Job overview
This role offers a rare and exciting opportunity to be part of the radiotherapy/proton beam therapy review team at UCLH. The post holder will undertake rotations between the photon and proton departments. The role involves working and leading within the Radiotherapy Review Team; reviewing patients during their treatment and supporting them both physically and psychologically throughout their radiotherapy journey. They will be required to ensure there is an appropriate plan for the on-treatment review of each patient and a mechanism of communication to the wider MDT. The post holder will play a key role in helping patients understand the treatment process, toxicity and likely side effects of radiotherapy, along with providing them with advice on how to self-care and manage their symptoms appropriately. Any proton beam therapy or photon beam thearpy training required relating to managing side effects of this treatment and other required underpinning knowledge will be provided. Training for on treatment review and independent/supplementary prescribing if required will be supported.
The photon department is equipped with Varian TrueBeam systems and a Halcyon with advanced imaging packages and 6DoF couches. The department has a comprehensive brachytherapy suite and a Gulmay skin unit. UCLH is one of only two NHS sites delivering proton beam therapy across the NHS.
Main duties of the job
To work with Review Radiographers, Radiotherapy Sisters, Charge Nurses and Staff Nurses, leading as part of the review team.
To review patient’s during their course of photon or proton treatment and to support them both physically and psychologically throughout their treatment.
To ensure there is an appropriate plan for the on-treatment review of each patient and a mechanism of communication of untoward effects
To lead on service evaluations, audits and projects under a quality improvement framework within the scope of the Review Team
To leave in teaching, development and appraisal of members of the Review Team
To help patients understand the treatment process, toxicity and likely side effects of radiotherapy both during and after treatment. Patients should be encouraged to report side effects and advised how to manage symptoms appropriately.
To ensure patients’ side effects are treated appropriately and efficiently.
To give verbal and written information if required.
To enable them to discuss any concerns they may have and to feel supported during their treatment.
To refer patients as necessary to other health care professionals dieticians, counsellors etc. and community agencies as needed.
To ensure that appropriate follow up arrangements are made and continuity of care communicated to the patient and any other appropriate health care profession.
Working for our organisation
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.
We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites:
·University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)
·National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
·Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals
·University College Hospital Grafton Way Building
·Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine
·University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre
·The Hospital for Tropical Diseases
·University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street
We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women’s health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology.