Job summary
Join our dynamic and forward-thinking Haematology team at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust as a Biomedical Scientist. Based across our laboratories at Royal Sussex County Hospital (Brighton) and Princess Royal Hospital (Haywards Heath), you'll rotate through Haematology, Coagulation, Immunohaematology and Blood Transfusion--gaining experience in all key specialisms. We welcome HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientists, including those working towards their IBMS Specialist Portfolio (Band 6 awarded upon completion). Our department is ISO 15189 accredited and IBMS approved for training. UHSussex is undergoing significant investment, including state-of-the-art equipment and enhanced lab environments. You'll benefit from structured leadership development pathways, rotational posts, and career progression support. Our coastal locations offer an excellent quality of life. Brightonoffers a vibrant coastal lifestyle with arts, culture, and nightlife, alongside easy London access.Haywards Heathprovides a quieter pace, excellent schools, green spaces and direct train links to London and Brighton--perfect for work-life balance. This is a great opportunity to develop your career in a supportive, forward-looking Trust at the heart of the South East.
Main duties of the job
The Haematology department operates 4 sections across 2 sites: Haematology, Coagulation, Immunohaematology and Blood Transfusion. The successful candidate will work across all sections of the department.
The post would suit careful and accurate individuals who would work under pressure helping to provide a service that is vital to the diagnosis and treatment of patients in the hospital and surrounding community.
The ability to communicate well is essential. IT skills including data input skills are an integral part of the role; previous laboratory is desirable but not essential.
The department runs a full 24 hour shift system - the successful candidates will be expected to fully participate in all aspects of this (including nights, weekends and bank holidays) subject to competency assessment.
About us
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
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 Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
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.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will be required towork out of hours weekday and weekends after satisfying competency assessment.
Please note: Out of hours will attract agenda for change terms and conditions. This will also effect out of hours payments.
Main Duties
- Has an extensive knowledge of the disease process and the clinical relevance and appropriateness of diagnostic tests requested. Therefore understands why certain tests (including the abbreviations and medical terminology) are requested in certain pathological situations.
- Communicates with the requesting physician to discuss the suitability of tests requested and discuss the availability of further tests which might contribute to diagnosis/patient management. Also discuss with senior member of staff if appropriate/available.
- Validates results according to the SOP. Interprets results in conjunction with previous results (delta checks). Requests further work according to SOP, refers to senior staff upon completion of further work.
- Handles unsuitable samples for example if taken from drip arm, too old, incorrectly labelled (according to departmental policy), insufficient volume to ensure reliability and validity of sample and will request repeat bloods be taken accordingly.
- Phones highly complex and potentially sensitive results to clinicians ensuring results are understood and transcribed correctly. Acts on or refers phone calls received to appropriate area of lab.
Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will be required towork out of hours weekday and weekends after satisfying competency assessment.
Please note: Out of hours will attract agenda for change terms and conditions. This will also effect out of hours payments.
Main Duties
- Has an extensive knowledge of the disease process and the clinical relevance and appropriateness of diagnostic tests requested. Therefore understands why certain tests (including the abbreviations and medical terminology) are requested in certain pathological situations.
- Communicates with the requesting physician to discuss the suitability of tests requested and discuss the availability of further tests which might contribute to diagnosis/patient management. Also discuss with senior member of staff if appropriate/available.
- Validates results according to the SOP. Interprets results in conjunction with previous results (delta checks). Requests further work according to SOP, refers to senior staff upon completion of further work.
- Handles unsuitable samples for example if taken from drip arm, too old, incorrectly labelled (according to departmental policy), insufficient volume to ensure reliability and validity of sample and will request repeat bloods be taken accordingly.
- Phones highly complex and potentially sensitive results to clinicians ensuring results are understood and transcribed correctly. Acts on or refers phone calls received to appropriate area of lab.
Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC Registration
- BSc Biomedical Sciences or Degree accredited by IBMS as suitable for HCPC registration
Specialist Portfolio
Essential
- Completed Specialist portfolio
Desirable
- Specialist portfolio over 80% complete
2 years NHS lab experience
Essential
- 2 years NHS Haematology lab experience
- Experience of more specialist techniques
Desirable
- 1 year NHS Haematology lab experience
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential
- Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
- Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC Registration
- BSc Biomedical Sciences or Degree accredited by IBMS as suitable for HCPC registration
Specialist Portfolio
Essential
- Completed Specialist portfolio
Desirable
- Specialist portfolio over 80% complete
2 years NHS lab experience
Essential
- 2 years NHS Haematology lab experience
- Experience of more specialist techniques
Desirable
- 1 year NHS Haematology lab experience
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential
- Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
- Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
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).
Employer details
Employer name
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)
Address
Royal Sussex County Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital
Brighton / Haywards Heath
BN2 5BE
Employer's website
https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
