Senior Radiographer MRI - UPMC Whitfield Hospital, Waterford

Senior Radiographer MRI – UPMC Whitfield Hospital, Waterford

Location: UPMC Whitfield Hospital

Job type: Permanent

Overview of role

UPMC Whitfield Hospital is recruiting a Senior Radiographer MRI on a permanent contract. The Radiology Department provides services to both Inpatients and Outpatients across multiple modalities. The holder of this post will work as a member of the Radiology Department and multidisciplinary teams, providing a high‑quality MRI service to patients in accordance with professional standards of practice.

The senior diagnostic radiographer should have strong leadership qualities, management skills, and core professional competence, including autonomous practice in a clinical setting.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Recognise the need for effective self‑management of both workload and resources and adapt practice accordingly.
• Engage in leadership when required, creating and promoting healthy working relationships. Provide strategic and clinical leadership that results in the delivery of an effective, efficient, quality‑assured and patient‑centred service.
• Deputise for the CSR during absenteeism.
• Carry out general and highly complex radiographic procedures ensuring high professional standards and compliance with current legislation.
• Engage with consultants to develop specialised view protocols for patient management and surgical decision‑making. Update the Department handbook accordingly.
• Organise, plan and prioritise workload according to clinical need.
• Implement change in practice based on critical evaluation of evidence‑based practice and influence others accordingly.
• Advise on patient scheduling and waiting lists, assisting the CSR to build booking grids for optimum utilisation of facilities.
• Contribute to development and implementation of operational policies, protocols and guidelines to optimise resource utilisation and conduct systematic audit.
• Lead clinical audit in accordance with SI 256 of 2018.
• Demonstrate leadership in adapting techniques and equipment for imaging of compromised patients.
• Justify and optimise radiographic examinations as a practitioner.
• Schedule workflow in both general and specialist areas.
• Advise on equipment selection, purchase, replacement or upgrading.
• Maintain accurate information systems for clinical data per hospital standards.
• Report all operational issues to CSR and/or Radiography Services Manager.
• Manage consumables efficiently.
• Assess patient suitability for IV injections by checking renal function and contraindications.
• Implement continuous learning programmes for staff, keeping up to date on new techniques and best practice in line with ALARA principles and statutory instruments (SI 256 & SI 30).
• Supervise and teach newly qualified radiographers, assistants, students and postgraduate students.
• Make decisions based on radiographs that may alter patient pathways and bring abnormalities to the attention of referring clinicians or radiologists.
• Deliver presentations on current European and Irish legislation and guidelines regarding radiation protection, health & safety, and patient safety.
• Dispense and administer IV injections as per departmental policy, where required.
• Ensure patient care following contrast reactions or other illnesses during or after imaging events.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and respect customs, values and spiritual beliefs.
• Monitor stock levels in the work area.
• Liaise with CSR/Radiographic Service Manager on staff rotations to ensure adequate trained staff.
• Lead as an active member of both radiographic and multidisciplinary teams, fostering good relationships within the diagnostic imaging department and the wider hospital network.
• Ensure staff perform manual handling tasks in line with hospital policy.
• Ensure radiation protection principles (justification, optimisation, dose constraints) are adhered to and familiarity with SI 256/30.
• Demonstrate flexibility, such as extending working hours when volume increases significantly.
• Manage and participate in departmental on‑call rota, with access to own transport.

Quality & Audit

• Involved in setting up, maintaining and reviewing QA programmes.
• Participate in weekly huddles addressing departmental wins and issues; outline ongoing audits and encourage staff engagement.
• Encourage staff to engage in team learning, communication and updates through Teams.
• Share communications and policy updates via Teams, ensuring read‑and‑sign compliance.
• Maintain up‑to‑date Teams folders for current controlled documents.
• Encourage reporting of all incidents, including “good catch” and learning opportunities through Viclarity.
• Maintain accurate information systems for clinical data per hospital standards.
• Assist with maintenance and accurate records of equipment service, maintenance, malfunction, downtime, and performance; coordinate preventative maintenance schedules.
• Support CSR and Radiographic Service Manager in implementing initiatives for service development and improvement.
• Liaise on staff rotations to ensure adequate trained staff.
• Investigate and take appropriate action in accordance with hospital policy on complaints, accidents, and incidents.
• Ensure all staff understand and comply with hospital policies and relevant legislation on radiographic safety.
• Ensure the General X‑ray Department and Theatre Imaging units operate per operational policy.
• Ensure radiation safety questionnaires are completed and uploaded to the IT system.
• Ensure compliance with infection control, health and safety, and other hospital policies.
• Participate in implementation and maintenance of a QA programme by creating and presenting audit findings.
• Update equipment inspection records for minor and major faults.
• Have ability to troubleshoot all imaging and electronic patient systems.

Health & Safety

• Regularly liaise with the physicist on safety and operational issues.
• Promote and maintain a safe environment for staff and patients.
• Have working knowledge of HIQA Standards for healthcare and infection control.
• Assist in developing a checklist for staff during system breakdowns and power outages.
• Ensure hospital hygiene policies are understood and monitored.
• Support sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives.
• Be aware of diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for routine exams and their comparison to national and local DRLs.
• Trend and review departmental DRLs, implementing improvements where necessary.

Professional/Education

• Develop a personal development plan (PDP) and professional portfolio.
• Critically self‑evaluate.
• Conduct evidence‑based research and participate in research studies.
• Apply learning outcomes in the clinical setting.
• Maintain and develop knowledge, skills and aptitudes necessary for changing clinical profiles, hospital developments, and legal requirements such as licensing.
• Participate and deliver CPD.
• Provide peer support.
• Engage in performance review with manager.
• Participate in staff engagement and performance reviews.
• Demonstrate resilience and composure.
• Demonstrate flexibility and openness to change.
• Demonstrate commitment to continuing professional development.
• Demonstrate ability to manage and develop self and others in a busy environment.
• Demonstrate ability to evaluate information and make appropriate decisions.
• Act autonomously within agreed guidelines.

Qualifications & Experience

• Possess a Degree in Radiography or a Diploma from the College of Radiographers.
• Registered with the Radiographers Registration Board at CORU.
• At least 3 years of full‑time post‑qualification clinical experience.
• Possess a recognised postgraduate course as per IIRRT (desirable) or relevant clinical experience in a specialised modality.
• MRSO (Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer) certification is highly desirable.

Salary

€59,045.21 – €68,374.11 per annum based on a 35‑hour week.

Equal Opportunity Statement and Benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement
UPMC is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Benefits
Compensation: Competitive pay, performance‑related and premium pay where applicable.
Benefits: Fully paid maternity and paternity leave; competitive pension plan; company‑funded death‑in‑service benefit thrice; critical illness cover up to age 66.
Work‑life balance: Enhanced annual leave up to 27 days; flexible working opportunities.
Professional development: Opportunities to achieve career goals through continued learning and advancement.

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