Radiotherapy Planner - KZN Region

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We are united by a common purpose of providing the best and safest care; and by our shared values of Care, Truth, Participation, Compassion and Dignity.

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The Radiotherapy Planner is a member of the Radiation Therapy Planning Team and, with the onsite medical physicist, is primarily responsible for the simulation of patients, designing and accurate calculation of treatment plans and the quality assurance of treatment plans based on the Clinical or Radiation Oncologist’s prescribed course and in accordance with established practices and standards.

ROLE SUMMARY

• The Radiotherapy Planner is a member of the Radiation Therapy Planning Team and, with the onsite medical physicist, is primarily responsible for the simulation of patients, designing and accurate calculation of treatment plans and the quality assurance of treatment plans based on the Clinical or Radiation Oncologist’s prescribed course and in accordance with established practices and standards.

KEY WORK OUTPUT AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION

Administration

• Follow and adhere to Policies, Standard Operating Procedures and local operational guidelines.
• Plan ways to solve problems and to make improvements in the planning department in collaboration with therapists, unit managers and medical physicists.
• Participate in implementing planned changes and activities to improve service.
• Be passionate and self-accountable for the delivery of quality care in planning.

Research activities

• Participate in clinical research through Netcare’s Ethics committee. 
• Be involved in Radiation Therapy research and quality improvement initiatives.
• Be available to present research at CPD events, MDMs, local and international conferences.

Continuous education

• Ensure that continuous education is in line with the HPCSA’s requirements.
• Gain knowledge in current research publications in radiation therapy, and planning.
• Keep up to date with the latest treatment protocols, treatment planning techniques and advances in radiation treatment technology.
• Training of radiation therapists and new treatment planners

Radiotherapy planning services 

• Designing treatment plans by means of the treatment planning system with optimal beam geometry to deliver a prescribed radiation dose and spare critical structures in accordance with the Clinical or Radiation Oncologist's prescription in consultation with the Medical Physicists.
• Identify and contour normal and dose-limiting structures by utilizing images from one or more diagnostic tests. Assumes proficiency in image registration and fusion with CT, MRI, SPECT and PET images.
• Create and transfer reference images and localization markers for verification and treatment delivery to include DRRs, CBCTs and other IGRT methods, as specified.
• Assist in tumour localization, using specified imaging devices including, but not limited to CT, MRI, and PET.
• Supervise, perform or assist in the planning and implementation of the fabrication of custom beam modifying devices.
• Supervise, perform or assist in the planning and implementation of the production of moulds, casts, and other immobilization devices.
•  Provide clear communication and technical guidance to the radiation therapists, and act in an advisory capacity together with the medical physicists, during the implementation of treatment plans, including but not limited to patient positioning, immobilisation techniques, field arrangements, wedges, and other treatment or imaging parameters.Maintain accurate documentation in written and/or electronic medical record (EMR); documenting / recording information — entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic form.  
• Assist with scheduling patients for both internal and external appointments where required.
• Ensure that patients in need of Radiological markers are booked accordingly.
• Ensure authorization for treatment plans were received and is correct. Should any billing coding change, it should be immediately comminated to the Oncology administrator, In the case of Oncological emergencies an AOD was signed.
• Adaptive planning procedures when needed including re-scanning of patients, requesting alpha-beta calculations and communication to Oncologists. All adaptive planning should be communicated to the Oncologist/rooms and onsite medical physicist.

Patient care

• Ensure appropriate communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate the exchange of information with patients, family members, the radiation oncology treatment team as well as outside entities.
• Educate and inform the patient about the radiation procedures involved and side effects of treatment.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Address or escalate all patient concerns and complaints accordingly, if needed.
• Contribute to the holistic care of the patient.

Quality assurance and risk management

• Practice radiation protection techniques to minimize radiation exposure to patient, visitors and staff.
• Perform calculations for the accurate delivery of the prescribed dose, document all pertinent information in the patient record
• Support the Medical Physicist in radiation safety and protection, quality assurance of treatment plans where required.
• Apply quality assurance protocols and participate in quality improvement programs.
• Assist to ensure proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies.
• Promote continuous improvement of workplace safety.
• Adhere to all Netcare policies and procedures regarding to health and safety, waste management and infection control.

TRANSFORMATION OF OUR SOCIETY

Stakeholder relationship management

• Work effectively and co-operatively with others to establish and maintain good working relationships that are mutually beneficial.
• Create and maintain a positive environment where differences of others are recognized, understood and valued, so that all can reach their full potential and maximize their contributions.
• Recognise colleagues’ skills and empower self-growth.
• Develop collaborative relationships to help accomplish goals.
• Promote and maintain good public relations with patients, relatives and visitors.
• Communicate with Supervisors, Peers, Subordinates or Medical Specialists — providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. 
• Develop and build teams — encourage and build mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. 
• Assist with the training of students and other colleagues.
• Adjust constantly to changes of the business environment.

SKILLS PROFILE

EDUCATION

Essential

• Registration with the HPCSA as either a Therapy Radiographer (Radiation therapist) or Medical Scientist (Medical Physicist)
• Radiotherapists require a relevant higher diploma or degree in Therapeutic Radiography at NQF level 7.
• Medical Physicists require a BSC degree at NQF level 7 and a Medical Physicist Honours Degree at NQF level 8.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Planning experience in Clinical Radiation Therapy.
• Planning experience in Cranial and Extra-cranial Stereotactic radiosurgery/therapy, brachytherapy, VMAT/RapidArc and IMRT

Preferred

• Experience in the private healthcare sector.

KNOWLEDGE

Essential

• Computer literacy.
• Sound knowledge of radiation planning principals.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• In the event of any physical or psychological limitation that may impair the employee’s ability to perform the required job function, the employee must consult the employer for reasonable accommodation.

VALUES AND BEHAVIOURS

Netcare Values

At Netcare, our core value is care. We care about the dignity of our patients and all members of the Netcare family. We care about the participation of our people and our partners in everything we do. We care about truth in all our actions. We are compassionate about quality care and professional excellence.

• At Netcare, our core value is care.
• We care about the dignity of our patients and all members of the Netcare family.
• We care about the participation of our people and our healthcare partners in everything that we do.
• We care about the truth in all our actions.
• We listen with empathy and respond with acts of compassion in all interactions with our patients and their families.

The Netcare Way

Netcare is committed to providing quality care. Our basic service standard holds us accountable for the below seven behaviours which you will be accountable to uphold:

• Respect - I always greet everyone to show my respect.
• Identity - I always wear my name badge to show my identity.
• Dignity - I always treat others with consideration and humility to uphold dignity
• Care - I always act in the best interest of Netcare and others to show I care
• Compassion - I always listen with empathy and respond with kind action to show my compassion
• Appreciation - I always say thank you to show my appreciation.
• Diversity- I always embrace diversity to strengthen inclusivity and belonging.

Join the team committed to providing the best and safest health and care.