Radiology Department Assistant

To assist Radiographers and other staff working within all sections of the West Berkshire community Hospital Radiology Department as required.

To assist in the provision of high quality patient care for all patients attending the department, ensuring seamless delivery of services within the designated work area.

To provide high quality fundamental care to patients under the supervision of a Registered Practitioner, providing assistance, individualised care and support to patients attending the Radiology Department.

To support the Radiographers through the provision of both clerical and technical assistance.

To carry out a range of clerical and administrative duties as required.

West Berkshire Community Hospital provides Plain film, CT, MRI and Ultrasound imaging for walk-in GP referrals, Out/In patients, in addition to supporting the Minor Injury Unit.

For further information and to arrange an informal visit please contact Helen Atkins, Lead Radiographer on 01635 273380,helen.atkins@royalberkshire.nhs.uk.

Clinical & Technical Responsibilities:
Greets patients arriving within the department, directing or escorting them to the appropriate sub-waiting area(s) Undertakes preliminary documentation and PID checks

Assists in the care of patients attending the Radiology Department; to include assisting patients onto the imaging table, assisting with patient positioning, chaperoning, escorting patients and providing assistance with undressing/dressing as required.

Assists Radiographers and other staff with moving patients and provides support to those clients with special needs.

Assists with general portering duties as required. Collects and returns patients from other departments using wheelchairs, beds or trolleys as appropriate.

Displays an appropriate understanding of imaging procedures and departmental practice, allowing the delivery of effective and confident patient support throughout the examination or procedure

Assists in the routine recording of information and in the capture and transfer of digital images, as required

Assists the Radiographer(s) in the care of patients undergoing procedures. Provides the patient with physical and physiological support during the procedure

West Berkshire Community Hospital is based in Thatcham but is part of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust and is situated close to the M4 and stunning Berkshire countryside with good rail links to London. There are excellent training and study opportunities within the Radiology department..
The CQC recently rated the care provided by the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust as Good.
Our values: Compassionate, Aspirational, Resourceful, Excellent, reflect the type of Trust we aspire to be and you can join our dedicated and talented staff to make this happen.

Acts in the best interest of patients at all times

Is fully conversant with departmental policies and procedures including Health & Safety, risk management and Standard Operating Procedures. Ensures personal performance complies with relevant standards

Communicates effectively and respectfully with patients, their relatives or carers and with other staff groups. These include clinicians and other healthcare professionals, administrative staff and porters

Is able to adapt communication methods as required for patients with hearing impairment, speech difficulties etc. Seeks support and guidance from senior staff as required

Demonstrates good understanding of the possible reasons for complaints.

Consistently works in a manner that minimises such events. Recognises and reports possible concerns to a senior staff member in a timely and appropriate manner

Is aware of the boundaries and remit of own role and is able to seek appropriate assistance or support as required

Addresses basic queries from patient or their relatives / careers. Is able to direct patients to relevant information sources or refer to a Registered Practitioner as appropriate

Works as an effective multidisciplinary team member demonstrating understanding of the role of team work in the delivery of high quality care

Demonstrates good time management and organisational skills, taking appropriate responsibility for own work activities

Is aware of the confidential nature of the work. Complies with the requirement to practice within data protection and confidentiality guidelines and policies. Follows local codes of practice to ensure appropriate action is taken to safeguard confidential information

Demonstrates understanding of and adherence to IR(ME)R and IRR99 policies and guidelines. Ensures safety of self, staff and patients/visitors with regard to the use of ionising radiation.

Displays and maintains an appropriate level of IT skills. Is able to input and/or access data on EPR/RIS and PACS.

Undertakes clerical duties including scheduling patient appointments and registering patients on EPR/RIS. Ensures a high standard of data quality at all times

Performs telephone duties that include making and receiving calls to and from the department. Is able to verbally transmit information in an appropriate and professional manner and to
answer general queries from health care professionals, patients and their representatives