Meet Kelly Greaney

I studied health & social care, geography and food technology, in addition to the core subjects at school. I first came to Spire when I was 18 and was a hostess on the wards - giving out food and drinks - and did housekeeping in theatres.

I tried different roles outside of the medical sector, including working at an opticians and in childcare, but returned to Spire in an X-ray admin job and moved on to be a Radiology Assistant. I was then approached to see if I wanted to do an apprenticeship to become a Radiology Assistant Practitioner. The apprenticeship was over two years, with one day a week for studying at Derby University.

Doing the apprenticeship was really good. I could still earn a wage and learn on the job. One of our Radiographers was my facilitator so it was his role to liaise with the university. He taught me the practical side of taking X-rays and how to position patients to get the best images. I had the support of the whole department for coursework and assignments, and I could ask for guidance when I needed to. It’s a great way to get a qualification - I definitely recommend it.

First thing in the morning we clean all the rooms. We check what is booked for the day and see which consultants are in with outpatients to give us an idea of footfall through the department. I will often do a bit of chaperoning with the radiologists, from abdomen ultrasounds to aseptic technique for ultrasound guided injection of joints.

Then it is X-rays that come round from outpatients and the wards. Consultants come and ask questions and the outpatient nurses pop down sometimes. We are quite central to the hospital so most patients or staff will utilise us at some point.

I often do X-rays in the afternoon. The length of time it takes to X-ray varies depending on what you are X-raying. A standard knee X-ray can take from 10 to 20 minutes depending on how mobile the patient is. We also have ultrasound lists throughout the day and evening. First thing in the morning and last thing in the evening are our busiest times.