Job summaryThe post holder will assist in the technical work of the Bone Densitometry Unit across both New Cross Hospital and Cannock Chase Hospital sites. They will carry out a range of procedures associated with bone densitometry measurements to a high level of precision, positioning patients accurately to ensure reliable and reproducible results.
The role is undertaken under the supervision of a qualified Clinical Technologist.
Main duties of the job- Act as an Operator for the Bone Densitometry (DXA) Service, performing bone mineral density measurements and associated imaging in accordance with IR(ME)R regulations and local protocols.
- Undertake pre-scan assessments, including obtaining relevant patient history and ensuring all IR(ME)R requirements are met prior to imaging.
- Ensure accurate patient identification, preparation, and positioning to achieve optimal scan quality.
- Perform scan acquisition and preliminary analysis in line with departmental protocols.
- Maintain high standards of patient care, safety, and communication throughout the scanning process.
- Participate in regular audit and quality assurance of associated processes to support service improvement and compliance.
About usThe Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust is one of the largest NHS trusts in the West Midlands providing primary, acute and community services and we are incredibly proud of the diversity of both our staff and the communities we serve. We are building a workforce that can help us to fulfil our values, improve the quality of care for patients, and solve the health care problems of tomorrow. We're passionate about the value that diversity of thinking and lived experience brings in enabling us to become a learning organisation and leader in delivering compassionate care for our patients.
We are delighted that we have been rated as "Good" by CQC. We have achieved numerous awards; The Nursing Times Best Diversity and Inclusion Practice and Best UK Employer of the Year for Nursing Staff in 2020.
The Trust is a supportive working environment committed to creating flexible working arrangements that suit your needs and as such will consider all requests from applicants who wish to work flexibly.
Job responsibilities- To be managerially and technically responsible to the Chief Clinical Technologist/Section Head in the Bone Densitometry section.
- To be clinically responsible to the appropriate medical consultant for technical procedures carried out directly on patients. All patient procedures are to be completed in a sympathetic and considerate manner, reporting immediately any clinical problems to the Chief Clinical Technologist/Section Head and appropriate consultant.
- To act as an Operator for the Bone Densitometry Service for the performance of imaging/bone mineral density measurements in accordance with IR(ME)R protocols.
- To fully understand and adhere to the IR(ME)R procedures in the section.
- To undertake a range of routine bone densitometry measurements using the DEXA (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry) machine under the indirect supervision of the Chief Clinical Technologist/Section Head across New Cross Hospital and Cannock Chase Hospital sites.
- To position the patient appropriately, selecting appropriate scan positions and parameters and to acquire images.
- To use the highly complex x-ray equipment in a way that will not cause harm to self, patients or others.
- To assess all images to ensure they reach the required standard for accurate analysis.
- To complete a pre-scan assessment with patients to determine relevant history.
- To communicate information to patients regarding the scan and to check that all IR(ME)R requirements are met prior to the commencement of the imaging procedure.
- To work with disabled and immobile patients, communicating with the patient, their relatives and carers to obtain diagnostically acceptable measurements.
- To maintain patient confidentiality and dignity at all times.
- To prepare standard image output displays and assist in the analysis of the images to obtain a measure of bone mineral density.
- To perform routine quality control and cleaning of equipment.
- To assist in the maintenance of records and to carry out any administrative duties that may be required.
- To complete stock control procedures as required ensuring adequate stocks of stationery and printed forms for the smooth operation of the service.
- To have an understanding of radiation protection and its application in all relevant work practices.
- To be aware of and comply with all department safety regulations which will include the need for safe working with ionising radiation.
- To be able to effectively communicate with a wide variety of people including patients, other health care professionals, and patients relatives or carers.
- To be able to manage own workload while responding to changing demands on the department and providing help where required.
- To demonstrate work of section to staff from other sections as required and to support and supervise learners including trainees and work experience visitors.
- To organise patient satisfaction surveys for section.
- To contribute to Clinical Governance and Audit within the bone densitometry service.
- To conform to the systems, processes and procedures as detailed in the departments ISO 9001:2015 Quality Manual
- To contribute as required to the continual improvement of the departments Quality Management System, including its systems, processes and procedures.
- To conform to the systems, processes and procedures required to interact with the departments IQM Document Management System.
- To undertake any other duties which may be required and which are appropriate to the post.
- To undergo staff appraisal and regular review to identify any further training and development needs.
- This Job Description may be reviewed periodically as work requirements change. The post holder will be expected to contribute towards that review.
Person SpecificationQualificationsEssential- GCSE English and Mathematics at or above level 4 (or equivalent qualification)
- Further training and experience to Career Framework Level 4
Desirable- Completion of National Training Scheme for Bone Densitometry, or equivalent
Experience & SkillsEssential- demonstrate a willingness to develop skills and undertake training to gain DXA operator competencies
- be able to work confidently with patients and answer queries regarding patient procedures
- Demonstrates IT literacy, numeracy, and the ability to maintain accurate records
- be able to demonstrate the ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload.
- Demonstrates awareness of IR(ME)R, radiation safety, and clinical governance principles
Desirable- be able to use specialist computer databases
- the ability to safely operate X-ray bone densitometry scanning equipment.
- general knowledge of the field of bone densitometry and osteoporosis.
- Demonstrate a willingness to pursue professional registration as a Clinical Technologist
- knowledge of quality management systems and audit processes
Communication SkillsEssential- Work as part of a multidisciplinary team and work flexibly to meet the needs of the service
- Demonstrate good communication skills, in particular when working patients, colleagues and wider service users
JudgementEssential- Required to work flexibly to meet unpredictable demands on the service
- Demonstrates ability to follow protocols whilst recognising when to escalate concerns
OtherEssential- Understands the hazards posed by exposure to: Ionising radiation (x-ray equipment), Non ionising radiation (lasers), Electrical hazards , Prolonged use of computer equipment
- Understands the need for confidentiality
Desirable- Experience of direct patient contact in a healthcare setting
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). 
