CARDIAC MRI - Harefield Hospital

Cardiac MRI – Harefield Hospital

The closing date is 10 May 2026

The Cardiac MRI Radiographer will play a key role within the Cross‑Sectional Imaging team, delivering a high‑quality, patient‑centred cardiac MRI service. The post holder will independently perform a broad range of cardiac MRI examinations, including ventricular function assessment, viability imaging, congenital heart studies, and stress perfusion imaging.

The role requires the ability to plan, perform, and adapt cardiac MRI scans autonomously to ensure optimal image quality while maintaining patient safety and comfort. After completing appropriate training, the post holder will manage pharmacological stress studies, including patient preparation, monitoring, and safe delivery in collaboration with the cardiac team. Working closely with cardiac radiologists, cardiologists, and MRI physicists, they will support protocol optimisation, service development, and continuous quality improvement.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong clinical judgement, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to delivering high standards of patient care. This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop specialist expertise within a dynamic and expanding cardiac MRI service.

Main duties of the job

• Perform a range of cardiac MRI examinations under indirect supervision, including ventricular function, viability, congenital, and stress perfusion imaging, ensuring safe practice and high diagnostic image quality.
• Select and adapt MRI protocols within defined guidelines to meet clinical indications, escalating complex or technically challenging cases to senior staff.
• If not already CMR‑trained, actively participate in the department's internal training programme to develop the skills required for independent cardiac MRI practice.
• Provide safe and effective patient care, including preparation, IV cannulation, physiological monitoring, and clear guidance throughout the imaging process.
• Communicate professionally and compassionately with patients, offering reassurance to reduce anxiety and support cooperation.
• Work both independently and as part of the multidisciplinary team, supporting radiologists, cardiologists, physicists, and senior radiographers.
• Recognise early signs of patient deterioration or adverse responses and escalate promptly in line with Trust emergency procedures.
• Adhere to MRI safety standards, infection control procedures, and departmental protocols.
• Contribute to QA processes, audits, and service improvement.
• Maintain accurate documentation using PACS, EPIC, and electronic systems. Engage in CPD to advance cardiac MRI skills.

Communication

• Train radiographers and undergraduate students in MRI scanning equipment, techniques, and procedures.
• Assist in supervising IV cannulation training within the MRI unit.
• Provide advice to colleagues on MRI safety and ensure compliance with local rules.
• Liaise with other hospital departments, wards, and external partners to support a high‑quality imaging service.
• Communicate effectively and sensitively with patients, relatives, and staff.
• Explain procedures clearly and provide reassurance to help patients cooperate, including those with significant anxiety or communication barriers.
• Use tact and sensitivity when obtaining personal information (e.g., pregnancy status).
• Reassure and support claustrophobic patients to facilitate successful scanning.
• Assist the Superintendent Radiographer with liaison with engineers and medical physics, including workload reorganisation during equipment faults.
• Train radiographers and visiting doctors in MRI and CMR techniques.
• Welcome and assist visitors to the CMR department.
• Maintain strong working relationships with the multidisciplinary team across the hospital.
• Participate in continued staff development programmes.
• Participate in weekend MRI lists as required.

Patient and Customer Care (Direct and Indirect)

• Perform MRI procedures, particularly Cardiac MRI examinations.
• Carry out image post‑processing and volumetric analysis for inclusion in the physician's final report.
• Undertake imaging procedures as part of approved research projects.
• Liaise with MRI medical staff regarding planning and scheduling of investigations.
• Position and prepare patients appropriately for MRI examinations.
• Assess MRI images for diagnostic quality and clinical relevance, taking appropriate action when required.
• Perform IV cannulation for the administration of MRI contrast agents.
• Initiate and assist with patient resuscitation in emergencies, following Trust guidelines.
• Prepare, load, and operate contrast power injectors as required.
• Operate patient monitoring equipment safely and effectively.
• Clean biological or other spills according to Trust infection control policies.
• Assess patient fitness for MRI procedures and determine the safest method of transferring and positioning patients.
• Use initiative and sound judgement when prioritising workload, often managing multiple clinical demands.
• Undertake any additional duties relevant to the role as assigned by the Superintendent Radiographer or Imaging Service Manager.

Emotional Effort

The post involves occasional exposure to distressing or emergency situations. While most procedures proceed smoothly, emergencies may arise quickly, creating unpredictable and emotionally demanding work patterns.

Policy & Service Development

• Assist the MRI Superintendent in developing MRI procedures and policies.
• Help maintain and improve MRI techniques and patient care standards, particularly within Cardiac MRI.
• Maintain high professional standards in line with HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics, and Standards of Proficiency for Radiographers.

Resource Management

• Use complex and high‑value MRI equipment safely and responsibly.
• Report equipment malfunctions promptly and take appropriate follow‑up action to ensure safety.
• Perform equipment testing as part of the Quality Assurance programme and act when results fall outside expected tolerances.

People Management

• Share responsibility for coordinating staff who receive visitors and demonstrate MRI equipment.
• Supervise junior radiographers, undergraduate students, visiting radiographers or doctors, and clerical/portering staff.
• Assist with staff recruitment in accordance with Trust procedures.
• Contribute to the induction, training, and supervision of radiographic staff in the MRI unit.
• Teach and support radiographers, students, and other staff in MRI and Cardiac MRI techniques.
• Ensure student and visiting radiographer practice complies with statutory and local safety regulations.
• Organise workload and coordinate portering to ensure timely patient flow.
• Assist with staff appraisals, supporting meaningful personal development plans informed by multisource feedback.
• Coordinate training programmes within the MRI department and support staff in maintaining Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Information Management

• Oversee the secure import and export of confidential imaging data.
• Ensure statistics and records are maintained accurately as required by the Imaging Service Manager.
• Input data accurately into the Hospital Information System and ensure correct use of PACS/EPIC.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Professional knowledge acquired through degree
• HCPC Registration

Knowledge

• Experience of specialised cardio‑thoracic angiography and MRI
• Experience of audit/quality systems
• Previous NHS experience and experience in Cardiac MRI

Experience

• Experience of specialised cardio‑thoracic angiography and MRI.

Skills

• Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills
• Evidence of problem‑solving skills
• Flexibility and willingness to undertake a wide range of duties

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.

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

£45,953 to £54,254 a year (p.a.) inc Outer HCA

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