Bristol's Haematology and Oncology Centre has appointed a consultant radiographer to lead its brachytherapy service.
Pauline Humphrey took up her post in September last year, and is one of only six consultant radiographers practicing in radiotherapy.
Qualifying in 1987 after training at Bristol School of Radiography, Pauline began her career at Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre, starting out in pre-treatment, but mainly on the treatment floor.
After short career breaks to have children, Pauline returned part-time. Keen to further develop her career and skills as a radiographer, she completed her MSc in radiography in 2005.
She was then appointed to the role of brachytherapy specialist radiographer, and introduced Bristol's new HDR brachytherapy service.
She went on to complete a six month course at UWE which enabled her to qualify as a supplementary prescriber in 2007.
Commenting on her appointment as a consultant, Pauline said: "This new position has been created to lead brachytherapy service development to incorporate new treatment sites. My role will allow me to dedicate time to develop and lead clinical research in brachytherapy practice. Also, I will have greater focus on education, especially in providing education at a post graduate level.
"This is a very exciting time in radiotherapy as consultant posts are starting to increase in number, and I am really looking forward to many new challenges ahead. However, it is also quite daunting to realise that I am the first consultant radiographer within my NHS trust, and I hope that I can live up to people's expectations of me!"
Management support
Pauline says she has received a great deal of support from her managers and nurse consultant colleagues and has been able to take advantage of a new mentorship programme.
She continued: "I have also received a great welcome from the SoR's Consultant Radiographers Group, which is already helping me to understand and develop my role."
Kate Love, the centre's radiotherapy services manager added: "This appointment is a fantastic opportunity to improve services for our patients, as well as completing the introduction of the four tier structure into our department.
"Pauline's role cuts across all tumour sites and will ensure that appropriate brachytherapy techniques are introduced for our patients.
"Pauline is an outstanding radiographer who will act as a role model for all those who want to realise their potential in a clinical role."
For information on other consultant radiographers practicing in the UK, visit the SoR website.
