Nuclear Medicine

Victoria Bassett-Smith, Principal Clinical Scientist (Nuclear Medicine/Radiation Protection)

Length of Service: 9 years NHS

Length of Service New Cross Hospital 4 years

I started as a Part I Medical Physics trainee in September 2005 at New Cross Hospital Wolverhampton, this consisted of attending Birmingham University part time to obtain my MSc in Medical and radiation Physics and complete the IPEM part I training scheme. After completing this in September 2007 I moved to University Hospital Birmingham as a Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Protection part II Medical Physicist. I completed my Part II training February 2010, and in May 2010 I returned to New Cross Hospital to take up the post of Principal Nuclear Medicine Clinical Scientist.

Since returning to New Cross Hospital, I gained my Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor certificate in 2011, my Radioactive Waste Advisor certificate in 2012 and my Radiation Protection Advisor Certificate in 2013. My role has developed significantly over the past 4 years and as well as continuing in my role as a Nuclear Medicine Clinical Scientist I am now also the Quality Controller of the Radiopharmacy, and helping to establish a Radiation Protection Section. My career over the past 4 years has developed significantly particularly in managerial responsibilities.

I enjoy the variety of work, as well as performing the routine work, we get involved in a variety of teaching and training activities. We have a wide customer basis from the emergency service, schools and other hospitals. I have been able to develop my scientist skills, and managerial skills in a supportive environment with like minded individuals who wish to drive services forward this was my main reason for wishing to return to New Cross. Senior managers encourage staff to attend a variety of training courses and will support staff to progress.

Whilst I do not live in Wolverhampton, I commute daily from the suburbs of Birmingham. There are excellent transport links as well as being at the centre of a major motorway hub. Wolverhampton is not far from the Birmingham, which boasts numerous shops, theatres, has a renowned nightlife for all variety of people, many restaurants, art galleries and museums. Other large cities and towns are close by. In the suburbs of Birmingham less than 20 miles away there is the largest urban park in Europe Sutton Park. Wolverhampton not far from the Peak district and Shropshire country side.