NHS Yorkshire & Humber

Working in Radiography

Ben Hicken
Band 5 Therapy radiographer
St James institute of oncology, Leeds
BSc (Hons) Radiotherapy and Oncology. Sheffield Hallam University.

Ben works as a Therapy Radiographer for the Radiotherapy Department of St James institute of Oncology in Leeds. He's involved in the treatment of cancer patients using high energy radiation.

"Therapy radiographers can specialise in different areas including the planning of the treatment, patient information and support and research into new techniques and procedures," says Ben. "I work as part of a team to deliver the treatment to the patients."

"I work in a team of 4 people and a team leader. We take it in turns to either treat the patients or carry out the paperwork ensuring the patient's treatment prescriptions are accurate. We work on a machine that mainly treats cancers of the head and neck. On a normal day we treat between 25-35 patients per machine. Each day is different and we often have challenges to keep us on our toes but it feels very rewarding."

As Leeds is teaching hospital Ben also takes an active role in mentoring students as well as helping new members of staff to settle in and organise regular open days for future patients and staff from other departments.

Ben's also keen to progress in the field with further study.

"I'm interested in doing a masters degree in an aspect of radiotherapy practice. St James has close links with Sheffield Hallam University and supports further education so I'll be able to attend a postgraduate course while carrying on working in the department."

Ben say's the best thing about working for the NHS is the staff and patients. "It's very rewarding when a patient thanks you and says that your actions really helped them through their treatment. It's nice to know that if you do your job well it makes a real difference to somebody."

Ben originally lived in Nottingham but decided to move to Leeds to work as the department there had a great reputation and he was really drawn to the City.

"It's just the right mix of being a large exciting city with everything I could want close by while having quiet towns with reasonable house prices only a short commute away," says Ben.