Download 1 - NHS Scotland Recruitment

Important Job Application Information
Thank you for your interest in NHS Tayside vacancies
Please see below Job Description/Person Specification and General Conditions of Service
Your Application Form must be completed in full. Please note copies of Curriculum Vitae,
Qualifications and Course Certificates will not be accepted at this stage.
Please return your completed Application Form to [email protected] (quoting the
vacancy reference number in the subject box) or to the postal address given on the General
Conditions of Service.
All completed applications are held in Human Resources until the closing date. After the closing
date a panel will meet to prepare an interview shortlist. Once this decision has been made, all
shortlisted applicants will be emailed to invite them to attend for interview. It is important that you
check your emails regularly.
This process takes approximately 6 weeks. Therefore, if you have not been contacted regarding
interview within 6 weeks of the closing date, your application has been unsuccessful and you will
receive no further correspondence from Human Resources.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Find out more about living and working in Tayside at:
www.dundeecity.gov.uk
www.angus.gov.uk
www.pkc.gov.uk
NHS TAYSIDE – AGENDA FOR CHANGE
JOB DESCRIPTION
1. JOB
IDENTIFICATION
Job Title
SPECIALIST CLINICAL TECHNOLOGIST
Department(s)/Location
NUCLEAR MEDICINE IN NINEWELLS, PRI
AND PET-CT IN THE CLINICAL RESEARCH
CENTRE
1
Number of job holders
2. JOB PURPOSE
To provide as part of Nuclear Medicine, an area wide diagnostic imaging service and to carry
out any other work associated with diagnostic, research and therapeutic uses of radionuclides.
3. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
The technical staffing of Nuclear Medicine (covering Ninewells Hospital, Perth Royal Infirmary and the
Clinical Research Centre) consists of a Chief Technician, 3 Lead Specialist Clinical Technologists, 1
Radiographer and 12.6 Specialist Clinical Technologist posts. There are in addition, 4.8 Clinical
Scientists, 1 Medical Consultant, 2.7 Clinical Support Workers and 1.5 Admin /Clerical members of staff.
CHIEF
TECHNOLOGIST
PRI
CT
IMAGING
LEAD SPECIALIST
CLINICAL
TECHNOLOGIST
2 CLINICAL SUPPORT
WORKERS
1 LEAD SPECIALIST
CLINICAL
TECHNOLOGIST
8.1 SPECIALIST
CLINICAL
TECHNOLOGISTS
LABORATORY
2 SPECIALIST
CLINICAL
TECHNOLOGISTS
PET-
1.5 ADMIN
AND
CLERICAL
CLERICAL
1 LEAD SPECIALIST
CLINICAL
TECHNOLOGIST
1 THIS POST
1 RADIOGRAPHER
1.5
SPECIALIST CLINICAL
TECHNOLOGISTS
1 SPECIALIST
CLINICAL
TECHNOLOGIST
1 CLINICAL SUPPORT
WORKER
4. SCOPE AND RANGE
Nuclear Medicine provides an area wide service for therapeutic and diagnostic radioisotope studies,
including advice on, and supervision of the use of radioisotopes by other clinical departments. The
service facility is provided for both in and out-patients. 6000 imaging studies, 1000 non-imaging studies
and 150 therapies are performed each year. In addition, the unit handles all radionuclide goods coming
into Ninewells Hospital, numbering approximately 600 items a year and all solid radionuclide waste
leaving Ninewells and PRI, some 2000 items each year. The Department includes Nuclear Medicine
imaging and laboratory in Ninewells and Perth Royal Infirmary and PET-CT in the Clinical Research
Centre
The post holder provides expertise by performing specialized clinical procedures on patients, handling
radionuclide goods and waste, producing radio pharmaceuticals, performing monitoring for and
decontamination of radionuclides, performing general health and safety duties, maintaining patient
records and by participating in research and development activities.
This post is primarily based at Ninewells but may be required to work in the Nuclear Medicine department
in Perth Royal Infirmary or in the PET/CT suite as required.
5. MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Undertakes work associated with diagnostic, research and therapeutic uses of radionuclides to
provide a high quality service.
Clinical (65%)

Answers appointment related queries from patients and staff before the day of the
procedure.

Prepares radiopharmaceuticals and equipment for administration.

Manipulates radiopharmaceuticals under non-aseptic conditions as required.

Identifies the patient and explain the procedure.

Deals with queries from patients and staff regarding procedures on a daily basis.

Assesses whether the patient is adequately prepared e.g. has fasted, been off named
medications, if female is not pregnant or breastfeeding.

