Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To undertake a complex caseload within the field of breast imaging working with patients
being investigated for breast problems predominantly cancer and recurrent cancer and
undergoing invasive procedures.
• To use advanced communication skills on a daily basis to communicate and empathise
with very anxious patients and their relatives about life threatening disease.
• To discuss results of complex imaging procedures with patients.
• To communicate and discuss results of imaging procedures on an equal level of
understanding and credibility with Consultants in the multi-disciplinary team.
• To assess and respond to individual developmental needs in the training and supervision
of medical staff and students in breast imaging.
• To communicate with specialist groups nationally to improve services and develop best
practice, through attendance at specialist meetings and conferences.
• To interpret screening and symptomatic mammograms, requesting either ultrasound or
further x-rays as necessary. Issue an autonomous report.
• To perform breast ultrasound examinations to a high standard. Interpret and analyse the
findings of the examination from a range of complex components to produce a diagnosis.
Use judgement to perform a biopsy if required. Issue an autonomous report.
• To localise abnormalities prior to surgery taking into account the visibility of the abnormality
on different X-ray views, ultrasound images and the position of the abnormality within the
breast.
• To perform complex needle biopsies and aspirations using ultrasound or stereotactic
guidance on a range of breast abnormalities, using judgement to identify the abnormality
from the x-rays, ultrasound images and patient notes to determine the best patient
position, approach, needle type and length and number of biopsies to be taken.
• To participate and assist in the effective Quality Control and Quality Assurance
programme, undertaking daily and periodic testing of all equipment ensuring optimum
conditions are in place before commencing clinical work
• To comply with guidelines governing safe use of ultrasound machines in medicine.
• To interpret QA test results and take appropriate remedial action.

To plan film-reading sessions so the required number of screening films are read per year
whilst also fulfilling the requirements for performing audit on film reporting and biopsies/
localisations.
• To plan and organise appointments and management of symptomatic ultrasound lists to
ensure optimum patient care and efficiency.
• To organise and adjust appointments during rapid diagnosis and assessment clinics to
optimise patient flow, reprioritising to accommodate extra patients and emergencies.
• To participate in planning of appointments for ultrasound and/or stereotactic techniques for
maximum efficiency.
• To organise radiographers and assistants in ultrasound and/or stereotactic rooms on a
daily basis to facilitate smooth running clinics
• To attend, assist and participate in multi-disciplinary planning meetings.
• To participate in the day to day running of the services provided at the Linda McCartney
Centre e.g. to adjust and reorganise the workload as required.
• To organise incidental activities as required.

• To use a variety of computer applications to maintain patient records and write reports,
perform and present audit and for teaching purposes.
• To maintain and develop advanced sensory skills for the interpretation and reporting of
complex breast images (mammograms and ultrasound).
• To be an expert in the use of complex state of the art imaging equipment including
ultrasound scanners and/or digital stereotactic machines with computer guided biopsy
systems. Also, the use of vacuum assisted and spring loaded biopsy devices.
• To perform complex interventional procedures accurately targeting and sampling breast
abnormalities with a biopsy needle under ultrasound or stereotactic guidance. Use
judgement to optimise patient position, approach, needle type and number of biopsies to
be taken. Deploy a radiopaque marker when judged necessary.
• To manipulate sharp instruments within an area of restricted access without injury to self,
staff or patients.
• To accurately localise breast abnormalities by ultrasound or stereotactic guidance prior to
surgery by skin marking, wire insertion or injection of radioactive isotope.
• To train to perform vacuum assisted biopsies for diagnostic or therapeutic excision of
breast abnormalities.