Healthcare Scientist Specialist Anatomical Pathology (XR06)

Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB DIMENSIONS

As a Healthcare Scientist Specialist (Anatomical Pathology Technician) you will be the lead specialist in the mortuary and as such will lead a group of anatomical technicians and support staff. You will plan and prioritise the day to day work load of the mortuaries. You will also be required to work alone and independently, for example when working on-call or when performing highly specialized tasks. You will be a highly competent member of the department having the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to perform a wide range of specialist techniques that contribute towards the provision of the mortuary service to the Trust and to HM Coroner.

There is a frequent requirement for concentration when planning for an unpredictable workload, and when performing specialist techniques e.g. an Infection risk autopsy.

You will be responsible for contributing to, and implementing policies and procedures:

relevant to the mortuary service which operates on three sites

relevant to service changes which impact externally i.e. portering

services and funeral directors

You will be expected to apply professional judgements and specialist skills to complex and sometimes emotive situations. E.g. assessing infection risk. You will be required to communicate complex and / or sensitive information to colleagues, clinicians, undertakers, HM Coroner, and HM Coroners Officers. You will demonstrate empathetic skills when communicating with bereaved relatives.

Your contribution towards team development will require your active participation in people governance procedures consistent with Trust policies. Subject to consultation you may be required to undertake additional tasks in support of the general management of the department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

In order to carry out the job sufficiently and effectively you will have successfully studied for a Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology (RIPHH).

In addition you will have significant experience within the speciality, including a thorough understanding of the range of working practices relating to advanced autopsy, forensic and infection procedures. You will have developed a range of competencies and specialist knowledge within the discipline through extensive practical experience, in house training and structured study and will continue to develop your skills and knowledge.

You will be expected to have a supervisory management qualification.

To fulfil your other people governance responsibilities you will be required to undergo appropriate HR training, e.g. staff appraisal. As a senior staff member you may be required to assist in the general management of the department. Any training required for this will be provided.

In addition, basic computer skills are essential to carry out your work.

CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS

In order to work effectively in the role you as the job holder must be able to demonstrate a number of attributes and abilities. These will include:

- to gain new knowledge through experience, formal study and participation in relevant training schemes

- to be a leading member of a team providing a clinical technical service

- to train others and demonstrate relevant tasks to others as appropriate

- to work independently when and as required by the service, for instance when working on-call.

- to communicate clearly and effectively whether orally, graphically or electronically

- to plan, and prioritise, the workload of the section, on a daily basis

- to coordinate the tasks undertaken by other team members

- to work with precision and follow accurately the documented standard operating procedures

- to operate highly complex mortuary equipment safely and efficiently

- to perform routine and advanced post mortem procedures

- to prepare bodies for viewing

- to comply with the Health and Safety requirements of the mortuary service

- to maintain accurate and confidential records relating to patient information

- to input, manage, extract and interpret patient data using the departmental computer system

- to contribute actively towards the improvement of general service quality by participation in relevant discussions with other team members and leaders of other sections within the speciality

- to implement changes to the mortuary service

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

To perform a wide range of routine and advanced post mortem procedures including advanced autopsy, forensic and infection procedures. These are highly developed physical skills where accuracy is important. Eg dissection and reconstruction of bodies (including facial reconstruction), suturing, evisceration of organs.

- To perform tasks accurately and in accordance with departmental standard operating procedures.

- To plan the day to day activities within the mortuary, and to provide cover on other sites as required.

- To be conversant with contemporary methods and aid in the procurement of such equipment as is deemed necessary for the service.

- To give professional advice, and to communicate accurately sensitive and / or highly complex information to users of the service in a manner that is in accordance with departmental procedures. (Examples of users are: pathologists, clinical staff, HM Coroner, HM Coroners Officers, police officers, funeral directors and bereavement nurses).

- To give professional advice to undertakers and bereaved relatives.

- To communicate with bereaved relatives regarding sensitive situations, and where there may be barriers to understanding.

- To enter, manage, retrieve and interpret complex patient information using the laboratory computer system.

- To participate in clinical trials that are relevant to the section

- To participate in equipment testing and adaptation as a function of service development

- To provide training to support, technical, scientific and medical staff

- To actively participate in the laboratory quality assurance and risk management programmes

- To participate in laboratory audit processes

- To contribute to general departmental management by performing, subject to consultation, such tasks as delegated by the Mortuary Manager

This list is not exhaustive and the changing needs of the service from time to time may require the development of other appropriate tasks and skills. These will be fully discussed with the post holder in advance of their implementation.

The Pathology Department of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is located on several sites. Subject to consultation, the post holder may be required to work in a mortuary on an alternative site as required by the Laboratory Manager.

In addition the Trust requires compliance with a number of corporate policies and procedures. These policies will be discussed with your line manager during your period of induction and further information is available from the Trusts intranet site.

Person Specification

Skills & behaviours

Essential

• Excellent communication skills, oral and written.
• Maintain accurate and confidential patient records, including the departmental computer system
• Plan and prioritise workloads, including independent problem solving skills to coordinate the tasks undertaken by other team members.
• Flexible approach to work, team worker with a friendly attitude
• Able to have a high level of concentration and attention to detail.

Qualifications

Essential

• RSPH Certificate and Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology.

Desirable

• Management and Leadership qualification

Experience

Essential

• Significant experience within the speciality, Advanced autopsy, forensic and increased risk procedures in both adult and paediatric patients.
• Operate highly complex mortuary equipment safely and efficiently, including maintenance and an awareness of associated hazards
• Knowledge and understanding of current national legislation and guidelines including HTA guidance and standards.
• Proven ability to work unsupervised and on call.

Desirable

• Line management experience and leadership skills
• Teaching, training and mentorship skills

Additional Requirements

Essential

• Ability to facilitate patient transfer and handling
• Ability to flexibly move between hospital sites

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF

Employer's website

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