BJUSMBA/COL/041208/02 -- This CT and MRI department is a large state of the art facility that consists of a team of senior radiographers, radiologists, nurses, helpers and clerical staff who deliver a high standard of patient care and a Radiographer experienced in CT and MRI is sought to join this professional team. While the role is initially for a period of 6 months there is a possibility this will roll on for longer.
Responsibilities:
• Perform a wide range of CT and MRI examinations of all body areas as required, managing patient priority as appropriate and maintaining a high standard of patient care, respect for dignity and privacy.
• Advise radiologists on the technical capabilities of the scanners and suggest appropriate protocols and sequences to best demonstrate common pathologies.
• Take responsibility for the IV cannulation and drug administration relevant to the examination performed, and the possible complications, without direct supervision by medical personnel.
• Accurately record data inputs concerning the examination for the purposes of patient record integrity and statistical purposes. This involves use of the hospital and radiology computer systems, and the image archiving system (PACS).
• Maintain a high level of technical and theoretical skills for both CT and MRI modalities, and different scanners through personal CPD.
• Be fully aware of the bio-effects of MRI and ensure the MRI scanner is operated within safe limits. This will involve risk/benefit decisions taking individual patients and situations into account.
• Be fully familiar with safety procedures specific to the MRI environment - e.g. fire, quench (rapid loss of helium gas from MRI scanner with displacement of oxygen), cardiac arrest - where there is a potentially fatal risk to staff and rescue personnel if the situation is inappropriately managed.
• Review images and ensure that any additional imaging procedures or views are acquired prior to the patient leaving the department.
• Bring to the attention of the radiologist (or referring clinician in their absence) the presence of any pathology that may suggest that urgent medical intervention is indicated.
• Communicate effectively with patients and escorts throughout their journey in the department, with particular sensitivity to anxieties regarding the claustrophobic nature of the MRI scanner, and the potential outcome of the examination. Much skill and a variety of persuasive and counselling-like strategies are required in helping patients to overcome their anxieties in order to complete the examination.
• Perform intravenous cannulation for patients undergoing CT and MRI, and administer IV drugs and contrast agents according to local and national protocols. This involves ascertaining the patients’ suitability for IV drugs and taking joint responsibility for the potential complications under the indirect supervision of radiologists. This also involves the use of several low-pressure remotely operated pumps, whilst operating advanced software on the scanners to monitor the exact timing of the patients’ circulation. These skills require excellent hand-eye co-ordination and frequent practice to maintain competence.
• Review the imaging protocols and attend departmental meetings to suggest enhancements or incorporate ongoing improvements.
• Care for patients who have received sedation or general anaesthesia in the department.
• Prepare sterile trolleys and cytology slides for specialist CT procedures.
• Ensure that patients have given verbal consent prior to exposure to ionising radiation, MRI and IV contrast/drugs. Where this cannot be obtained referral to a radiologist or other medically qualified person is required.
• Perform intimate procedures to prepare the patient for CT and MRI scans of the pelvis and colon with due regard to the patients’ dignity and physical condition.
Requirements:
• Primary Qualification in Radiography.
• Registration with the Health Professionals Council, UK
• Ideally at least 2 years postgraduate experience.
• Experience in CT and MRI is essential.
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