JOB DESCRIPTION POST: Clinical Site Specialist Radiographer (Therapeutic) Head & Neck Cancers LOCATION: Radiotherapy Department, Cancer Centre, Belfast City Hospital GRADE: Band 8A (Principal Radiographer) REPORTS TO: Radiotherapy Clinical Co-Ordinator Practices and Performance RESPONSIBLE TO: Radiotherapy Services Manager JOB SUMMARY/MAIN PURPOSE: The postholder will primarily be responsible for the co-ordination of the planning and treatment of patients receiving radiotherapy to the Head and Neck region. The postholder will provide support, information and care to patients, relatives and carers through all stages of the treatment process. The postholder will act as a link person between Oncologist, Radiographers, Medical Physics and other members of the Multiprofessional Team. In addition this person will provide specialist knowledge in respect of the radiotherapy process to the Multidisciplinary Team and NI Cancer Network attending relevant meetings when required. The Clinical Specialist Radiographer will also play a lead role in the development of radiotherapeutic practice relevant to the patient receiving radiotherapy to the Head and Neck region. This will include development of new techniques, development of care pathways and management of treatment related toxicity and will involve close liaison with the Multiprofessional team and research staff. The postholder will establish and run appropriate on treatment or post treatment review or surveillance clinics. As a Non Medical Prescriber the postholder will undertake supplementary prescribing for patients with Head and Neck Cancer in accordance with agreed Clinical Management PlanMain Duties/Responsibilities Clinical  To have expert knowledge of all aspects of radiotherapy treatment and associated toxicities relevant to Head and Neck cancers.  To co-ordinate the patient pathway and all phases of treatment from referral right through in liaison with booking office, CT/simulator planning, mould room, and treatment units striving for compliance with Cancer access standards and other key performance indicators. This will include co-ordinating chemotherapy/radiotherapy schedules.  To participate in relevant MDT meetings and referral clinics to attend new patient clinics and organise planning clinics, on-treatment review clinics and post-treatment surveillance clinics when required.  To ensure patients receive relevant verbal and written information and provide ongoing support for patients, relatives and carers. To implement methods to ensure that patients are as clear and informed as possible regarding all aspects of their radiotherapy treatment and related toxicity particularly where there may be language, communication or other difficulties impacting on ability to understand ensuring that issues pertaining to psychological, physical, emotional and cultural needs are as far as practicably possible, addressed.  To monitor treatment related toxicity and to develop assessment tools for patient care and review and undertake on-treatment review of patients in line with appropriate protocols.  To undertake supplementary prescribing for patients with Head and Neck Cancer in accordance with Clinical Management Plans developed and agreed with relevant clinicians and in line with BHSCT Policy for Non-Medical Prescribing.  Liaise directly with medical and other multiprofessional staff within radiotherapy service or across acute and primary care sectors regarding patients’ on-going care and treatment outcomes as necessary.  To refer patients, relatives and carers to other members of the multiprofessional team when appropriate.  Accurately maintain records of all activities; including the timely recording of patient assessment and treatment interventions on both electronic records and medical notes and own activity records.  Maintain patient and practice confidentiality at all times.  Regularly carry out clinical audit of relevant areas of clinical practice to ensure a high standard of quality and safety as well as high levels of patient satisfaction, taking remedial action as necessary.  To undertake clinical radiotherapy duties appropriate to grade managing an allocated area of service when required.  To maintain accurate manual and electronic records.  To ensure safe operation of equipment.  To ensure all faults are recorded immediately.  Professional Act as a role model and clinical expert in the delivery of radiotherapy services for patients with Head and Neck cancers/conditions by engaging with and influencing other members of multi-disciplinary teams.  Undertake appropriate training and supervised practice which will be defined by the individual’s learning needs and progression through a defined competency-based training framework.  To promote and develop effective communication across the multi-disciplinary team, including liaison with all relevant medical, nursing and AHP staff in out-patient clinics, wards, theatres and other hospital department.  To act as an information resource for staff within the Cancer Centre and Cancer Units organising educational programs in line with service needs. To present at National, International and local meetings.  To be familiar with, understand and adhere to all Trust policies and procedures, Professional Code of Conduct, HCPC standards, departmental protocols, QA procedures, emergency procedures, Local Rules, Health & Safety policies and to ensure that other staff and students within the team also comply. To comply with all relevant legislation pertaining to the use of Ionising Radiations (IRR’s, IR(ME)R).  Keep up to date in all aspects of radiotherapy by undertaking appropriate training, as required. Demonstrate a commitment to professional development and reflective practice ensuring requirements for ongoing registration are met. Service Development and Research  Take an active role in continuous quality and service improvement in all areas maintains all quality systems and processes within own work area  To contribute towards related research programs and to assist Clinical Trials and Research and Development radiographers in the practical aspects of relevant clinical trials, research projects or service developments relating to patients with head and neck cancers, informing practice as necessary  Assist senior managers in proposing and implementing service improvements specific to management of head and neck cancers including the development of protocols, patient care pathways and training opportunities for all staff involved in the delivery of radiotherapy services.  Promote and implement evidence-based practice utilising guidance provided by National Service frameworks; NICE, DoH guidelines to ensure high quality evidence based best practice taking a lead role in developing policies and protocols as required. Managerial  To play a lead role in the ongoing development of this multi-professional aspect of the radiotherapy service.  To play a lead role in liaison with Oncologists and Medical Physics staff, in relevant aspects of service development including the development of new or complex techniques (eg IGRT and IMRT), and improving immobilisation systems.  