The post holder has overall responsibility for: The provision of an effective Radiological Physics service to the Trust and to external organizations who purchase services from the Trust including responsibility for the trust ionising radiation and laser safety policies. Provision of radiation protection advice and radiation protection services, and to act as a Medical Physics Expert (a statutory role) providing specialist scientific advice, to the Trust and external customers Development of appropriate research and teaching programmes The key areas of work include: Scientific management of the service provided by Diagnostic X-ray Physicists, Technologists and Engineers involved in safety, installation, acceptance testing, commissioning, optimisation, radiation protection and maintenance of diagnostic x-ray and associated equipment Scientific management and advice for projects involving the production and transfer of radological images Responsibility for scientific input for design and development of capital projects that require radiation protection Scientific management of developments in testing equipment and methods Development, in collaboration with the departmental business manager, of commercial services to non-LTH organisations, including private sector bodies Provision of a comprehensive quality assurance service for x-ray imaging equipment Management of the quality assurance group of physicists who ensure that all equipment conforms with accepted standards in respect of safety and performance. Fulfilling the role of Medical Physics Expert as required by the Ionising Radiations (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 Initiating, planning and supervising appropriate research and development projects in the above areas with the objective of continuous improvement of the clinical service The Department of Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering in the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust comprises approximately 230 staff with an annual turnover of £10m. The Radiological Physics Section comprises approximately 22 substantive clinical scientists, clinical science trainees and clinical technologists, and has an annual revenue budget of approximately ££1.5 million, of which approximately £500,000 is income generated from external customers. Services are provided to the Trust (2 major teaching hospitals, a regional radiotherapy centre and 5 other hospitals), 2 acute trusts (7 hospitals), 2 primary care trusts, and the Yorkshire and Humberside Breast Screening Programme. Consultancy services are provided to PFI contractors for major projects, and to research establishments requiring expertise in imaging. The Radiological Physics and Radiation Protection Section: Provides scientific and technical services to users of complex and advanced diagnostic x-ray equipment, and associated computer systems Provides a comprehensive radiation protection service to radiology and in radiotherapy, department, other users of radiation and non-Trust customers. A non-ionising optical and ultrasound physics service including non-ionising safety advice; the laser protection adviser sits within the section Scientific and technical services to clinical and scientific research & development across the field of diagnostic radiology. When imaging with radiation, there is a continual need to balance the benefits of imaging against the risks associated with radiation exposure of the patient. The scientific service ensures that the performance of complex and advanced clinical radiology equipment complies at all times with exacting national standards and that patient dose and image quality are optimised. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY To take responsibility and be accountable for the provision of scientific and technical support to diagnostic X-ray imaging, including imaging quality assurance programmes, advice on equipment specification, commissioning new equipment, advice on and measurement of patient doses across LTHT and to other trusts and organisations. To provide strategic leadership to the section in collaboration with the Head of Medical Physics & Clinical Engineering, this includes the development of long-term strategic plans for the section and the provision of radiation protection and radiology physics services across the trust and to other organisations. To act in the role of Medical Physics expert in the field of diagnostic radiology. This involves ensuring that patient doses are optimised and monitored, and diagnostic reference levels are set at appropriate levels. Liaise with the trusts governance team and with statutory bodies such as HSE, and the Care Quality Commission, particularly in the investigation and reporting of incidents, and during inspections of Trust premises. To ensure that incidents involving the exposure of staff, patients or public are appropriately investigated, and to advise the Trust regarding the reporting of such matters to outside authorities. To advise senior medical staff and Trust Managers in the event of incidents such as: Overexposure of patients to radiation during medical procedures Exposure of female patients to radiation during pregnancy To ensure that new developments (new buildings or major changes in use) involving the use of radiation are designed and constructed with appropriate levels of protection. This will involve liaison with building users, Radiation Protection Advisers and PFI partners. To ensure that research programmes within the Trust, involving the exposure of volunteers to radiation, are conducted ethically and in compliance with the regulations. This work is performed in cooperation with the Local Research Ethics Committees and the Trusts Director of Research. To coordinate, in cooperation with the clinical science service manager, the provision of scientific and technical support to newer imaging techniques, including digital X-ray systems and dual energy computed tomography, and related information technology and AI, as appropriate. To take responsibility for the development and delivery of a robust quality system for the services provided by the Radiological Physics and Radiation Protection section and ensure compliance with the departmental ISO9001:2015 certification. To liaise with appropriate organisations, such as WYATT, ICBs and CDCs with respect to workforce provision and future developments in radiographic imaging. To ensure that appropriate equipment is available and calibrated, for the monitoring of radiation levels, x-ray parameters and image quality. To ensure that radiation doses to staff are appropriately monitored. This includes specifying the type and frequency of monitoring, and examining results from the approved dosimetry service, To participate in the Trusts arrangements for responding to major incidents involving radiation. This includes being included on the list of experts who may be called out. To develop, manage and maintain appropriate services to external organisations within the remit of Radiological Physics and Radiation Protection. Take responsibility for ensuring the operation of the Qaelum dose, radiation dose management database system across the trust. In collaboration with the departmental Business Manager, ensure that appropriate service level agreements are in place Ensure that services are provided at an appropriate level To determine the appropriate level of training for professional groups within the Trust and elsewhere, and to manage and participate in such training by the Radiological Physics and Radiation Protection section and staff of other groups. To participate in teaching and training programmes, including: The Higher Specialist Scientist Training Programme Organising and teaching on the FRCR (Diagnostic radiology) course To participate fully in the training scheme for Trainee Clinical Scientists, including line management of the departmental training coordinator To participate fully in the IPEM national CPD scheme To initiate, coordinate, develop and facilitate appropriate research and development activity within the Radiological Physics and Radiation Protection section and to collaborate with related university departments. To manage the deployment of staff within the section to ensure an effective service, in close collaboration with other Heads of Service within the Department. To manage the scientific and technical staff within the section, developing appropriate individual performance review and professional development programmes To deputise for the Head of Department as directed by the Head of Department. To develop effective working relationships with Trust staff and relevant professional groups. The job description indicates the duties and responsibilities of the incumbent that are appropriate to meet the present needs of the service. Since these needs may change as may the resources of staff and material available, it is necessary to recognise that the incumbent must be willing to undertake other and/or different duties that may, after discussion, be assigned by the Head of Department or nominated deputy.