Job summary
The Cellular Pathology Laboratory (main base St Richards Hospital, Chichester) within the newly formed University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust currently deals with approximately 35,000 - 40,000 Histology specimens from across the West Sussex including St Richards Hospital, Chichester, Worthing Hospital and Southlands Hospital, Shoreham.
In addition to routine Histology samples the department undertakes work in Immunocytochemistry (ICC), Special Stains, Immunofluorescence, Non-Gynae Diagnostic Cytology and OSNA (Intra-operative Breast Sentinel Node testing). The main laboratory at St Richards Hospital is currently open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, whilst the Worthing Hospital laboratory is open from 8am to 5pm, also Monday to Friday. There is no direct laboratory cover at Southlands Hospital.
This role is a 12month fixed term post and will involving supporting the department in all relevant areas of Histology and non-gynae cytology.
Main duties of the job
A vacancy has arisen in the Cellular Pathology department at St Richards hospital for a 12 month contract. In this role you will be required:
To participate in the provision of a specialised, diagnostic, Pathology service contributing to the clinical care of the patient, to enable diagnosis and subsequent monitoring of the effectiveness of treatment given.
To work as part of a team in the UHSx West Cellular Pathology Department performing a wide range of routine and non-routine clinical, scientific or technical procedures as an appropriately regulated practitioner.
The individual will be expected to apply judgement, and utilise skills and scientific knowledge, to provide a high quality and timely result service, performing routine procedures and investigations as requested.
As an HCPC registered position the post holder will be expected to work independently once appropriate competency checks have been signed-off.
To supervise and train junior staff as required.
About us
Join us atUHSussex, every day is different, you can be the change, better neverstops
At UHSussex we're proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of theUK's largest acute Trusts, we're a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Improving lives:We are a vibrant and inclusive organisation, with hardworking, talented and dedicated individuals, who work together towards a common goal, to always put ourPatient First. Our mission is summed up by our 'where better never stops' motto and no matter the role at UHSussex, you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourwellbeing programmefor staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
Build a career with us:As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Communication
- To communicate any relevant information within the team to ensure the continual and efficient running of the service.
- To work within a team framework in order to provide a high quality, cost-effective and efficient service.
- To respond to enquiries from patients and service users and offer appropriate guidance and advice according to departmental policies, referring to senior staff where appropriate.
- To liaise between laboratory, clerical, medical staff and all service users
- To attend and actively participate in departmental meetings and departmental Huddles.
- To communicate information within the team to ensure the continual and efficient running of the Pathology Service.
- To liaise between laboratory staff and other users of the service and deal with telephone enquiries from users, patients and other members of staff in a polite and helpful manner, seeking specialist scientific and/or medical advice where required.
- To be competent in the use of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) according to authorised guidelines and protocols including registration, verification of data, the input of data and results and the appropriate management of results through relevant authorisation processes.
- To use the Trust-wide HIS IT system, as appropriate, adhering to Trust Policies, guidelines and procedures.
- To assist under the supervision of more senior personnel in the audit of data held on the Pathology LIMS.
- To be familiar with the laboratory Quality Management System, currently Q-Pulse.
- To have IT skills, including basic Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint so as to enable the post holder to assist senior personnel in the production and review of SOPs and under supervision participate in CPD/Training sessions.
- To be familiar with Data Protection, Information Governance and Caldecott issues relating to the use and storage of patient information.
Service Delivery and Improvement
- To participate in the analysis of specimens to develop discipline specific expertise, using manual and automated methods in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and policies, after appropriate training and competency assessment.
- To participate in the provision and reporting of test results in the designated section where competent to do so referring results to more senior or consultant staff, all according to laboratory guidelines, so as to facilitate accurate, timely and relevant reports to clinical staff.
- To record, interpret, validate and authorise test results as appropriate, referring results to consultant staff, under supervision, according to SOPs after appropriate training and competency assessment.
- To perform the routine and advanced maintenance of all appropriate laboratory equipment, e.g. analysers, microscopes, etc. in all areas of the specialty in line with departmental protocols, and first line troubleshooting of malfunctions, referring to more senior staff where appropriate, after relevant training and competency assessment.
- To actively assist in monitoring the accuracy and imprecision of laboratory investigations, using appropriate internal and external quality assurance and to carry out corrective action in a timely manner, referring to senior staff as necessary.
- To maintain high standards of laboratory safety ensuring Health & Safety of self, other staff and visitors.
- To ensure that the arrangements for the security of buildings, equipment and chemicals are carried out in accordance with laboratory policy.
- To inform the departmental H&S Representative or senior staff of any issue as soon as identified.
- Ability to know when limit of scope of practice has been reached.