Administers radiopharmaceuticals and non-radioactive named drugs intravenously,
intramuscularly or orally in accordance with the relevant departmental protocols, radiation
protection legislation and medicines legislation.

Operates Gamma cameras, PET/CT scanners and associated computers to obtain high
quality dynamic, static, whole body and tomographic diagnostic images.

Processes images using specialized computer software to generate regions of interest,
time/activity curves, tomographic slices and statistical information.

Gives advice to the patient on measures to keep the radioactive dose to themselves and
others as low as possible.

Uses aseptic techniques to take blood samples as required.

Communicates sensitive patient-related information to other staff.

Undertakes radiation contamination monitoring and decontamination on a daily basis to
ensure the safe containment of radiation contamination.

Liaises with clinical and other staff in arrangements for clinical procedures on a daily basis
to give high quality patient care and provide a high quality service.

May be required to undertake additional non-imaging procedures.
Other Radionuclide and Support Duties (15%)

Undertakes the maintenance of records for the unit on a daily basis including the unit’s
record of administered radiation dose in accordance with the Ionizing Radiation (Medical
Exposure) Regulations 2000.

Assists with work designed to maintain or improve health and safety standards and
maintains the facilities of the section in a clean, orderly and tidy fashion as required.

Undertakes work connected with the production of radio-pharmaceuticals and other labeled
materials on a daily basis.

Deals with radionuclide waste generated within the Nuclear Medicine Unit daily. Ensures
that liquid disposals to drain are within monthly limits and containers of radionuclide waste
are appropriately labeled, shielded and stored for decay as appropriate.

Assists with the implementation and maintenance of any quality assurance scheme adopted
by the Nuclear Medicine Unit including daily checks of Gamma cameras, PET/CT scanners
and dose calibrators.

Maintains the stock control system and places weekly orders.

Empties injection containers and prepares them for re-use as required.

Transports radionuclides, blood samples and radioactive waste around the hospital as
required.

Undertakes such other duties of a similar nature that may, from time to time, be assigned on
behalf of the Clinical Leader of Medical Physics.
Research and Development (15%)

Assists with the introduction of new apparatus and new or modified techniques, under the
guidance of senior officers as required.

Contributes to the development and maintenance of departmental protocols, procedures
and patient information as required.

Participates in research activities as directed e.g. testing of new equipment, development of
new protocols, evaluation of novel radiopharmaceuticals or study acquisition for clinical
trials.
Communication, Training and Professional (5%)
 Collaborates with scientific, technical, clerical and nursing staff as required on a daily basis
to facilitate the smooth running of the department and to deliver high quality patient care.

Assists with nursing staff, medical student and junior Nuclear Medicine staff training as
directed by senior officers as required.

Attends relevant training courses, seminars, tutorials and conferences as required to
maintain a high level of knowledge and skills.

