Radiology Department Assistant (Ultrasound)

NHS Jobs

Hamstel Rd, Harlow CM20 1QX, UK

Full time

£26,240 - £27,928 per year

Job summary

To support patients during ultrasound examinations, and to assist the other imaging assistants with preparing patients and carrying out these examinations. To act as a mentor and role model to junior RDAs; being a point of contact for advice and guidance. To be proactive in your work assisting radiology staff with the view that the patients needs come first. To book patients for ultrasound examinations into the relevant ultrasound room diaries as required and to provide training into how to do this for junior RDAs. This is a rotational role through obstetric and non-obstetric ultrasound.

Main duties of the job

To provide an effective Radiology service to PAH Trust, within departmental protocols To communicate effectively with patients, relatives, peers, clinicians, and other staff throughout the organisation To maintain the principles of patient confidentiality at all times To work as part of a team To work with minimal supervision To support radiology staff and supervise junior RDAs To plan and prioritise own workload To work flexibly to cover evening and weekend sessions within contracted hours To be pro-active in own self-development To use computerised and manual methods to update patient records for each examination To attend all mandatory training To report incidents and/or potential accidents within the department, in line with Trust policy To care for patients within the Radiology department in terms of their immediate physical and emotional requirements To develop an astute understanding of patient preparation requirements prior and during examinations Ensure all rooms are cleaned and stocked 7-days a week.

About us

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Details

Date posted

22 December 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£26,240 to £27,928 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

000207

Job locations

The Princess Alexandra Hospital

Harlow

Essex

CM20 1QX

Job description

Job responsibilities

To check stock levels as part of the departmental weekly stock checks, document this and report low stock levels to the relevant senior manager
To communicate with a broad range of patients prior to examination. This may include patients whose first language is not English or those who have difficulty understanding due to their medical condition
To be able to deal with many, often conflicting, demands on attention at the same time, while remaining focused on current task
To understand and comply with legislative obligation, including Data Protection Act, Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH, local radiation rules, departmental and Trust policies
To carry out other duties as requested by any member of the senior management team
To undergo an annual performance appraisal and review, whereby future objectives are identified and actioned
To always present a professional front while on duty and be an ambassador for the profession and the department
Coordinate the arrival and departure of patients to and from the relevant departments
To assist in the manual handling of patients moving to and from the scanning rooms, in line with trust manual handling policies
To train and mentor junior staff.
To be able to prepare the ultrasound room and equipment for all various types of ultrasound scans, ensuring all equipment is cleaned appropriately between each patient.
To act as a chaperone for patients as required.
To prepare trolleys for ultrasound procedures using the aseptic technique.
Support and assist Sonographers and Radiologists during scanning.
To liaise with ward staff and porters to facilitate workflow
To collect patients and prepare them for their examination
To scan any relevant paperwork to the Radiology IT systems
To manage inpatient orders on CRIS and contact relevant teams regarding patient details
To be aware of risks related to communicable diseases and procedures for barrier nursed /reverse barrier nursed patients
To rotate between all sites within PAHT
To organise inpatient scans according to staff skill mix/availability
To aid in the personal care of patients
To aid Sonographers and Radiologists in Ultrasound guided injection lists
To liaise with patient transport
To support staff in emergency situations
Empathetic support required when assisting patients with unexpected scan findings, particularly in the obstetric department. Approaching the sonographer or line manager is encouraged if any emotional support is needed after distressing situations

This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Such changes will be made after discussion between the post holder and the manager. All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To check stock levels as part of the departmental weekly stock checks, document this and report low stock levels to the relevant senior manager
To communicate with a broad range of patients prior to examination. This may include patients whose first language is not English or those who have difficulty understanding due to their medical condition
To be able to deal with many, often conflicting, demands on attention at the same time, while remaining focused on current task
To understand and comply with legislative obligation, including Data Protection Act, Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH, local radiation rules, departmental and Trust policies
To carry out other duties as requested by any member of the senior management team
To undergo an annual performance appraisal and review, whereby future objectives are identified and actioned
To always present a professional front while on duty and be an ambassador for the profession and the department
Coordinate the arrival and departure of patients to and from the relevant departments
To assist in the manual handling of patients moving to and from the scanning rooms, in line with trust manual handling policies
To train and mentor junior staff.
To be able to prepare the ultrasound room and equipment for all various types of ultrasound scans, ensuring all equipment is cleaned appropriately between each patient.
To act as a chaperone for patients as required.
To prepare trolleys for ultrasound procedures using the aseptic technique.
Support and assist Sonographers and Radiologists during scanning.
To liaise with ward staff and porters to facilitate workflow
To collect patients and prepare them for their examination
To scan any relevant paperwork to the Radiology IT systems
To manage inpatient orders on CRIS and contact relevant teams regarding patient details
To be aware of risks related to communicable diseases and procedures for barrier nursed /reverse barrier nursed patients
To rotate between all sites within PAHT
To organise inpatient scans according to staff skill mix/availability
To aid in the personal care of patients
To aid Sonographers and Radiologists in Ultrasound guided injection lists
To liaise with patient transport
To support staff in emergency situations
Empathetic support required when assisting patients with unexpected scan findings, particularly in the obstetric department. Approaching the sonographer or line manager is encouraged if any emotional support is needed after distressing situations

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

NVQ level 3 in acute care or equivalent experience
Basic literacy and numeracy skills

Desirable

The Care Certificate
The Higher Development Award

Experience

Essential

Experience with difficult and challenging situations
Ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision

Desirable

NHS experience as healthcare support worker
Experience with mentoring and training
Experience working in ultrasound

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

NVQ level 3 in acute care or equivalent experience
Basic literacy and numeracy skills

Desirable

The Care Certificate
The Higher Development Award

Experience

Essential

Experience with difficult and challenging situations
Ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision

Desirable

NHS experience as healthcare support worker
Experience with mentoring and training
Experience working in ultrasound

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.

Employer details

Employer name

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

Address

The Princess Alexandra Hospital

Harlow

Essex

CM20 1QX

Employer's website

https://www.pah.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

Address

The Princess Alexandra Hospital

Harlow

Essex

CM20 1QX

Employer's website

https://www.pah.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Salary range

£26,240 - £27,928 per year