Sinsearach Radagrafaí - Permanent Full-time (35 hours per week)
You will be required to be flexible in this position and must be prepared to undertake any other duties as may be assigned to you by your Head of Department/Line Manager dependent on service needs. The post holder will be trained in the use of equipment in the radiology department and work in areas as specified by the weekly roster, when not assigned to radiation protection duties. Such duties can be outside the area of your normal work and may be for other associated Departments as the Hospital may require. The appointed person shall also take part in the on-call roster as required.
* Participate in the provision of radiography services in a professional manner, thereby upholding the reputation of the department and the hospital.
* Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team in the provision of an integrated patient-centred service.
* Responsible for managing the staff and workload within the department as and when required.
* Participate in the on-call roster.
* Adhere to all departmental imaging protocols.
* Adhere to professional guidelines as determined by the Irish Institute of Radiographers (IIRRT).
* Contribute to the development and implementation of agreed policies, procedures and safe professional practice.
* Monitor and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards relevant to the use of ionising radiation.
* Ensure that appropriate radiation protection is used and that the radiation dose is kept to a minimum consistent with the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle.
* Participate in the routine inspection of equipment and quality assurance procedures.
* Be responsible for the cleaning and care of all imaging equipment.
* Be responsible for the safe use of all imaging equipment and adhering to instructions on its use; and ensure other staff comply with same.
* Be responsible for the logging and reporting of all equipment faults to the Radiography Service Manager or his / her designate.
* Demonstrate flexibility in response to service needs.
* Lead and assist in audit and quality assurance programmes; participate in the implementation of findings.
* Be accountable – taking responsibility for his / her actions, seeking advice / a second opinion, as required.
* Maximise the use of technology including the NIMIS system.
* Ensure the correct completion of records and reports.
* Respect and maintain the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of the service user and in relation to all hospital activities as per statutory requirements.
* Foster a collegiate environment.
* Relate to and communicate with all other staff in a courteous and helpful manner at all times.
Specific Responsibilities
* Ensure that Radiation Protection procedures/Local Rules are updated, implemented and observed in the Department and SIVUH. Organise, chair, and maintain accurate minutes of the quarterly hospital Radiation Safety Committee meetings.
* Ensure that the Radiation Licence is renewed on time and includes any updates of changes made to the ionising radiation equipment in the hospital.
* Ensure that Reports are made to the RSM and the MPE/RPA on any incidents, accidents, or other abnormal situations involving radiation.
* Ensure that every member of staff to whom the code applies is familiar with the responsibilities and precautions imposed upon them by the code and the local rules and sign a statement to this effect.
* Ensure that Individual dose assessments are carried out and recorded for persons subject to monitoring, and any unexpected dose readings are reported to the RSM and the MPE/RPA.
* Ensure that all of the necessary safety equipment is available and in good order. This will involve the implementation and overseeing of a Quality Assurance Programme.
* Undertake primary responsibility on a day-to-day basis for the implementation and supervision of Radiation Protection/Safety within the Diagnostic Imaging Department & other areas in the hospital where radiation is used.
* Develop, implement and maintain a Quality Assurance (QA) Programme for the Radiology Department.
* Hold a key role on the Institution/Authority/Board Radiation Safety Committee and the hospital Local Implementation Group (LIG).
* Conduct and participate in clinical audits, as relevant to the post.
* Conduct and record performance tests after routine service and / or major maintenance of X-ray equipment.
* Advise on the selection, purchase, replacement or upgrading of appropriate QA equipment.
* Promote the ALARA principle.
* Ensure that accurate records/logs are maintained regarding:
* Personnel dose monitoring, TLD’s.
* QA on all X-ray equipment.
* Testing of all personal protective equipment (e.g. lead aprons, thyroid shields).
* Acquire knowledge of Regulations /EU Directives /Statutory Instruments 30 & 256, regarding Medical Ionising Radiation Protection.
* Contribute to the development and implementation of operational policies, protocols and guidelines to ensure all legislative requirements regarding radiation safety are met and adhered to.
* Assist in the development of risk management and health and safety strategies in association with the appropriate personnel.
* Develop and maintain a training and education function in radiation safety as may be required in relation to all relevant staff.
* Ensure that all hospital policies and relevant legislation on radiation safety is understood and complied with by staff.
* Liaise with the Radiography Service Manager (or designate), on the training and awareness of staff with regard to new legislation.
* Actively participate in continuing education and research activities consistent with the position.
* Be responsible for the proper care and storage of all safety equipment including personal protective equipment (e.g. lead aprons, thyroid shields).
* Identify defects in QA equipment and ensure that required recalibration of equipment is organised, as required.
* Maintain up to date knowledge of developments and requirements regarding radiation safety.
Clinical / Professional
The Senior Radiographer (Radiation Protection Officer) will:
* Participate in the provision of radiography services in a professional manner, thereby upholding the reputation of the department and the hospital.
* Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team in the provision of an integrated patient-centred service.
* Be responsible for managing the staff & workload within the department as & when required.
* Participate in the on-call roster.
* Adhere to all departmental imaging protocols; be responsible for the correct identification of patient images.
* Adhere to professional guidelines as determined by the Irish Institute of Radiographers and Radiation Therapists (IIRRT).
