Deputy Radiology I.T. Systems and Performance Manager

Do you have experience in PACS / IT management and a passion for supporting high-quality Radiology services? Do you thrive in environments focused on improvement, innovation, and delivering excellent patient care? If so, the Radiology Directorate at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust has an exciting opportunity for you. As Deputy Radiology I.T. Systems and Performance Manager, you will play a key supporting role in the operational management of ELHT Radiology systems, including but not limited to PACS and RIS. Working closely with the Radiology I.T. Systems and Performance Manager, you will help ensure our systems are reliable, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the service. You will also support collaborative work with colleagues across the Lancashire and South Cumbria Diagnostic Imaging Network, contributing to the delivery of the regional vision for PACS/RIS convergence. Your involvement will help develop a high-quality, effective, and accessible network of diagnostic imaging services across the region. In this deputy position, you will assist in the leadership and day-to-day oversight of the PACS team, supporting the delivery of a robust and safe digital imaging environment while helping the service monitor and respond to operational demand. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop management experience while contributing significantly to Radiology service performance and digital transformation., The post holder is responsible for ensuring the safe, effective performance of PACS, RIS and associated Radiology IT systems through continuous monitoring, data integrity checks, incident management and first-line technical support. They provide formal and ad-hoc training, resolve complex data and workflow issues, ensure timely availability of images for reporting, produce accurate activity and tracking reports, and maintain compliance with Information Governance, data protection and system security policies. The role requires managing system access, coordinating with IT and external suppliers, supporting equipment integration, maintaining reporting workstation quality, and facilitating image sharing across Trusts. They act as a key operational link between Radiology, clinical teams and external partners, provide support to the Breast Imaging service, and deputise for the Radiology Systems and Performance Manager. As a manager, they lead the PACS administration team, oversee staffing, performance and development, ensure adequate service cover, drive continuous improvement, contribute to policy development, support procurement processes and deliver Trust-wide training programmes. They also assist with research, QA activities, student supervision and audit participation, ensuring best practice and high-quality digital imaging services across all sites.,

• Monitor and review system performance ensuring integrity of patient and image data, receiving escalated issues from the PACS team and escalating any specific issues to the relevant supplier or the I.T help desk.
• Maintain constant systems surveillance to ensure data and image quality is maintained and ensure correct integration and functionality.
• Provide prompt technical advice to all local and Trust users, both Radiographic and others, supporting the site based PACS administrators for complex issues.
• Provide training, both formal and ad hoc, for all users of Radiology IT systems.
• Provide first line support for application and technical issues within scope of responsibility. Escalate complex issues to the system provider or I.T.
• Take remedial action for mismatched patient data and or images in the event of user or system error.
• Provide timely and accurate reports of system activity and problems on request.
• Provide timely and accurate data reports for the purpose of patient tracking.
• Support development of departmental policies and procedures associated with the Radiology IT systems Trust wide use.
• Accurately record data on the RIS. Ensure image acquisition, post-processing and storage on the PACS is in line with Data Protection principles.
• Ensure that images are presented for reporting purposes in a timely and accurate manner. To remove any anomalies which occur due to disparity between the RIS and PACS descriptors
• Authorise and provide third party access to appropriate and relevant medical images and data where direct access is not possible.
• Produce and maintain accurate data transfer records.
• Attend both internal and external PACS related education seminars as required to enhance and ensure best practice is followed as and when required.
• Conduct system demonstrations as required.
• To provide a first line support for all users of the Radiology IT systems, escalating unresolved issues to the supplier or IT helpdesk.
• Ensure that no individual will be given access to a live system unless properly trained and made aware of their responsibilities for confidentiality, security and data accuracy.
• Engage with Radiology Modality leads regarding issues of equipment integration with PACS and associated technical issues.
• Perform regular maintenance tasks on reporting workstations, including monitor QA, to ensure that reporting workstations remain of an adequate quality to function as expected and meet the legal guidelines for reporting.
• To maintain links and cross platform activities with other Trusts within the locality to promote image sharing.
• To provide clinical system support for the Breast Imaging Department.
System Security
• Ensure for all sites that the system is operated in accordance with the Trust Information, Security and Confidentiality policy.
• Ensure that all staff that process information are aware of and comply with the Trust IT policies, procedures and standards.
• Determine the type of access each user is allowed with regard to classification or sensitivity level.
• Establish user passwords for PACS and RIS in conjunction with IT policies and administer permissions.
• Be aware of Data Protection, Security and Freedom of Information policies and their specific relevance to the system and department concerned and ensure that all staff that process information are aware of the policies.
Operational Responsibilities
• Assist medical staff with images for presentations and research and development
• To liaise with other departments/wards within the hospital and various external sources in order to provide a quality service to patients and clinicians.
• To report clinical, non-clinical and radiation incidents in line with Trust and departmental risk management policies
• Maintain knowledge of the equipment to promote safe, effective and efficient handling within the clinical setting, to uphold COSHH (2002), Health and Safety guidelines
• To deputise for the Radiology Systems and Performance Manager in their absence providing support to the PACS and Admin and Clerical services.
Managerial Responsibilities
• Act as an expert for the provision of PACS & RIS trust wide, offering guidance and support to all clinical and managerial staff both within and outside of the directorate. Develop and maintain robust lines of communication between the trust and the system providers / administrators and ensure the system is operated and maintained within the terms and conditions of the PFI contract where applicable.
• Line manager for the PACS Administrators and support staff ensuring staff are regularly appraised and have an up to date PDR
• Responsible for ensuring all sites have adequate PACS management cover during times of absence and/or vacancies.
• Responsible for ensuring an innovation culture is embedded with the Systems and Administrative teams and that a programme of continuous improvement is in place.
• Responsible for ensuring that all Senior Radiographers, modality leads and Managers are apprised of all issues both technical and competency related that are highlighted through the surveillance of PACS.
• Responsible for developing and organising remedial training for any staff who are identified through the QA process.
• Attend local and regional meetings relating to PACS and RIS as appropriate.
• Responsible for developing and delivering formal training programmes in relation to PACS, RIS and IT systems to staff within Radiology, Consultants, junior medical staff and administrative staff from outside of the Directorate.
• Review and comment on continuing appropriateness of imaging protocols and instigate any modifications / changes required in relation to practices involving the PACS.
• Responsible for liaison with Education and Training with regard to the provision of PACS training for all trust staff at induction and ad hoc as necessary.
• Participate in the specification of radiology equipment relating to PACS, e.g. user licences, workstations.
• Participate in and advise on the purchase of services from external suppliers of PACS integrated equipment, e.g. peripherals, licenses, workstation, in conjunction with the Procurement Manager and Radiology Business Manager.
• Attend departmental meetings providing performance reports and updates as appropriate.
• Provide clinical and managerial support to the modality leads and management team.
• Provide an overview and action of reporting and waiting worklists.
Clinical Responsibilities
• To ensure all appropriate infection control measures are utilised, paying particular attention to personal protection as well as the management of equipment and linens.
• Be familiar with the range of technical applications available on imaging equipment and be an expert user of DR technology.
• To perform regular equipment testing and reject analysis, ensuring all results are documented and reported.
• Ensure continuing familiarisation with the current QA measures in place within the Directorate.
• To attend QA meetings as required.
• To complete all paperwork pertaining to compliance with Trust policies eg Incident Reporting Forms.
Training, Research & Development
• The post holder should maintain their Personal Development portfolio and CPD, participating in the KSF process, pursuing post graduate training as required.
• To assist in the supervision of both undergraduate and postgraduate radiographic staff.
• To undertake formalised assessments when required of undergraduate students and document findings in accordance with each academic institution's requirements
• To participate in the academic programme of the Directorate as required.
• To prepare/present short presentations or lectures for staff and participate in CPD.
• To actively participate in the Directorate's audit programme.
• To conduct examinations according to protocol for a range of clinical trials.
• To provide elements of induction training and support for other staff.
  
