We spoke with three diagnostic radiographers who shared their experiences of working at CUH
AHPs’ Day is an annual opportunity for AHPs to come together and celebrate being part of the AHP family, and the day gives an opportunity to showcase to others the impact they make to the delivery of high quality care.
Chrissie - diagnostic radiographer
I chose to work at CUH because I knew of the brilliant reputation that CUH has, and wanted to work in a Major Trauma Centre where I could gain as much experience and knowledge as I could, to make myself the best that I could be.
I like working in a fast-paced, changing environment where no two days are the same, and I can image, care and meet a wide variety of patients along their pathway.
My favourite memory is completing my first ever night shift as a newly qualified radiographer. It gave me a sense of achievement and a huge boost in confidence working out of hours.
The best thing about my job is working with all my fantastic colleagues. They are a dedicated, hard working and inspiring group of people who I'm proud to work alongside.
Karen - Advanced Practitioner
I knew I wanted to be a carer of some type. I originally wanted to be a vet nurse, but I had several x-rays, scans and procedures when I was a teenager and realised it was people I wanted to help.
Radiography seemed really varied and interesting with new types of scanners and procedures being invented all the time, so it is a constantly developing and progressing profession.
I started at Addenbrooke’s in 1994! Even then it was such a big hospital, I had heard of it and it had a great reputation for being busy and varied, and this has only increased and improved. I am never bored working at CUH.
My favourite memory was when a specialist team approached me to see if I could find a way to acclimatise a hospital phobic small child for his x-ray test to determine if he needed surgery.
We spent over a year with visits, play sessions, exploring the x-ray room and machine, resulting in a successful study. He has since had his surgery, meaning he is now progressing at school, and he is now a mentor for other children undergoing similar experiences.
The best part about my job is knowing that what I do every day makes a huge difference to patients’ lives.
If I can make the trip to x-ray a little bit better than they expected, I am very happy.
Matt - Radiographer
I enjoyed going to angiography as a student, when I was able to go on options, I was fortunate enough to get a job there. The range of procedures that we do and how it helps the patient continues to amaze me.
I chose to work at CUH because I wanted to work in a large department with a variety of work flows with the major trauma centre and all the tertiary referrals.
My favourite memory was when I was supporting an elderly patient through their angioplasty by providing a hand for them to hold and talking them through what was going on to keep them calm. I then x-rayed her a few days later and she recognised me and thanked me for helping her through and said that her leg feels a lot better than it did before the procedure.
I thoroughly enjoy the multi-disciplinary working aspect of the role where we work closely with the radiologists, radiology nurses, the vascular surgeons and many others.