Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Biomedical Scientist

The closing date is 22 July 2025

Job summary

This role is an opportunity for a well-motivated Biomedical Scientist with Health and Care Professionals Council registration to join the Great Western Hospitals Haematology and Blood Transfusion section within Blood Sciences department.

The post holder will join a team of dedicated professionals working to deliver high quality test results and excellent care to patients across Swindon and the surrounding area. The Great Western Hospitals Blood Science department handles over 6 million test requests per year and offers a large repertoire of tests for our patients.

The post holder will be expected to contribute to the effective running of the Haematology and Blood Transfusion department by performing equipment maintenance, quality controls, troubleshooting procedures and a variety of manual and automated analytical techniques. The laboratory operates a quality management system (QMS) which all staff members engage with to ensure all processes are followed according to SOPs and documented according to the departmental policies.

Main duties of the job

The Haematology and Blood Transfusion department performs analysis of a variety of haematolgy ad coagulation tests through the automated equipment, and the provision of compatible blood products through a combination of manual and automated techniques.

There is a requirement for out of hours shift cover, including lates, nights and weekend shifts. This is distributed to all staff via a rota.

An MSc in biomedical sciences, haematolgoy or blood transfusion or similar may be an advantage.

To act as a State Registered Biomedical Scientist (BMS) who provides a comprehensive range of scientific and diagnostic services throughout the Haematology and Blood Transfusion department.

To perform automated and manual laboratory procedures of varying complexity in accordance with Standard operating procedures (SOPs).

To contribute to the departmental out-of-hours shift rota and have a flexible approach to hours of employment, according to individual contract.

To liaise with a wide range of staff groups, both internal and external to the department.

About us

Our STAR values - Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect - are a golden thread running through everything we do. These values serve as a guiding principle, driving us towards our vision of delivering great joined up services to our local community. Whether at home, in the community, or within the hospital, our goal is to empower individuals to lead independent and healthier lives.

Details

Date posted

08 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£29,970 to £36,483 a year pro rata per annum + 5% Recruitment Retention Premium

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

249-7299570

Job locations

Great Western Hospital

Marlborough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Job description

Job responsibilities

Scientific and Clinical Responsibilities

  1. Analyses of potentially infectious samples using a range of highly specialised laboratory procedures to produce results of a quality consistent with excellent patient care.
  2. Ensures efficient use and maintenance of resources, is aware of stock levels and rotation, storage conditions, batch numbers and expiry dates, ensuring viability of reagents used.
  3. Exercises own initiative and works in co-operation with other staff members to ensure that the workload s processed in a timely and efficient manner.
  4. Is fully conversant with departmental policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) ensuring that personal performance complies with ISO 15189 and other professional standards.
  5. Carries out troubleshooting and preventative maintenance in highly complex automated system, ensures appropriate records are kept and liaises with service engineers where appropriate.
  6. Matches samples with request forms and inputs patient and test information into the laboratory computer system, requiring completed accuracy.

Analytical and interpretive skills

  1. Exercises individual skills through the observation and interpretation of clinical material or data, which may include therapeutic drug monitoring.
  2. Completes the work process by the validation and verification of results and report generation. This involves the interpretation of clinical data and requires in-depth theoretical knowledge.

Role Responsibilities

  1. Practices in accordance with the professional, ethical and legal codes of Health and Care Professionals Council and the Trust's protocols and guidelines. Is accountable for own practice and maintenance of State Registration status.
  2. Develops own skills, taking responsibility for Continual Professional Development (CPD) and performance.
  3. Complies with requirements of internal and external/national quality assurance schemes.
  4. Demonstrates proficiency in the assessment, planning and prioritisation of tasks.
  5. Communicates effectively with other staff groups, both internal and external, to include healthcare professionals, patients and their representatives, external agencies, commercial suppliers, service engineers and visitors to the laboratory.
  6. Provides and receives complex scientific information to and from colleagues and service users. Is aware of barriers to understanding and is able to present information accordingly.
  7. Provides and receives sensitive information to an from patients and their representatives where empathic and re-assurance skills are required. Mau include notification of adverse events.
  8. Displays and maintains a working knowledge of laboratory IT systems.