- To perform at the appropriate level in an assigned section of the department to ensure that reporting of results is carried out in an agreed timeframe.
- To be familiar with the Pathology Departments Quality Policy and Quality Manual and to ensure that they maintain a high standard of work at all times.
- To help senior staff to ensure that appropriate action is taken to remedy any shortcomings.
- To contribute to developing the service to ensure that delivery is safe, efficient and cost-effective and follows best practice.
- To assist with internal audit programmes and undertake appropriate corrective actions when directed to do so.
- To participate in external/internal Quality Assurance programmes (EQA/IQA) as supervised/directed.
- To work with other laboratory staff to ensure on-going compliance with UKAS ISO15189 Accreditation standards, audits, policies and procedures to enable the department to become fully Accredited and maintain that Accreditation. This may involve liaison with the Pathology Quality and Governance Manager.
- To support laboratory processes that ensure internal and external quality assurance (IQA/EQA) are utilised and performance monitored with action plans put in place in compliance with UKAS and other relevant quality standards as appropriate.
- To work in accordance with departmental policies and SOPs.
- Under the supervision of more senior staff to assist with the development, preparation and review of draft protocols/procedures (SOPs) for tests, reagents, methods, etc.
- To monitor stocks of consumables & reagents and to advise senior staff of any deficiencies.
- To rotate stock appropriately so as to ensure minimum wastage and comply with UKAS Accreditation requirements.
- To report to senior staff where any process is considered inefficient and, where possible, suggest alternative approaches.
- To undertake specialist equipment testing, research and developmental work as directed.
- To participate/assist in the validation of new equipment and/or diagnostic kits as required.
- To assist in supporting agreed Research & Development projects undertaken by the laboratory.
People Management and Development
- To maintain HCPC (Health & Care Professions Council) State Registration as a Biomedical Scientist, including adhering to all the HCPC required professional standards at all times.
- To develop and improve expertise by attending meetings, participating in CPD activities and maintaining a portfolio of relevant material subject to approval by the Training Budget Holder and adequate resources.
- To undergo training as required according to the needs of the service.
- To develop and improve expertise where necessary and to develop and maintain a portfolio of evidence of competence
- To help facilitate the necessary training of others and undertake as directed by senior staff.
- To work alongside the departmental Quality Officers to perform audit of staff training records as required
- To assist with practical induction programmes, in-house seminar meetings and other training meetings as requested by senior staff.
- Under guidance of Senior, Lead and Head Biomedical Scientists, assist with the supervision and training of less experienced staff as appropriate.
- To provide guidance to and supervise AP (Associate Practitioners Band 4) and MLA (Medical Laboratory Assistants Bands 2 & 3) staff operating in their area of accountability.
- To attend the Trust Staff Induction Day and ensure all Mandatory Training is maintained as required.
- To comply with the departmental Training Programme and undertake any & all training in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the Line Manager.
- To actively seek and attend appropriate training courses, where approved by Line Manager.
- To achieve an appropriate required level of competence in assisting, where necessary under supervision, in the provision of routine analysis of patient specimens and to undertake manual and automated laboratory investigations as required.
- To achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales.
- To know the limits of own practice and to raise uncertainties with Senior BMS staff.
- To actively participate in the Trusts appraisal system and personnel development planning in accordance with Trust Policies.
Patient Care Delivery
- To actively manage own workload dependent upon staff availability referring to senior staff where appropriate.
- To ensure that samples are correctly prioritised according to urgency, according to departmental protocols.
- To efficiently perform maintenance in a timely manner so as to ensure that sample processing is not unduly delayed.
- To provide guidance to and supervise junior staff operating within their area of accountability, under the direction of more senior personnel.
- To ensure that patients, visitors and contractors are greeted and assisted in a polite and courteous manner, in line with Trust expectations and Patient First best practice.
- To deal with patient, GP and hospital telephone enquiries, transferring them to the correct department if appropriate, or seeking advice from senior staff to resolve the situation.
- To empathetically resolve complaints received from patients and users in a kind and compassionate manner seeking appropriate guidance from senior management when required.
- To work alongside Trust colleagues in order to contribute to the Trust Vision We Care and to contribute fully towards UHSx Trusts corporate objectives, divisional and departmental delivery plans.
Learning and Development
- Attend mandatory training updates as required.
- Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the line manager as part of the personal development process.
- Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales.
- Identify own learning needs and jointly plan training requirements with your line manager
- Participate in the Trusts appraisal process to discuss how your role will help deliver the best possible care to our patients and help to deliver any changes in service.
Please see detailed Job descriptions and Person specification attached.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Communication
- To communicate any relevant information within the team to ensure the continual and efficient running of the service.