Maintains own CPD portfolio and is able to work at Band 6 e-ksf

Attends local Staff Consultative Group, Health and Safety Group and Imaging Section
Meetings as required.
6. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
The post holder is required to communicate to colleagues, staff and patients, including other
hospitals and suppliers in oral, written and electronic form.
Communication frequently involves cultural and language difficulties, dealing with patients with
physical and or mental special needs, very sick patients, young children and elderly or frail
patients. This frequently involves tact, persuasive skills and dealing with sensitive information
e.g. many patients have cancer related illnesses and a high degree of empathy is required.
When the patient presents for the procedure, the post-holder will explain what will happen,
answer the patients queries and questions, identify the patient, and ask females of ages 12 to
55 to complete a declaration regarding pregnancy and breast feeding.
The post holder receives condition-related information regarding patients from, and conveys
similar information to clinicians, nurses, pharmacy staff and other health professionals up to
consultant level.
The post holder communicates practical topics to immediate colleagues such as training junior
staff in manual handling, familiarization of new equipment and procedures, hygiene and health
and safety including radiation protection. The post holder communicates with senior technical,
scientific and clinical colleagues, passing on information regarding technical difficulties
encountered and receiving guidance and instruction in return.
Key contacts:
Ms Elaine Duncan, Chief Technologist, Nuclear Medicine
Dr Norman Kennedy, Consultant Clinical Scientist
Dr John Davidson, Medical Consultant in Nuclear Medicine
Mr. Scot Hudson, Chief Clinical/Engineering Technologist, Medical Physics
Ms Jacqueline Rowell, Pharmacy Technician
Nursing staff within Nuclear Medicine
Clinical Support Workers within Nuclear Medicine
Administration and Clerical staff within Nuclear Medicine
Other scientific staff within Nuclear Medicine
Non-imaging Nuclear Medicine laboratory staff
Nursing and Medical staff in other departments in Ninewells Hospital
Nursing and Medical staff in other Hospitals such as Perth Royal Infirmary, Royal Victoria
Hospital, Dundee and Stracathro Hospital.
Staff in other departments within Ninewells Hospital such as supplies department, estates
department and portering
Administration and Clerical staff in other departments within Ninewells Hospital and other
hospitals
Ambulance Planning Department
Radiographer Lead, Jane Williams-Butt, Clinical Radiology
7. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
There is a requirement for specialist technical knowledge across the range of work procedures,
policies, protocols and practices. This must be based on a sound knowledge of the relevant
theory, underpinned by extensive relevant practical experience.
The post holder will possess a BSc in Clinical Technology, BSc in Radiography or equivalent
qualification in a science-related subject plus a previous experience of specialised clinical
investigative and therapeutic work in Nuclear Medicine or equivalent. Radiographers will be
Health Care Professions Council registered, if a technologist they should be on the voluntary
IPEM register or working towards standard.
This experience includes the skills and training required to operate complex specialist equipment
such as Gamma cameras, PET/CT scanners and associated computers. An in-depth knowledge
of radiation physics, anatomy, physiology, pathology and the effect of radiation on biological
systems is required. Knowledge and practical experience of patient care and health and safety
are necessary. Analytical and judgment skills are required when processing complex image data
therefore advanced computer skills are required.
Must maintain own CPD portfolio and be able to provide sufficient information for HCPC / IPEM
audit
There is a need for the continual updating of knowledge and skills through the attendance of
lectures and conferences and by reading appropriate textbooks and journals.
Clinical skills such as venepuncture, cannulation, intravenous and intramuscular drug
administration and basic life support are required.
The post holder requires radiation protection training and a thorough knowledge of the Local
Rules and policies with regard to the radiation protection aspects of Nuclear Medicine.
ESSENTIAL ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
8.
SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
The post holder is required to operate, and manage staff that operate, sophisticated and expensive Gamma
Cameras, PET-CT scanners and associated specialised computers to obtain diagnostic images and
information. Other medical equipment to be operated includes ECG monitors, blood pressure monitors,
glucose monitors and infusion pumps. Equipment associated with the detection and measurement of
radiation includes dose calibrators, dose rate meters and scintillation/Geiger counters. A specialised
generator used to produce radioactive gas for inhalation is also used. Computers are used to assist in
compiling and updating departmental protocols, for recording patient data and to obtain relevant information
from the internet. A microwave is used for the preparation of oral doses.
The post holder will perform daily quality control tests to ensure the correct working of this equipment. The
post holder is required to have enough knowledge of equipment to trouble shoot when problems arise and
to liaise with engineers and maintenance staff required to repair equipment.
The staff member is responsible for the correct manipulation and administration of expensive radiopharmaceuticals costing up to £1000 for a single dose and responsible for other staff using
radiopharmaceuticals.
In addition the post holder maintains systems of monitoring for radioactive contamination and radio-nuclide
security by restricting access to controlled areas, and ensuring that contamination monitors and monitors
used in the detection of radioactivity are calibrated and checked regularly.
