Job summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated person to join our radiotherapy treatment planning team, providing a radiotherapy physics service to the Sussex Cancer Centre. The successful applicant will have a BSc in a science-related subject, a radiography degree, or an equivalent qualification. Experience is desirable, but not essential as in-service training will be given.
The Radiotherapy Physics section has nearly 30 staff providing scientific, technical and engineering support to the Sussex Cancer Centre at the Royal Sussex County Hospital and its satellite units in Preston Park (Brighton) and at Eastbourne District General Hospital. The post holder will be based at one of these sites, but will be expected to travel to the other sites on a rotational basis.
Treatment delivery equipment comprises four Elekta VersaHD linacs, two Accuray Tomotherapy machines (at Preston Park), and an Elekta Flexitron HDR afterloader. There are two dedicated Philips CT scanners (at RSCH and EDGH) with 4D capability.
Clinical processes are managed within a predominantly paper-free environment using the Elekta Mosaiq Oncology Information Management System. Treatment planning is primarily performed on RayStation, alongside brachytherapy planning on Elekta Oncentra and Tomotherapy planning on Accuray's Precision platform.
Main duties of the job
The principal aspects of the work are producing routine and complex radiotherapy treatment plans and the manufacture of patient positioning devices for radiotherapy treatment. Duties also include a range of other treatment planning, mould room and dosimetry activities.
Possession of excellent communication skills is essential, and you should enjoy working collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams. Computer literacy and the ability to perform a variety of tasks accurately and efficiently in the demanding conditions of a busy clinical environment are essential.
About us
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Produce complex patient-specific radiotherapy treatment plans using highly complex computerised treatment planning systems. Carry out associated dosimetry calculations in accordance with clinical prescription and agreed procedures and protocols in accordance with the IR(MER) regulations and other relevant statutory regulations and local guidelines.
- Manufacture customised masks to ensure accurate radiotherapy treatment delivery, following agreed protocols.
- Make other patient specific treatment aids such as paraffin gauze bolus, wax blocks, lead or low melting point alloy electron cut-outs, using a range of manufacturing techniques.
- Assess patients attending the Mould Room for individual support needs, such as difficulty in feeding, and liaise with the Head and Neck Cancer Support Team regarding these needs as necessary.
- Arrange appointments for patients to ensure that they receive treatment when planned, liaising with medical and radiographic staff.
- Perform routine QC checks on computerised treatment planning systems according to departmental protocols as part of the Quality System.
- Keep careful records of all work performed.
- Assist in producing written protocols for treatment planning and the Mould Room as part of the Sussex Cancer Centres Quality System.
- Carry out any other reasonable duties commensurate with the role as delegated or requested by the manager or supervisor, according to the needs of the service.
- Keep personal records and knowledge up to date with changes in relevant Trust policies (these will usually be communicated through team meetings).
- Participate in appropriate Continuing Professional Development programmes, maintain training records, and take positive seps to advance personal competence.
- Maintain up to date knowledge and be aware of the latest scientific, technical and clinical developments affecting treatment planning and delivery.
- Attend suitable internal and external seminars, meetings and courses as part of training and personal development and to further the work of the Medical Physics Department and SCC, reporting back by appropriate oral and/or written means.
- Ensure all activities are carried out within a quality framework and conform to statutory regulations, approved Codes of Practice, and Local safety Rules.
- Participate in annual appraisals and set objectives in conjunction with your manager.
- Lead on appropriate project and developmental work under supervision.
- Participate in formal and informal mandatory and departmental training at the RSCH site.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc in relevant scientific subject, radiography degree or equivalent
Desirable
- Registration as a Clinical Technologist with IPEM or as a therapeutic radiographer with HCPC
Experience
Essential
- Awareness of workings of treatment planning systems and fundamentals of treatment planning.
- Awareness of scientific processes and concepts. Able to demonstrate basic mathematical understanding and ability to manipulate numbers.
Desirable
- Experience of working in the radiotherapy environment; e.g. therapy radiography, treatment planning, mould room, radiation dosimetry.
Communication
Essential
- Excellent verbal and written communication.
Desirable
- Experience of direct face-to-face patient contact or evidence of good face-to-face people skills.
Equality Diversity Inclusion
Essential
- Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
- Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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 .
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. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants .
Employer details
Employer name
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)
Address
Royal Sussex County Hospital
Sussex Cancer Centre
Brighton
BN2 5BE