Teaching and Training

  1. participates in the supervision and training of Trainee BMSs, support staff and clinical staff where required.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Scientific and Clinical Responsibilities

  1. Analyses of potentially infectious samples using a range of highly specialised laboratory procedures to produce results of a quality consistent with excellent patient care.
  2. Ensures efficient use and maintenance of resources, is aware of stock levels and rotation, storage conditions, batch numbers and expiry dates, ensuring viability of reagents used.
  3. Exercises own initiative and works in co-operation with other staff members to ensure that the workload s processed in a timely and efficient manner.
  4. Is fully conversant with departmental policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) ensuring that personal performance complies with ISO 15189 and other professional standards.
  5. Carries out troubleshooting and preventative maintenance in highly complex automated system, ensures appropriate records are kept and liaises with service engineers where appropriate.
  6. Matches samples with request forms and inputs patient and test information into the laboratory computer system, requiring completed accuracy.

Analytical and interpretive skills

  1. Exercises individual skills through the observation and interpretation of clinical material or data, which may include therapeutic drug monitoring.
  2. Completes the work process by the validation and verification of results and report generation. This involves the interpretation of clinical data and requires in-depth theoretical knowledge.

Role Responsibilities

  1. Practices in accordance with the professional, ethical and legal codes of Health and Care Professionals Council and the Trust's protocols and guidelines. Is accountable for own practice and maintenance of State Registration status.
  2. Develops own skills, taking responsibility for Continual Professional Development (CPD) and performance.
  3. Complies with requirements of internal and external/national quality assurance schemes.
  4. Demonstrates proficiency in the assessment, planning and prioritisation of tasks.
  5. Communicates effectively with other staff groups, both internal and external, to include healthcare professionals, patients and their representatives, external agencies, commercial suppliers, service engineers and visitors to the laboratory.
  6. Provides and receives complex scientific information to and from colleagues and service users. Is aware of barriers to understanding and is able to present information accordingly.
  7. Provides and receives sensitive information to an from patients and their representatives where empathic and re-assurance skills are required. Mau include notification of adverse events.
  8. Displays and maintains a working knowledge of laboratory IT systems.

Teaching and Training

  1. participates in the supervision and training of Trainee BMSs, support staff and clinical staff where required.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • HCPC Registration
  • IBMS accredited course (e.g. BSc Biomedical Science) or equivalent approved by the IBMS as suitable for registration

Desirable

  • Further training courses (e.g. analyser/subject specific)

Experience

Essential

  • Experience working and communicating as part of a diverse team
  • Experience working in a UK NHS diagnostic laboratory

Desirable

  • Experience working in a UK NHS diagnostic laboratory in a haematology and/or blood transfusion discipline
  • Experience working as part of an out of hours shift rota or as a lone worker

Knowledge

Essential

  • A good standard of written and spoken English is required to be able to undertake the relevant duties
  • Good IT skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office software packages
  • A good telephone manner
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Ability to work accurately to deadlines
  • Good organisation and prioritisation skills
  • Good time keeping skills
  • Awareness of the nature of working with biological material and the potential risks it brings
  • Flexible approach to work
  • Awareness of limits of practice and can seek help and advice when unsure
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • HCPC Registration
  • IBMS accredited course (e.g. BSc Biomedical Science) or equivalent approved by the IBMS as suitable for registration

Desirable

  • Further training courses (e.g. analyser/subject specific)

Experience

Essential

  • Experience working and communicating as part of a diverse team
  • Experience working in a UK NHS diagnostic laboratory

Desirable

  • Experience working in a UK NHS diagnostic laboratory in a haematology and/or blood transfusion discipline
  • Experience working as part of an out of hours shift rota or as a lone worker

Knowledge

Essential

  • A good standard of written and spoken English is required to be able to undertake the relevant duties
  • Good IT skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office software packages
  • A good telephone manner
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Ability to work accurately to deadlines
  • Good organisation and prioritisation skills
  • Good time keeping skills
  • Awareness of the nature of working with biological material and the potential risks it brings
  • Flexible approach to work
  • Awareness of limits of practice and can seek help and advice when unsure

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Great Western Hospital

Marlborough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Employer's website

https://www.gwh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Great Western Hospital

Marlborough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Employer's website

https://www.gwh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Blood Science Laboratory Manager

Kirk Allott

kirk.allott@nhs.net

01793607242

Details

Date posted

08 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£29,970 to £36,483 a year pro rata per annum + 5% Recruitment Retention Premium

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

249-7299570

Job locations

Great Western Hospital

Marlborough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Supporting documents

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