning
  • Awareness of challenges within the NHS and impact this may have day to day
Veteran AwareArmed Forces Covenant (Silver Award)Care quality commission - OutstandingSVMQ Distinction

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Rachel Diamond
Job title
X-ray Lead Radiographer
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
0151 600 1616

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