Job responsibilities
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria. For example, applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years experience in the same role to qualify for sponsorship.
If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.
Communication
In line with Trust recommendations, to be competent in the use of the information technology systems within the department including the specialist computerised pathology database, the blood culture and serological interfaced computer systems.
To perform initial trouble shooting when undertaking daily duties and know when to inform senior members of staff.
To attend regular departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication within the department.
To communicate with and provide technical advice to biomedical scientists, Consultant Microbiologists, the Infection Control Team, the Head of Service or their deputy and other staff to foster close intersectional relationships.
To deal promptly with patient enquiries as and when they occur. This involves liasing with patients, General Practitioners or their deputies, Consultants, Doctors, Nurses and Reference Laboratory facilities.
To maintain patient confidentiality at all times and observe the Caldicott principles.
Service Delivery and Improvement
To scientifically analyse clinical specimens for evidence of infectious disease or immunity levels.
To generate pathology reports, with a high level of accuracy and presentation, which may include interpretative comments and/or suggestion of further pathology investigations, aiding the clinician in making a diagnosis and/or patient management. To be accountable for reports which may be issued to the clinician/service user without verification from a Consultant Microbiologist.
In conjunction with the Head of Service or their deputy and other senior staff, to maintain and develop laboratory services in line with Directorate and Trust.
To analyse clinical specimens in all sections of the department including operations at moderate risk biosafety level 2 and high risk biosafety level 3.
To participate in the routine work of the laboratory, according to Standard Operating Procedures, with confidence, competence and independence. To undertake techniques or tasks involving specialised knowledge and/or skills that are required to identify infectious causes of disease to provide antibiotic susceptibility data as appropriate.
To be knowledgeable, experienced and use judgements in interpreting microbiology results, know what factors affect the results obtained and the range of tests that can be performed to validate these results. To know when a specimen/isolate/ result requires referral to a reference facility.
To be responsible for maintaining the biosafety three facility to a strict health and safety standard.
To assist in the evaluation of new equipment, tests and methodologies to ensure continual development and a progressive microbiology service.
To maintain a high standard of internal and external quality assurance and control, including audit and other aspects of the QMS as appropriate.
To be accountable for the performance, quality control, and maintenance of expensive specialist analysers.
To participate in attaining and maintaining high laboratory standards as required under the UKAS ISO 15189 and ISO 17025 accreditation schemes.
To review and make recommendations in the development and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures and quality assurance programmes to meet the needs of the service.
To deputise for Senior Biomedical Scientists in their absence, as required by the needs of the service.
To provide rapid microscopic examination of clinical specimens where microscopy result may immediately affect the patient treatment.
To participate in the on-call rota and to work independently and without supervision when performing on-call for urgent clinical specimens. To know when such on-call results require further clinical advice and input from the Consultant Microbiologist.
To participate in rotas covering weekends and Bank Holidays.
To have flexibility in start and finish times as necessary.
To be able to use time management skills in the management of their day to day duties in a given section and to account for unexpected urgent samples as the need arises.
To monitor stocks of consumables and reagents and to report and request orders on any replacements.
To participate in the collection and collation of statistical data as required.
People Management and Development
Demonstrate self-directed development and work practise.
To demonstrate a positive professional attitude to the work of the laboratory and other members of the laboratory team.
Assist junior staff with their time management.
In conjunction with senior staff, to instruct, train and supervise unqualified staff including Medical Laboratory Assistants, less experienced BMS staff and provide orientation to new staff members.
Patient Care Delivery
- Document and communicate patient results.
Health and safety
To be aware of and adhere to the Departmental and Trust Health and Safety policies.
To be able to deal appropriately should an accident occur, know when to inform a senior member of staff and complete the Datix Trust Incident / Accident form.
To maintain exemplary standard of laboratory safety, and to ensure the Health & Safety of all staff servicing contractors and visitors. Also to ensure that the arrangements for the security of buildings, equipment and chemicals are carried out in accordance with laboratory policy.
To be aware of the dangers of biological and chemical hazards in the laboratory and follow laboratory procedures in dealing with these agents.
Education
To be in possession of a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification, or have equivalent experience acceptable to the Institute of Biomedical Science supporting state registration with the Health Professions Council. To have a minimum of two years clinical laboratory experience.
To hold the IBMS Specialist Diploma in Medical Microbiology.
To maintain continuing professional development by attending conferences, lectures and training days and keeping up to date with the scientific literature.
Professional Registration
All staff who are members of a professional body have a responsibility to ensure they are both familiar with and adhere to standards of professional practice and conduct. Members of Staff are responsible for ensuring the continuity of their professional registration and providing renewal details promptly to their line manager.
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.
This job description is an outline of the role and responsibilities. From time to time due to the needs of the service, we may ask you to flexibly undertake other duties that are consistent with your role and banding, including project work, internal job rotation and absence cover.
The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the department and the organisation.