The post holder needs to have knowledge of Nuclear Medicine non-imaging equipment. These comprise
Gamma and Beta counters, centrifuges, therapy administration system and a specialised semiconductor
counter and to co-ordinate the repair and maintenance of such equipment.
The post holder manages staff who operate the non-imaging equipment.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR RECORDS MANAGEMENT
All records created in the course of the business of NHS Tayside are corporate records and are public records
under the terms of the Public Records (Scotland) Act 1937. This includes email messages and other electronic
records. It is your responsibility to ensure that you keep appropriate records of your work in NHS Tayside and
manage those records in keeping with the NHS Tayside Records Management Policy and with any guidance
produced by NHS Tayside specific to your employment.
9.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
Physical Skills
Precision, dexterity and manipulation skills along with high levels of hand–eye coordination are required for
venepuncture, cannulation and injecting of patients. These qualities are also required for the manipulation of
radiopharmaceuticals and the use of dose calibrators and contamination monitors.
The ability for speed and accuracy and advanced keyboard and sensory skills are also required when
manipulating diagnostic images and data and drawing regions of interest with specialised computer software.
Physical Effort
Frequent moderate physical effort is required. The post holder is required to be trained in the manual
handling of loads and patients. Heavy equipment is moved daily. This typically includes pushing shielded
dose trolleys (up to100kg), collimator carts (up to 300kg), camera beds (up to 370kg) and the Technegas
generator (up to 180kg) are moved daily.
Some patients need to be transferred to the scanning beds from wheelchairs, trolleys and beds using a
variety of aids including hoists and easy slides. Elderly, frail and sick, semi-mobile patients need to be
assisted to the toilet and onto the camera beds.
Mental Effort
There is a frequent requirement for concentration where the work pattern is unpredictable. The Gamma
cameras, PET-CT, Gamma and Beta counters and associated computers are extremely complicated and as
such, need concentration when acquiring and processing information. Patient safety, camera failure, and
complicated image processing procedures require concentration. Analysing and reporting quantitative data
requires concentration and accuracy. Planned work is subject to frequent interruption throughout the day.
Typical interruptions include telephone calls from patients regarding their procedures, telephone calls from
the staff of other departments requesting procedures or with queries, camera and equipment failure and staff
within Nuclear Medicine requiring advice on procedures. There is a requirement for prolonged periods of
concentration when planning and developing protocols, procedures, training and work rotas. There is
frequent mental effort in dealing with personnel problems.
Emotional Effort
Emotional effort includes frequent exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances when dealing with
terminally ill, very sick, disabled or aggressive patients.
Working Conditions
The post holder works daily with unsealed radionuclides from which there will be an external radioactive
dose. In addition the manipulation of sources carries the risk of radioactive contamination. Working with
therapy doses incurs exposure to particularly high radiation doses. There is also frequent exposure to
hazardous airborne radioactive contamination.
There is frequent exposure to unpleasant smells and substances that are a biological hazard and/or chemical
hazard. The post holder is required to assist with soiled patients and bedding. Urine, blood and other body
fluids are handled as part of the daily clinical work.
10.
DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
The post holder is allocated duties on a rotational basis and is responsible for the carrying out of
these duties unsupervised. The post holder is responsible for the management of the allocated
workload to provide a high quality service. The duties are performed to written protocols but the
post holder has the discretion to make adjustments if necessary.
Support and advice is available to the post holder from senior members of staff if unforeseen
circumstances arise such as the breakdown of equipment and difficulties with IV administration,
image acquisition, image processing and patient related problems.
The typical decisions the post holder is required to make include checking the appropriateness of a
request, deciding on a suitable injection site, deciding on the most suitable method of imaging to
get high quality images, re-arranging patient imaging times and re-allocating patients to different
camera rooms if difficulties arise. The post holder is also required to decide if enough images and
information has been obtained before discharging the patient. The post holder is required to
analyze the patient data and make judgments as to the requirement for further imaging.
The post holder will need to decide if the patient has been adequately prepared e.g. fasted,
stopped certain medication and not likely to be pregnant or breast-feeding.
The post holder is required to make judgments as to the medical condition of patients and obtain
medical assistance where appropriate.
The post holder will require to make judgments as to the performance of the Gamma cameras and
other equipment and decide on appropriate action.
The post holder will need to interpret images and data for unexpected results and then identify the
causes.
The post holder will be required to evaluate existing and proposed policies, protocols, working
practices and patient information of the imaging section in order to suggest changes, comment on
and to draft new versions.
11.
MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
Acquiring and processing complex diagnostic images and data using specialized imaging
equipment and computer software and deciding if further imaging is required.