- To work within a team framework in order to provide a high quality, cost-effective and efficient service.
- To respond to enquiries from patients and service users and offer appropriate guidance and advice according to departmental policies, referring to senior staff where appropriate.
- To liaise between laboratory, clerical, medical staff and all service users
- To attend and actively participate in departmental meetings and departmental Huddles.
- To communicate information within the team to ensure the continual and efficient running of the Pathology Service.
- To liaise between laboratory staff and other users of the service and deal with telephone enquiries from users, patients and other members of staff in a polite and helpful manner, seeking specialist scientific and/or medical advice where required.
- To be competent in the use of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) according to authorised guidelines and protocols including registration, verification of data, the input of data and results and the appropriate management of results through relevant authorisation processes.
- To use the Trust-wide HIS IT system, as appropriate, adhering to Trust Policies, guidelines and procedures.
- To assist under the supervision of more senior personnel in the audit of data held on the Pathology LIMS.
- To be familiar with the laboratory Quality Management System, currently Q-Pulse.
- To have IT skills, including basic Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint so as to enable the post holder to assist senior personnel in the production and review of SOPs and under supervision participate in CPD/Training sessions.
- To be familiar with Data Protection, Information Governance and Caldecott issues relating to the use and storage of patient information.
Service Delivery and Improvement
- To participate in the analysis of specimens to develop discipline specific expertise, using manual and automated methods in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and policies, after appropriate training and competency assessment.
- To participate in the provision and reporting of test results in the designated section where competent to do so referring results to more senior or consultant staff, all according to laboratory guidelines, so as to facilitate accurate, timely and relevant reports to clinical staff.
- To record, interpret, validate and authorise test results as appropriate, referring results to consultant staff, under supervision, according to SOPs after appropriate training and competency assessment.
- To perform the routine and advanced maintenance of all appropriate laboratory equipment, e.g. analysers, microscopes, etc. in all areas of the specialty in line with departmental protocols, and first line troubleshooting of malfunctions, referring to more senior staff where appropriate, after relevant training and competency assessment.
- To actively assist in monitoring the accuracy and imprecision of laboratory investigations, using appropriate internal and external quality assurance and to carry out corrective action in a timely manner, referring to senior staff as necessary.
- To maintain high standards of laboratory safety ensuring Health & Safety of self, other staff and visitors.
- To ensure that the arrangements for the security of buildings, equipment and chemicals are carried out in accordance with laboratory policy.
- To inform the departmental H&S Representative or senior staff of any issue as soon as identified.
- Ability to know when limit of scope of practice has been reached.
- To perform at the appropriate level in an assigned section of the department to ensure that reporting of results is carried out in an agreed timeframe.
- To be familiar with the Pathology Departments Quality Policy and Quality Manual and to ensure that they maintain a high standard of work at all times.
- To help senior staff to ensure that appropriate action is taken to remedy any shortcomings.
- To contribute to developing the service to ensure that delivery is safe, efficient and cost-effective and follows best practice.
- To assist with internal audit programmes and undertake appropriate corrective actions when directed to do so.
- To participate in external/internal Quality Assurance programmes (EQA/IQA) as supervised/directed.
- To work with other laboratory staff to ensure on-going compliance with UKAS ISO15189 Accreditation standards, audits, policies and procedures to enable the department to become fully Accredited and maintain that Accreditation. This may involve liaison with the Pathology Quality and Governance Manager.
- To support laboratory processes that ensure internal and external quality assurance (IQA/EQA) are utilised and performance monitored with action plans put in place in compliance with UKAS and other relevant quality standards as appropriate.
- To work in accordance with departmental policies and SOPs.
- Under the supervision of more senior staff to assist with the development, preparation and review of draft protocols/procedures (SOPs) for tests, reagents, methods, etc.
- To monitor stocks of consumables & reagents and to advise senior staff of any deficiencies.
- To rotate stock appropriately so as to ensure minimum wastage and comply with UKAS Accreditation requirements.
- To report to senior staff where any process is considered inefficient and, where possible, suggest alternative approaches.
- To undertake specialist equipment testing, research and developmental work as directed.
- To participate/assist in the validation of new equipment and/or diagnostic kits as required.
- To assist in supporting agreed Research & Development projects undertaken by the laboratory.
People Management and Development
- To maintain HCPC (Health & Care Professions Council) State Registration as a Biomedical Scientist, including adhering to all the HCPC required professional standards at all times.
- To develop and improve expertise by attending meetings, participating in CPD activities and maintaining a portfolio of relevant material subject to approval by the Training Budget Holder and adequate resources.
- To undergo training as required according to the needs of the service.
