Assistant Clinical Practitioner

Job summary
Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff provides specialist cancer services to 1.5 million people living in SE Wales and is due to move to a brand new cancer centre in 2027.

The Nuclear Medicine department in Velindre Cancer Centre performs a comprehensive range of investigations and radionuclide therapies. The department has a single SPECT/CT system and performs a range of imaging procedures and therapies including I-131 for thyroid cancer, Ra-223 for prostate cancer and Lu-177 for NETs. We also support I-131 benign thyroid treatments for a neighbouring UHB. The department has a strong research and development background and actively participates in clinical trial activity.

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, well motivated, reliable individual who is capable of working with supervision in a variety of situations supporting the team. You will join a small hardworking and friendly team of clinical scientists and clinical practitioners. Ideally, you will have some experience of working in a clinical environment as you will have regular contact with patients as well as medical and other hospital staff.

Main duties of the job

• To inform patients, who are often very distressed and concerned about radioactivity, about the details of the Nuclear Medicine tests and of any restrictions they must follow after the administration of any radioactive substance.
• To communicate with staff about the requirements for the tests or treatments including the need to inform patients about any pre-test cessation of drugs or treatments.
• To ensure that, in compliance with the regulations and prior to any investigation, request forms have been completed correctly (with, for example, the appropriate test or treatment, clinical diagnosis, patient demographics).
• To ensure that the patients are accurately positioned for the scan and to use appropriate manual handling techniques when changing heavy lead collimators or lead pots.
• To operate a wide range of specialist radiation detection equipment including imaging and non-imaging Nuclear Medicine devices.
• To employ the necessary techniques and practices to ensure compliance with the legislation covering the handling and use of sealed and unsealed radionuclides and the handling and preparation of samples of radioactive body fluids used in the assessment of patients physiology.
• To continue to update their own knowledge via internal and external training courses and, when established, to follow an approved course of CPD.

About us
At Velindre University NHS Trust, we are proud to deliver specialist services across Wales through the Velindre Cancer Centre and Welsh Blood Service, supported by our corporate teams and partnerships with NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership and Health Technology Wales.

As we look to the future, we are preparing for the opening of the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC) in Spring 2027--an exciting milestone that will transform cancer care for our population. Located within easy reach of the vibrant city of Cardiff and the stunning Brecon Beacons, we offer a unique working environment that combines innovation, collaboration and an excellent quality of life.

Since our formation in 1994, our dedicated workforce has remained committed to delivering the principles of prudent healthcare across a wide range of roles. We continue to play a vital role in our communities and have ambitious plans to further improve the services we provide.

Everything we do is underpinned by our Trust values. We are caring , respectful , and accountable in how we work with patients, donors, partners and each other--ensuring we deliver the highest standards of care while continuously striving to improve.

If you want to work for an organisation that makes a real difference, embraces innovation, and offers rewarding career opportunities in an inspiring setting, Velindre University NHS Trust is the place for you.

Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full Job Description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Person Specification
Qualificaions and Knowledge
Essential

• Relevant BTEC/HND in an appropriate subject or above.
• Science ability demonstrated through appropriate 'A' levels and GCSE'
• Broad scientific knowledge of the application of physics to medicine.
• Broad knowledge of the principles of quality assurance.
• General knowledge of human anatomy.
• Understanding of health and safety and associated legislation, standards, codes of practice and guidelines, particularly as regards radiation.
• Understanding of risks and hazards to patients, staff and the public from radiation, radioactivity, equipment and human error.

Desirable

• Science Degree
• Eligible to be registered on the Register of Clinical Technologists (RCT)
• Basic knowledge of Radiation Protection legislation.
• Some working knowledge of the clinical procedures in nuclear medicine

Experience
Desirable

• Some experience of performing nuclear medicine imaging and non imaging investigation on patients.
• Experience of handling of radioactive waste, radiation monitoring and equipment quality assurance and calibration.

Skills and Attributes
Essential

• Ability to communicate with both patients and staff.
• Ability to use information technology systems.
• Well-developed physical accuracy and dexterity.
• Ability to manipulate radioactive materials safely.
• Ability to understand and use complex equipment, including both hardware and software systems such as gamma cameras.
• Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods and across interrupted work patterns.
• Ability to manoeuvre heavy weights regularly.

Other
Desirable

• Welsh Speaker (Level 1) or willingness to work towards
• Able to travel flexibly according to the needs of the service.

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.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).