  Essential criteria
• Educated to degree level in appropriate subject.
Desirable criteria
• Post graduate experience /qualification at advanced (M) level or equivalent experience
• Graduate or postgraduate degree in Radiography, IT, or Health Informatics, or equivalent experience., Significant experience of managing PACS and Radiology Information Systems.
• Previous supervisory experience of a team
• Good understanding of function and interaction of IT systems
Desirable criteria
• Teaching and Training Skills, Demonstrate effective leadership skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate and liaise with all levels of staff within the healthcare environment and external customers
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise
• Able to analyse complex information, displaying accuracy and attention to details
• Good housekeeping skills., Ability to commute between all Radiology sites
  
  At East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust our vision is to be widely recognised for providing safe, personal and effective care. We currently provide high quality services and treat over 600,000 people across East Lancashire and the surrounding area. We employ over 9,500 staff, many of whom are internationally renowned and have won awards for their work., Established in 2003 East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) is a large integrated health care organisation providing high quality acute secondary healthcare for the people of East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen.
Our vision is to be widely recognised for providing safe, personal and effective care. We currently provide high quality services and treat over 700,000 patients a year from the most serious of emergencies to planned operations and procedures. We employ over 8,000 staff, many of whom are internationally renowned and have won awards for their work and achievements. Our organisation is driven by our strategic objectives and organisational values and we look for people who are strongly aligned with them to join us. We have a clear vision to be the leading provider of imaging services across East Lancashire, delivering the highest standards and providing safe, personal and effective care to all our patients. Our staff are friendly, supportive and dedicated professionals who will make you feel very welcome. Our service is committed to encouraging staff to develop and widen their scope of practice, with continuous professional development actively encouraged and supported by expert clinical leads., The Trust is an equal opportunities employer, committed to improving the working lives of our staff and operates a 'Zero Tolerance' policy to aggression, violence, bullying and harassment. In addition, our aim is to help protect children and vulnerable adults by providing a first-class service to the recruitment of people into positions of trust. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability or social background. We especially welcome applications from members of our black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, as we have identified that ELHT has an under-representation of BAME employees. Appointments will be made on merit., The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

It is important you are made aware of the following as regards your application to East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
• Please note that the salary advertised is for full time hours. If this post is less than 37.5 hours per week, the salary will be pro-rata. For posts on Agenda for Change pay-scales, new entrants to the NHS will normally commence on the first pay point of the relevant band.
• This vacancy may close before the closing date if the recruiting manager deems sufficient applications have been received. Therefore it is advised to complete your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
• Please ensure you check the email account from which you apply regularly as we will use this to contact you regarding your application.
• Please note that shortlisting is completed anonymously with candidates being assessed against the essential criteria for the post. Therefore only applicants, who can clearly demonstrate how they meet our person specification criteria in their application, will be short-listed.
Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS) If the role you are applying for is identified as either controlled or regulated activity as defined in in the Safeguarding vulnerable Groups Act (2006) any offer of employment is provisional upon a satisfactory DBS check being obtained. The healthcare sector is exempted from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. In line with other NHS organisations in the North West Region, the Trust is now passing the charge for undertaking a DBS check on to candidates in the event they are successfully appointed into the post for which they have applied. Candidates can choose whether to pay this over 1-3 months as a deduction from the monthly salary. However, if you are applying for a post as a BANK worker, the payment must be made in full at the time of employment checks. By applying for this vacancy you are agreeing to this undertaking in the event you are successfully appointed. The cost of an Enhanced Disclosure will be £55.38 and for a Standard Disclosure will be £27.38.