Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Leadership and Managerial 

·To organise and carry out clinical phototesting on patients as part of the clinical investigation of clinical photosensitivity by the Photodermatology Unit. This includes monochromator and solar simulator phototesting, and minimal erythema / phototoxic dose testing. These are all complex clinical procedures requiring considerable care and attention to detail. Standard reports are generated from these procedures by Photodermatology consultants, which lead to the recommendation of an appropriate treatment for the patient.

·To manage the organisation of patients’ admissions for phototesting and other investigations.

·To work in the Photodermatology Clinic to provide Specialist Clinical advice to patients regarding effective photoprotection and topical therapy in the photodermatoses with supervision from Photodermatology consultants.

· To supervise, monitor and undertake regular calibration and quality control checks of highly complex optical equipment used in phototesting. To maintain appropriate records of any procedures, replacements, adjustments or repairs to the equipment.

· To maintain clinical databases for the Photodermatology unit. To produce monthly and annual phototest reports, summarising the diagnoses seen, patient numbers and collating the number of procedures performed.

·To work with colleagues in other Photodermatology centres collaboratively, as and where relevant.

·To work closely and effectively with the Medical Physics Department, as and when necessary.

·Supervises and takes responsibility for the training requirements for all technologist and nursing staff working in phototesting, managing inhouse training programmes and assessing competency levels. This allows for a structured pathway, that will eventually lead to competency in the procedures performed. This ensures personal and service development needs are identified and met, resulting in effective and efficient use of resources.

·Responsible for the annual appraisal and review processes, continuing competency and monitoring of performance levels.

·Participates in the selection and recruitment of technologists staff.To participate actively in the organisation and smooth running of Photodermatology as directed by the Head of Department and Management Team.

·To participate in effective team working

Quality

·To maintain clinical databases for the Photodermatology unit.

·To work within agreed Trust and local policies and protocols.

·To ensure compliance with Trust policies on the safe use of non-ionising radiation equipment.

·To participate in the review and updating of phototest protocols with relevant colleagues in the Photodermatology Unit on the basis of clinical evidence as and when relevant.

·To participate in routine audits to ensure compliance with Trust and Local policies, procedures and protocols.

.To support research projects related to phototesting as required.

· To ensure active compliance with the Trust Risk Management policy and to lead on Risk Assessments within the department.

·To contribute to the facilitation of patient and public involvement in the development of services.

· To record where relevant and appropriate, patient related results, assessments and reports in patient health records.

·To facilitate high quality, cost effective care for Photodermatology patients.

·To be involved in the development and continuing evolution of agreed standards of care and protocols for phototesting and working with these, to ensure that patients receive this standard of care.

·To work with the Head of Department to identify where Standards of Care are not being met for patients and work on remedying the defects.

Education and Training

·To teach and train MSc students and St Johns Photodermatology Course delegates about phototesting.

·To teach patients with photodermatoses about their disease and its treatment as part of the Photosensitivity Practitioner role.

·To ensure personal compliance with mandatory, professional and personal development in line with service needs, and as agreed in appraisal and personal development plans by attending appropriate courses and scientific meetings, and by participating in continuing professional development programs as agreed through appraisals.

·To support the learning and development of other staff groups within the Dermatology departments, including demonstrating various clinical procedures and use of equipment to other multidisciplinary colleagues including MSc students, academic, technical and clinical staff from within and external to the Trust.

·To organise equipment demonstrations at the Photodermatology Course and other study days and courses.

Research and Development

·To coordinate the introduction of new techniques into phototesting, and to coordinate clinical research studies into photosensitivityunder the guidance of Principal Investigators in Dermatology and Medical Physics

·To assist in relevant clinical research studies involving volunteers and patients which involve Phototesting.

·To undertake arrangements for various clinical research studies involving volunteers and patients. This includes providing specialist advice for the protocol and ethics approvals, carrying out the procedures ensuring the protocol is adhered to and the recording of data is within Good Clinical Practice guidelines. Also coordinates with pharmaceutical representatives for start-up meetings, closeout meetings and monitoring meetings to ensure smooth running of the research studies. The post holder must complete case report forms and patient case records and deals with any data queries generated from these.

Management and Leadership

. To organise and manage the Phototesting Service

· To coordinate the introduction of new techniques into phototesting

·To take part in the regular Departmental meetings, Departmental audit and other relevant group activities within the Photodermatology Unit.

·To participate in Trust, Regional and National projects as required by the Head of Department or Management Team.

·To ensure that the Service Level Agreement with Medical Physics is kept up to date, and that any exceptions are raised with senior managers.

·To implement and work within the Trust’s HR policies on all staffing matters, including sickness, capability and disciplinary issues. To take corrective measures if indicated, in liaison with Human Resources and Head of Photodermatology.

·To adhere to relevant Trust and departmental policies and procedures.

General

·To act in accordance with Professional Standards and be accountable for his/her actions at all times.

·To maintain up-to-date records, ensuring that confidentiality is respected and that the standards for “Record Keeping” are met.

Professional

·Keep abreast of the latest technical and scientific developments and their applications in medical and associated fields. Enrol in appropriate Continuing Professional Development programmes. Attend suitable seminars and courses as part of personal development and to further the work of the department.

·Ensure all activities are carried out within a quality framework and meet regulatory requirements.

·Engage in regional and national groups to develop relevant standards and guidelines, including discussions with regulatory and professional bodies. Undertake and analyse benchmarking comparisons of Trust performance and advise and act on as appropriate.

Miscellaneous

·Ensure compliance with accredited Quality Systems in the areas of work for which the postholder carries responsibility.  Participate in the development and routine operation of quality systems.

·Carry out all duties in accordance with the requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Act, relevant Statutory Regulations, Approved Codes of Conduct and Local Rules.

·Work hours necessary for the proper and efficient performance of the work.  In practice, the appointee will occasionally be required to perform duties outside the normal working hours of the Department.

·When working in other departments, the appointee will liaise with local heads of department, medical consultants, superintendents, nursing sisters or their representatives as appropriate, adhering to local policies and practices.  The postholder will behave courteously and professionally at all times and seek to ensure that the highest level of service is provided by Medical Physics.

·Perform other appropriate duties which may be required from time to time by the Head of Non-Ionising Radiation Physics or Head of Medical Physics.

The Non-Ionising Radiation Section of Medical Physics is responsible for providing a clinical scientific service to a wide range of clinical Departments at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, including the Dermatology Department, and to a number of other Trusts around London and the South East. This post holder can also provide technical support for clinical services in phototherapy although their main role is to carry out phototesting. The postholder will also engage in and support research and service development across Photodermatology and Medical Physics.