Specialist Biomedical Scientist

Job description

Job responsibilities

SERVICE DELIVERY

To prioritise and organise workload to ensure continuity and efficiency of service. Organise own work and ensure completion in a timely manor and to satisfactory Standards.

Ensure that all procedures carried out in the laboratory contribute to high quality service provision.

Take part in the specimen entry process using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Ensure that all samples / request forms are correctly matched and fulfil the specimen acceptance criteria of the Department. Highlight any discrepancies to a senior member of staff.

Ensure that laboratory records are maintained accurately and stored securely in line with the Standards issued by Clinical Pathology Accreditation (CPA) and the Human Tissue Authority (HTA).

Participate at every stage in the laboratory preparation of tissue sections including tissue embedding and microtomy.

Perform routine Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining of prepared tissue sections as well as a variety of special staining techniques prior to slides being submitted for microscopic examination.

To participate in the provision of the laboratory immunocytochemistry service.

To participate in the preparation of frozen tissue sections when necessary.

To participate in the Andrology service provided by the laboratory if required and following suitable training and competency assessment.

To assist in the training and development of trainee and registered Biomedical Scientists and Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA).

Filing and archiving of all material both received in, and produced by, the laboratory.

To assist in the disposal of clinical waste in a safe and respectful manner as necessary and in line with laboratory Policies and Procedures.

Ensure that appropriate preventative maintenance and calibration has been carried out and recorded on laboratory instruments and equipment prior to being used for patient investigations. Ensure that all equipment failures are recorded in line with Departmental and Trust Policies.

Ensure that all chemicals and reagents are prepared, stored and used according to manufacturer guidelines and in line with laboratory procedures. Ensure that associated documentation such as risk and COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessments are maintained.

To assist in the monitoring of stocks of consumables through accurate record keeping and by alerting a senior member of staff to any shortfalls. Use resources efficiently and cost effectively.

To contribute to the evaluation of both new and existing equipment and procedures to ensure continuous service improvement and development.

To assist in the production, implementation and review of documentation associated with laboratory procedures.

Promptly report any incidents / accidents and near miss occurrences in accordance with Departmental and Trust Policies and Procedures

To be actively involved in the implementation of both Trust and Departmental Policies and Procedures and reinforcing their use and application.

To participate in housekeeping duties in the laboratory in order to maintain a clean and tidy working environment.

GOVERNANCE

Establish and maintain effective communication with colleagues and Service users.

Strictly adhere to all local and National Policies and Codes of Practice pertaining to confidentiality of information.

Promptly report any incidents / accidents and near miss occurrences in accordance with Departmental and Trust Policies and Procedures.

Support the Cellular Pathology Operation Manager in ensuring that lessons are learnt from issues arising from risk reports / complaints and that they are promptly and positively addressed. Implement action plans arising from risk reports or complaints when required.

Develop and review risk and COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessments for the Histopathology laboratory.

Ensure compliance with all Trust Policies, Procedures and Guidelines, taking action / alerting the Cellular Pathology Operation Manager, if practice appears to contravene Policy, or if concerned regarding any aspect of patient care.

In conjunction with the Histopathology Operations Manager, continually monitor Standards through the Quality Management System (QMS) and implement action plans to improve the quality of the Service as necessary. Participate in turnaround time (TAT) monitoring, benchmarking, and laboratory audit.

Assist the Cellular Pathology Operation Manager with the development and implementation of Policies, Procedures and Guidelines relating to the Service. Actively participate in the development and review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

Ensure that all relevant documentation is controlled, reviewed, and maintained using the Q.Pulse management system.

Attend and contribute to Histopathology Department meetings.

Demonstrate politeness, courtesy, and sensitivity in dealing with patients and members of the public as well as other members of staff and users of the service. Maintain good relations with all stakeholders in the service and promote a positive image of both the Department and the Trust in terms of professional conduct, manner, and appearance.

Treat everyone equitably and with respect.

MANAGERAL / LEADERSHIP

Act as a role model by demonstrating leadership and expertise, producing high quality results and by maintaining credibility within the Division, the wider health care community, and external agencies.

In conjunction with the Histopathology Operations Manager assist the Division in the effective use of resources i.e., staff, budget, premises, equipment, supplies and materials.

In conjunction with the Histopathology Operations Manager, maintain a healthy and safe working environment for all staff and visitors to the Department by ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, maintaining accurate documentation, and reporting any concerns promptly.

Participate fully as a member of a team, sharing knowledge and information and supporting colleagues to promote a cohesive Department and the achievement of team objectives.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Evidence of active participation in Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Working and theoretical knowledge of all sections of Histopathology as a laboratory discipline
• Understanding of the role of diagnostic Cellular Pathology in a clinical setting
• Knowledge of Health and Safety in relation to clinical laboratories
• Understanding of laboratory accreditation and Quality Management Systems (QMS)

Skills

Essential

• Ability to communicate with users of the service both appropriately and professionally
• Ability to communicate complex and sensitive information accurately, appropriately, and professionally, both orally and in writing
• Have good manual dexterity and coordination pertaining to the manipulation of histopathological specimens and ability to develop and work with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
• Have keyboard and basic Information Technology (IT) and standard Microsoft packages such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Innovate and self-motivating
• Ability to work individually as well as to supervise and motivate, as part f a team
• Be accurate with good attention to detail
• Be able to work within safe systems of work and report any deficiency
• Ability to work systematically and under pressure to meet deadlines
• Have proven organisational skills

Desirable

• A deep working understanding of Laboratory Information management Systems (LIMS)

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc. (Hons.) Biomedical Science or equivalent
• Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology or equivalent Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Desirable

• Interest/ experience in molecular testing.

Previous Experience

Essential

• Have at least 2 years post HCPC Registration experience in the relevant Biomedical Science discipline
• Have experience of supervising trainee and support grade staff
• Experience of planning and managing a daily workload and ensuring completion in a timely manner and to required Standards of quality
• Experience of planning and delivering training to trainee and support grade staff

Desirable

• Immunofluorescence (IF)

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

Northampton General Hospital

Address

Northampton General Hospital

Cliftonville road

Northampton

NN1 5BD

Employer's website

https://www.northamptongeneral.nhs.uk/Home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)