Radiography Apprenticeship

As a degree apprentice in diagnostic radiography you will become integral to our diagnostic imaging workforce and the part of the multidisciplinary team. You will work a minimum of 37.5 hours each week whilst studying (block release) towards an honor's degree. You will earn while you learn and train to be a registered diagnostic radiographer. In 3/4 years, you will have gained valuable skills in clinical practice and will be primed to manage the complex and dynamic workload. On qualification, you will register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Diagnostic Radiographer. . The candidate will have a guaranteed post at Band 5 level available in the department, upon successful registration with the HCPC and will be employed by the Trust. A planned start date is 2023/2024.

To learn and perform a range of radiographic imaging procedures, as detailed within the
apprenticeship programme, within the Diagnostic Imaging department under the
supervision of a qualified radiographer at all times.

• To observe Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000, Ionising Radiation Regulations 1999, Local Rules and Polices and Procedures, in line with promoting radiation protection
• To undertake radiographic examinations to a high standard under supervision
• To provide a high quality imaging service
• Embrace change, learning new techniques and enhancing role as required
• Undertake CPD to maintain fitness to practice and participate in clinical audit
• To be accountable for own professional activities within the limitations of personal expertise and agreed knowledge and skills framework
• To work within a pressurised environment due to unpredictable workloads and patient demands

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust is an integrated Trust and the only provider of NHS acute care in Walsall, serving a population of 286,700, providing inpatient and outpatient services at the Manor Hospital as well as a wide range of services in the community. Walsall Manor houses the full range of district general hospital services under one roof. The £170 million development was completed in 2010 and the continued upgrading of existing areas ensures the Trust now has a state-of-the-art Critical Care Unit, Neonatal Unit, Obstetric Theatre, and Integrated Assessment Unit facilities. Work is also well underway on its multi-million pound new Urgent and Emergency Care Centre which will house a new Emergency Department (including Children’s Emergency Department), co-located Paediatric Assessment Unit, Acute Medical Unit and Urgent Care Centre. This is scheduled for completion this year.

We would particularly welcome applications from people from a BME background and people with a disability as these groups are currently under-represented at senior level. We value diversity within our Trust and are working to achieve equality in our recruitment.

We support flexible working for all employees and prospective applicants.

Any settled workers meeting the requirements must be offered the position in preference to any non-resident candidates meeting the requirements, unless the role falls under a PhD-level code, in which case sponsorship may be attained.

• Work well within a multidisciplinary team to achieve cross-boundary working.
• Encourage and maintain good working relationships with other departments and have a flexible approach to work ensuring departmental efficiency.
• To maintain a smart and professional image.
• To participate in out of hours service delivery, as permitted, in line with agreed scope of practice and system of work.
• Assesses and justifies referrals under Ionising Radiations (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017, IR(ME)R, following practitioner guidelines. Includes the assessment of complex acute

cases (e.g. polytrauma) under the guidance of the Supervising radiographer as required.

• Makes decisions regarding the appropriateness of examinations as an aid to clinical diagnosis; works to a high standard of technique and patient positioning.
• Is responsible for ensuring accurate patient records, including radiation dose and exposure factors.
• Participates in the Quality Assurance equipment testing programme including lead gowns and screens.
• To maintain patient dignity and confidentiality whilst undertaking examinations.
• Demonstrate good communication skills.
• To participate in own individual performance reviews (IPRs) as per Trust policy.
• May have to deal with frequent exposure to unpleasant working conditions i.e odours, body fluids, verbal aggression.
• May have to deal with exposure to traumatic and highly distressing circumstances.
• To use a wide range of technical equipment to gain maximum clinical information and enhance diagnostic accuracy, seeking support from qualified staff if necessary.
• To use manual handling aids competently as required by the Trust for safety of both patients and staff.
• To document any equipment faults or breakdowns in a timely manner and notify the Professional Lead.
• To regularly use and be competent in using the Radiology Patient Management System and PACS System.
• Maintain a safe working environment for both staff and patients and recognise the need for evaluating, reporting on and acting on risk within the department.
• Report all clinical and non-clinical incidents and near misses in the department according to Trust policy, to ensure timely investigation
• Work within, and contribute to, evidence based protocols and guidelines.
• Take an active part in implementing new services, to enhance and improve patient care.
• To ensure a high standard of cleanliness is maintained within the department and to adhere to infection control policies.
• Take responsibility for the provision of suitable recorded images in line with data protection legislation, adhering to IT security systems policy and data protection.
• Any other duties commensurate with grade and experience as required.