To participate in the development and implementation of quality procedures and protocols to ensure continuous quality improvement.  Work closely with senior managers and multi-disciplinary team to assist in the auditing of relevant clinical standards of care to ensure patients receive a high standard of clinical care.  Will establish and maintain links with a broad range of key stakeholders both internal and external to the Trust in both primary and secondary care, commissioning and statutory and voluntary services.  Represent the service and the Trust at professional meetings as requested, and feeding back information appropriately.  Actively participate in Trust groups/committees as necessary.  To ensure all errors and near misses are reported, documented and investigated and to implement agreed corrective and preventive action.  To undertake internal quality audit as required by ISO 9001:2008.  To participate in Multiprofessional Audit and Clinical Governance initiatives.  To provide cover for other members of the therapeutic radiography team taking charge directly of specific aspects of service as directed by the Radiotherapy Services Manager.  To participate in selection and recruitment and performance review of radiography staff. Education and training  To keep up-to-date in all aspects of Radiotherapy by undertaking relevant training, as required, and ensure own continuous professional development needs are validated and met.  To provide supervision and training for other radiography staff and student radiographers.  Act as a mentor and resource person for learners, nursing and members of the multidisciplinary team. General Responsibilities Employees are required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and: – At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner. – Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them. – Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy, and adhere to Alcohol and Health policies. – Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Health and Safety Policies and Statutory Regulations. – Adhere to Equality and Good Relations duties throughout the course of their employment. – Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in-service provision. – Maintain high standards of personal accountability. – Comply with the HPSS Code of Conduct. Records Management Used as part of their business within the Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004 and Data Protection Act 1998. Employees are required to be conversant with the BHSCT and WHSCT policy and procedure on records management and to seek advice if in doubt. Environmental Cleaning Strategy. The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognizes the key principle that “Cleanliness matters is everyone’s responsibility, not just the cleaners”. Whilst there are staff employed who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a clean, comfortable, safe environment for patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff and members of the general public. Infection Prevention and Control The Trusts are committed to reducing Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and all staff have a part to play in making this happen. Staff must comply with all policies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control and with ongoing reduction strategies. Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions must be used at all times to ensure the safety of patients and staff. This includes: Cleaning hands either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser at the appropriate times (WHO ‘5 moments’);  Using the correct ‘7 step’ hand hygiene technique;  Being ‘bare below the elbows’ when in a clinical environment;  Following Trust policies and the Regional Infection Control Manual (found on intranet);  Wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);  Ensuring correct handling and disposal of waste (including sharps) and laundry;  Ensuring all medical devices (equipment) are decontaminated appropriately i.e. cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilised;  Ensuring compliance with High Impact Interventions. Clause: This job description is not meant to be definitive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. March 2014 JOB SPECIFICATION POST: Clinical Site Specialist Radiographer (Therapeutic) Head & Neck Cancers Band 8A LOCATION: Radiotherapy Department, Cancer Centre, Belfast City Hospital FACTORS Educational Attainments ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE Must be a current employee of BHSCT or BHSCT agency worker *BSc [Hons] in Therapeutic Radiography (or equivalent) or DCR[T]. *Current HCPC Registration. *A minimum of 5 years post qualification experience in therapeutic radiography with at least 1 years’ experience at band 7 or above MSc in Radiation Science or equivalent. *Possess or working towards a Post Graduate Diploma in Radiation Science or other related subject (must have successfully completed at least one M-level module in a relevant area of advanced radiotherapy practice ) Relevant Experience and Job Training Completed M-level module in radiotherapy on-treatment review (or an undertaking to complete an appropriate course of study within 2 years of taking up post Post Graduate qualification in Non-Medical Prescribing (or an undertaking to complete an appropriate course of study within 2 years of taking up post) Specialist Knowledge or Special Aptitudes Experience in a broad range of radiotherapeutic practice in particular significant experience in the management of Head & Neck cancers. Evidence of responsibility for achieving measurable improvements in service delivery through service improvement activities. Training in advanced communications skills. Have worked with a range of stakeholders, to achieve successful outcomes for patient care. Personal Qualities Ability to lead innovation and change. Ability to work effectively as part of a multiprofessional team. Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service. Good organisational and communication skills. A positive caring attitude towards patients and colleagues. Ability to perform effectively within a team. Leadership qualities. Circumstances Must be available to participate in on-call/ shift duty and to participate in weekend working as required by the service. Must be available for additional duties in respect of unscheduled gaps in treatment. *Please indicate on your application form how you meet the essential criteria highlighted above otherwise you may not be shortlisted. March 2014 NOTE: You will be required, if shortlisted for interview, to produce your registrable qualifications. Where a recordable certificate or other specific qualification forms part of the criteria, you are also required to produce these certificates at interview. If successful, you will be required to produce documentary evidence that you are legally entitled to live and work in the United Kingdom. This documentation can be a P45, payslip, P60, national insurance card or a birth certificate confirming birth in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland. Failure to produce evidence will result in a non appointment.