The post holder has a great responsibility for patient care. Day to day they carry out complex
diagnostic and therapeutic procedures directly on patients, frequently dealing with adult and
paediatric patients some of whom are very sick, anxious, disabled or terminally ill. In addition,
monitoring equipment performance and performing quality assurance checks impact upon the
quality of clinical care.
The daily requirement to work with unsealed radioactive materials with constant external radiation
and the ever-present risk of contamination as well as biohazards such as blood and urine and
various other hazardous chemicals.
Person Specification
POST REF NO:
P/HC/46
JOB TITLE/BAND:
Specialist Clinical Technologist for PET/
CT Radiographer – Band 6
LOCATION:
Nuclear Medical based in Ninewells Hospital, Dundee
HOURS:
37.5 hours per week
CRITERIA
ESSENTIAL
EXPERIENCE:
Demonstrate that you work well within a Experience of teaching
small team
or training others, does not
need to include radiography
Previous radiographic experience
Any evidence of courses
DCR (R) or BSc Diagnostic Imaging
attended
HPC registration or VRCT registration
QUALIFICATIONS:
(Training; Research;
Publications)
KNOWLEDGE &
SKILLS:
Post graduate qualifications
Thorough CT knowledge – ability to scan all
body areas
Training such as: BLS, Moving and
Handling
Can comply to Band 6 KSF outcomes
Excellent communication skills, both written
and verbal
Good organisational skills
Excellent interpersonal skills – good working
relationships with peers
Knowledge of cross sectional terminology.
and anatomy
PERSONAL QUALITIES:
DESIRABLE
Motivated, caring person who can work
without direction
Keen to learn new skills and put into
practice
Confident, self motivated, logical and
organised.
Some previous rotational CT
/Technologist experience.
Presentation/lecture skills.
Intravenous cannulation skill
Ability to think laterally and provide
alternative solutions to problems.
Take full responsibility for own learning
Proven excellent interpersonal skills
OTHER:
The need to work flexibly to cover the
clinical demands of the CRIF service
General Conditions of Service
POST REF NO:
P/HC/46
JOB TITLE/GRADE:
Specialist Clinical Technologist for PET/
CT Radiographer – Band 6
LOCATION:
Conditions of Service
Remuneration
Hours of Duty
Superannuation
Nuclear Medicine based in Ninewells Hospital, Dundee
The terms and conditions of service for this post are those
determined by the NHS Staff Council.
The current salary scale for the post is £25,783 to £34,530 per
annum (pro rata for part-time staff). Placing on the scale on
appointment is normally at the minimum but may be higher
subject to verification of previous relevant service.
Salary is paid Monthly by Bank Credit Transfer.
The hours of the post are 37.5 per week.
Start and finish times will be determined by the needs of the
service.
Membership of the NHS Superannuation Scheme is not
compulsory but is open to all staff between the ages of 16 and
70 (65 in some instances).
The contributions paid are a percentage of superannuable pay,
which is essentially basic pay excluding, for example, overtime
or travelling expenses.
Contribution rates with effect from 01.04.12 are as follows:
Annual Pensionable Pay
(Full-time equivalent)
Up to £15,000
£15,001 to £21,175
£21,176 to £26,557
£26,558 to £48,982
£48,983 to £69,931
£69,932 to £110,273
£110,274 to any higher amount
Annual Leave
Contribution
5%
5%
6.5%
8.0%
8.9%
9.9%
10.9%
Contributions are subject to tax relief and reduced National
Insurance contributions. NHS Tayside also makes a substantial
contribution towards scheme benefits – currently around 14% of
basic pay.
On appointment = 27 days (pro rata for part-time Staff) or 5.4
weeks per year.
After 5 years aggregated service = 29 days (pro rata for part-time
staff) or 5.8 weeks per year
After 10 years aggregated service = 33 days (pro rata for parttime staff) or 6.6 weeks per year
References
Occupational Health
Clearance
Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974
(Exclusions and
Exceptions) (Scotland)
Order 2003
Disclosure Scotland
Immigration, Asylum and
Nationality Act 2006
Public Holidays = 8 days (pro rata for part-time staff) or 1.6
weeks per year
All offers of appointment are subject to receipt of two satisfactory
references
All offers of appointment to new entrants to the National Health
Service are subject to a medical examination. Medical
examinations are arranged and undertaken by the Occupational
Health and Safety Advisory Service (OHSAS).
All current or spent criminal convictions, cautions, warnings or
any case pending must be disclosed prior to commencing in
employment as detailed on the application form.
Please note that having a conviction will not automatically debar
you from obtaining employment with NHS Tayside. Careful
consideration will be given to the relevance of the offence to the
particular post in question. However, if you are appointed, and it
is found that you did not reveal a previous conviction your
employment may be terminated.
The successful applicant will be required to become a member of
the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG) in respect of
regulated work with protected adults and regulated work with
children.
It is a criminal offence for an employer to employ anyone who
does not have permission to live or work in the UK.
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to produce specific original
documentation at interview e.g. Passport, or full birth certificate
together with an official document giving the applicants
permanent National Insurance Number and name issued by a
Government Agency or a previous employer, as well as
photocopies of these documents.
Professional Registration/ You should have current and continuing professional registration
Induction Standards & Codewith HPC/Voluntary IPEM or working towards standard and hold
of Conduct
the appropriate qualifications.
Smoking Policy
Smoking is prohibited within NHS premises and grounds.
Applications
Completed forms should be returned to:
[email protected] quoting the job reference in the
subject line
or Human Resources, Management Offices, Perth Royal
Infirmary, Taymount Terrace, Perth PH1 1NX
By closing date of Friday, 28 June 2013