Job overview
This role offers a rare and exciting opportunity to be part of the radiotherapy/proton beam therapy (PBT) review team at UCLH. The post holder will undertake rotations between the photon and proton departments. The role involves working within the Radiotherapy/PBT 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 therapy 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 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. The proton beam therapy (PBT) department is equipped with Varian ProBeam gantries with advanced imaging packages and robotic couches.
Main duties of the job
• Deputise for the lead practitioner in their specific field, setting an example to junior staff and being available to advise colleagues in other areas.
• Must be aware of the skills and competencies available within the team, utilising them effectively and delegating appropriately.
• Being able to prioritise daily tasks, taking into consideration the patients’ needs and the capability of the team.
• Reacting and reorganising the workload in response to unforeseen circumstances, such as machine breakdown, in such a way as to minimise disruption.
• Running the Review Team services smoothly and effectively in the absence of the Band 7 Sister/Charge Nurse and Band 7 Review Radiographer.
• Work within the quality system at all times. Question and propose changes to procedures when necessary, to maintain the validity and appropriateness of the system.
• In partnership with patients and other professionals, make sound, ethical based decisions in the interest of patients.
• Demonstrates safe use and maintenance of expensive, specialist equipment used by self and others, using quality assurance methods.
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.