Karen Satina - Radiographer

What does your role involve?
I work in Radiology, including X-ray, CT and MR, co-ordinating patients coming down from wards and allocating equipment for Theatres. This is to make sure that patients get their X-rays done after surgery or any X-rays or scans that will need reviewing urgently to aid with their treatment are done.Equipment allocation in Theatres is also important because some particular equipment is only used for certain procedures and I have to make sure the department runs smoothly for the benefits of our patients.

What kind of patients do you see and how do you support them?
I support patients with disabilities as well as patients who have long-term conditions, such as paraplegic patients. I do my best to support them to make them feel comfortable during their X-ray or scan. I offer them any aid or assistance that makes it easier for them to transfer to the scan table or maybe offer to help them if they need a hand changing into a hospital gown.

What’s it like working at The Walton Centre?
I really like working at The Walton Centre especially working in Radiology who I can call family; they are always there to give me support and make me feel I am supported and appreciated. It is by far the best department I have ever worked in.

What are some of the challenges you face in your role?
Some patients who require scans and imaging have additional needs and we endeavour to facilitate them in the best way possible. When patients come into the department, we make sure that whoever they need with them is in the room, so they can be comfortable. This way we can ensure that the best scans are taken to help them in their diagnosis or treatment. It can be a really rewarding moment when we’ve been able to support patients in this way.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
When you have patients and colleagues recognising your work. I’m incredibly proud of the service I help to provide and when other staff see this it’s very rewarding. To me, this simply means that I have given them the service that
they expect.