* Contribute to the development and implementation of agreed policies, procedures and safe professional practice.
* Take part in the routine inspection of equipment and quality assurance procedures.
* Be responsible for the cleaning and care of all imaging equipment.
* Be responsible for the safe use of all imaging equipment and adhering to instructions on its use; and ensure other staff comply with same.
* Be responsible for the logging and reporting of all equipment faults to the Radiography Service Manager or his / her designate.
* Attend at such other health institutions administered by the HSE, as may be designated from time to time.
* Demonstrate flexibility in response to service needs.
* Lead and assist in audit and quality assurance programmes; participate in the implementation of findings.
* Be accountable – taking responsibility for his / her actions, seeking advice / a second opinion, as required.
* Maximise the use of new technology including the Radiology Information System and PACS.
* Ensure the correct completion of records and reports.
* Respect and maintain the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of the service user and in relation to all hospital activities as per statutory requirements.
* Relate to and communicate with all other staff in a courteous and helpful manner at all times.
* Deputise for the Clinical Specialist Radiographer in a designated area / area of expertise, as required.
Education & Training
The Senior Radiographer (Radiation Protection Officer) will:
* Participate in mandatory training programmes.
* Participate in continuing professional development including in-service training, attending and presenting at conferences / courses relevant to practice, promoting and contributing to research etc. as agreed with the Radiography Service Manager or designated officer.
* Engage in department profession development plan with his / her line manager.
* Provide peer support, when necessary.
* Actively participate in induction / teaching / training / supervision of radiographers, students rotating through the department, and other staff within the department.
* Identify teaching / learning / audit / opportunities within the department for themselves / others.
* Ensure, in collaboration with the RSM and the MPE/RPA that each monitored member of staff receives appropriate radiation safety induction and updates where necessary.
* Ensure, in collaboration with the RSM and the MPE/RPA, all un-monitored staff are adequately informed about the hazards of radiation, potential occupational exposures and associated risks.
* Provide authorised advice to all authorised/student Prescribers of ionising radiation.
* Be involved in the education of designated medical specialists and the delivery of radiation safety courses.
* Ensure all radiation protection training/education and updates are appropriately recorded for audit/review purposes.
* Provide advice on the selection, purchase, or replacement of x-ray protective shielding devices both in x-ray department and in satellite areas.
Health & Safety
The Senior Radiographer (Radiation Protection Officer) will:
* Work in a manner with due care and attention to safety of self, patients, staff and other persons in the workplace with reference to the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005.
* Implement agreed policies, procedures and safe professional practice by adhering to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.
* Contribute to risk assessments and oversee the implementation of the departments’ safety statement; identify risks and take appropriate action.
* Report immediately to the RSM/nominated persons, any accidents or incidents involving patients, staff and/or members of the public in line with hospital policy.
* Promote and maintain a safe environment for staff, patients, and any persons using the radiology services.
* Work within a Risk Management Framework to achieve the HIQA Safer, Better Healthcare Standards and other quality standards as appropriate.
* Comply with and be familiar with all hospital policies and procedures and in particular those relating to Safety, Health and Welfare, Infection Control, Hygiene, Risk Management and Decontamination.
* Ensure operational procedures are maintained so that radiation exposures of staff, patients and public are kept as far below the maximum permissible level as is practicable.
* Ensure that there is adequate protection to cover all changes in procedure and any new procedures, in collaboration with the RSM and MPE/RPA.
* Ensure that suspected hazards are reported immediately to the RSM and MPE/ RPA.
* Ensure that any new procedure, deterioration in state of equipment and details of any equipment needed for protection is reported to the RSM.
Administrative
The Senior Radiographer (Radiation Protection Officer) will:
* Comply with standards set out by HIQA/EPA & maintain & update the Radiation Safety Protocols in the radiology department.
* Lead in the establishment and maintenance of standards for quality improvement and ensure adherence to existing standards and policies.
* Be responsible for the supervision and monitoring of staff and students in the radiology department as required.
* Organise, chair, and maintain accurate minutes of the quarterly hospital Radiation Safety Committee meetings.
* Ensure that the Radiation Licence is renewed on time and includes any updates of changes made to the ionising radiation equipment in the hospital.
* Assist in the organisation, maintenance and / or ordering of equipment and materials, as required.
* Contribute to the planning and development of the service and participate in service improvements.
* Represent the department at meetings and conferences, as required.
* Engage in IT developments as they apply to service user and service administration.
* Keep up to date with developments within the organisation and the Irish Health Service.
* Any other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned by the CEO, Radiography Services Manager or other designated person.
Candidates must demonstrate:
* Sufficient clinical knowledge and evidence based practice to carry the out duties and responsibilities of the role.
* An ability to apply knowledge to best practice.
* The ability to effectively evaluate information and make appropriate decisions.
* A commitment to assuring high standards and strive for a user centred service.
* The ability to take initiative and to be appropriately self-directed.
* The ability to plan and deliver service in an effective and resourceful manner.
* An ability to manage and develop self and others in a working environment.
* The ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
* Effective communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate with colleagues, families, carers etc.
* Awareness and appreciation of service users and the ability to empathise with and treat others with dignity and respect.
* Flexibility and openness to change.
* A commitment to continuing professional development.
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