Overview

We are pleased to announce a fantastic opportunity to join the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT) Medical Physics Department as Head of Clinical Nuclear Medicine and Bone Densitometry, a Consultant Clinical Scientist Post at Band 8c. It is an exciting time to join the team; we have recently installed a 12-headed CZT SPECT/CT System at our Sunderland site and are in the process of procuring a second SPECT/CT camera for our Gateshead unit. Our long-term goal is to become a nationally-leading centre, taking full advantage of our new cutting-edge equipment supported by a high-quality team. We are halfway through applying for the RCR Quality Standards in Imaging (QSI) accreditation and, in the short term, part of this role will be to support our dedicated scientist in achieving this.

The STSFT Medical Physics Department covers Nuclear Medicine with five Gamma cameras across three sites (Sunderland, South Tyneside and Gateshead), Bone Densitometry at two sites (Sunderland and South Tyneside), Vascular Ultrasound and Physiological Measurement & Clinical Instrumentation, seeing over 14,000 patients per year. The Nuclear Medicine service is supported by an on-site Radiopharmacy aseptic facility. This post is to lead and manage the Clinical Nuclear Medicine and Bone Densitometry services across the patch with support from the Head of Nuclear Medicine Physics, Head of Medical Physics and 8 ARSAC Certificate holders.

Main duties of the job

As Head of Clinical Nuclear Medicine and Bone Densitometry, your main role will be to deliver the clinical service, provide professional leadership in its development and be responsible for the NM Technologist/Radiographer provision across the Department. You will act as the Clinical Governance lead and will coordinate a program of clinical audit and development for the Nuclear Medicine and Bone Densitometry services. You will deputise for, and work closely with, the Head of Medical Physics and Head of Nuclear Medicine Physics.

You will lead a team of around 27 staff including trainees and fixed-term staff. You will need to be an experienced MPE, ideally with leadership and management experience, and we will encourage further leadership and management training as appropriate. You are expected to support and contribute to the interpretation of complex imaging and non-imaging NM studies, with support via close working with our Nuclear Medicine Radiologist and Cardiologist ARSAC Certificate holders.

As a department, we are supportive of flexible working and have a long track record of supporting staff development, including through the HSST program (including elements from this and HSQ equivalence), RPA/RWA qualification, courses and conference attendance.

About us

Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.

One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award-winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture/work environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under-represented groups. Looking after our workforce health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high-quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.

Job requirements and qualifications

Essential

• First or Second Class Honours Degree in Physics or related subject.
• MSc in Medical Physics or equivalent.
• HCPC Registered Clinical Scientist (Nuclear Medicine).
• D Clin Sci Qualification or equivalent experience.
• Registration as a Medical Physics Expert.

Desirable

• Registration with the HSSR.
• Corporate membership of IPEM.
• Certificate of competence as a Radioactive Waste Adviser.
• PhD in a related subject.
• Certificate of competence as a Radiation Protection Adviser.

Experience

Essential

• Considerable post-registration experience in the application of physics to clinical nuclear medicine, including quality assurance and calibration procedures relating to a wide range of nuclear medicine equipment; sufficient to fulfil the role of a Medical Physics Expert.
• Experience in training and supervision of trainees.
• Experience in audit, research and development.
• Formal presentations at national and local meetings.
• Experience of investigating incidents involving ionising radiation.
• Experience of helping to develop services.

Desirable

• Nuclear medicine software applications development.
• Patient handling skills including IV administration of radiopharmaceuticals.
• Clinical reporting of a wide range of nuclear medicine studies.
• Experience of leading a team and successfully managing and motivating staff.
• Involvement in the procurement, commissioning and acceptance testing of a wide range of nuclear medicine equipment.
• Contribution to implementation of strategic plans and development of new techniques.
• Responsible role in Radiation Protection.
• Management of Clinical Scientists or Technologists.
• Lecturing/teaching experience at postgraduate level.
• Experience as a Radioactive Waste Adviser.
• Experience as an emergency responder to radiation incidents/exercises.

Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Specialist in-depth knowledge of a wide range of nuclear medicine procedures, including clinical assessment.
• Knowledge of legislation, standards and protocols relating to clinical nuclear medicine work including RPA, RWA and MPE and a wider knowledge of Radiation Protection.
• Understanding of commissioning and acceptance testing, quality assurance and calibration requirements, functioning and safe use of the full range of nuclear medicine equipment.
• Ability to manage the development of a broad range of Medical Physics services including areas outside of specific professional expertise.
• Knowledge of Governance related to Medical Physics Service delivery including related regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of Quality Management and continuous improvement cycles.
• Ability to provide scientific and clinical advice and teaching in area of expertise with accuracy and passion.
• In-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology relevant to nuclear medicine.
• Ability to make effective decisions where information may be limited, or expert opinion differs.
• Effective managerial, leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Effective report writing and presentation skills.
• Good knowledge and ability in efficient use of a range of software packages.
• Able to promote a spirit of working together within the Medical Physics Service and with service users.
• Compassionate, empathetic and supportive with the ability to motivate staff and liaise effectively with staff at all levels.
• Dynamic and innovative approach to developing services.
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Commitment to life-long learning and CPD.

Desirable

• Knowledge of bone densitometry.
• Understanding of clinical audit and governance and its application to the services provided by the Section.

Other

Desirable

• Please provide a contact telephone number.

Physical skills

Essential

• Able to work in a sterile environment.
• Willing to work outside normal hours.
• Ability to meet the travel requirements of the post which will require frequent (weekly) visits to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, and South Tyneside Hospital.

Desirable

• Able to move heavy objects e.g. lead shielding, patients (within moving and handling guidelines).
• Driving licence.

Disclosure and sponsorship

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 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 website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see.

Employer details

Employer name
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

Address
Trust Headquarters
Sunderland Royal Hospital
Sunderland
SR4 7TP

Employer's website