- To develop and improve expertise where necessary and to develop and maintain a portfolio of evidence of competence
- To help facilitate the necessary training of others and undertake as directed by senior staff.
- To work alongside the departmental Quality Officers to perform audit of staff training records as required
- To assist with practical induction programmes, in-house seminar meetings and other training meetings as requested by senior staff.
- Under guidance of Senior, Lead and Head Biomedical Scientists, assist with the supervision and training of less experienced staff as appropriate.
- To provide guidance to and supervise AP (Associate Practitioners Band 4) and MLA (Medical Laboratory Assistants Bands 2 & 3) staff operating in their area of accountability.
- To attend the Trust Staff Induction Day and ensure all Mandatory Training is maintained as required.
- To comply with the departmental Training Programme and undertake any & all training in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the Line Manager.
- To actively seek and attend appropriate training courses, where approved by Line Manager.
- To achieve an appropriate required level of competence in assisting, where necessary under supervision, in the provision of routine analysis of patient specimens and to undertake manual and automated laboratory investigations as required.
- To achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales.
- To know the limits of own practice and to raise uncertainties with Senior BMS staff.
- To actively participate in the Trusts appraisal system and personnel development planning in accordance with Trust Policies.
Patient Care Delivery
- To actively manage own workload dependent upon staff availability referring to senior staff where appropriate.
- To ensure that samples are correctly prioritised according to urgency, according to departmental protocols.
- To efficiently perform maintenance in a timely manner so as to ensure that sample processing is not unduly delayed.
- To provide guidance to and supervise junior staff operating within their area of accountability, under the direction of more senior personnel.
- To ensure that patients, visitors and contractors are greeted and assisted in a polite and courteous manner, in line with Trust expectations and Patient First best practice.
- To deal with patient, GP and hospital telephone enquiries, transferring them to the correct department if appropriate, or seeking advice from senior staff to resolve the situation.
- To empathetically resolve complaints received from patients and users in a kind and compassionate manner seeking appropriate guidance from senior management when required.
- To work alongside Trust colleagues in order to contribute to the Trust Vision We Care and to contribute fully towards UHSx Trusts corporate objectives, divisional and departmental delivery plans.
Learning and Development
- Attend mandatory training updates as required.
- Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the line manager as part of the personal development process.
- Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales.
- Identify own learning needs and jointly plan training requirements with your line manager
- Participate in the Trusts appraisal process to discuss how your role will help deliver the best possible care to our patients and help to deliver any changes in service.
Please see detailed Job descriptions and Person specification attached.
Person Specification
Experience and Qualifications
Essential
- Registration with the HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist
- IBMS approved Biomedical Sciences degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the HCPC for State registration purposes.
- Experience of discipline specific procedures
- Understanding of Quality Management processes
- Demonstrable Registration experience in relevant discipline undertaken throughout completion of Registration Portfolio.
Desirable
- Member of the IBMS at the appropriate level
- Understanding of data quality, data protection and confidential use of patient information.
Others skills
Essential
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Ability to undertake and report on appropriate biomedical investigations
- Ability to know when limit of scope of practice has been reached
- Basic IT and keyboard skills to allow operation of Windows-based software and word processing.
- Ability to undertake supervision of junior staff and to undertake appropriate training as directed by senior personnel.
- Demonstrates behaviours and attitudes that supports the Trust's Vision of "We Care" by showing compassion & communication, inclusion & respect and Teamwork & professionalism
Desirable
- Experience of using WinPath Enterprise.
- Experience of using Q-Pulse.
- Experience of laboratory tracking system (Leica Biosystems Cerebro)
Person Specification
Experience and Qualifications
Essential
- Registration with the HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist
- IBMS approved Biomedical Sciences degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the HCPC for State registration purposes.
- Experience of discipline specific procedures
- Understanding of Quality Management processes
- Demonstrable Registration experience in relevant discipline undertaken throughout completion of Registration Portfolio.
Desirable
- Member of the IBMS at the appropriate level
- Understanding of data quality, data protection and confidential use of patient information.
Others skills
Essential
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Ability to undertake and report on appropriate biomedical investigations
- Ability to know when limit of scope of practice has been reached
- Basic IT and keyboard skills to allow operation of Windows-based software and word processing.
- Ability to undertake supervision of junior staff and to undertake appropriate training as directed by senior personnel.
- Demonstrates behaviours and attitudes that supports the Trust's Vision of "We Care" by showing compassion & communication, inclusion & respect and Teamwork & professionalism
Desirable
- Experience of using WinPath Enterprise.
- Experience of using Q-Pulse.
- Experience of laboratory tracking system (Leica Biosystems Cerebro)
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.
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.
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).
