Job summary
We are seeking a Band 6 IT Specialist with a background in pathology and experience in supporting IT systems such as ICE (Integrated Clinical Environment) and LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System). This role will primarily focus on engaging closely with clinical and laboratory staff to understand and address their needs, driving improvements through effective demand management and system optimisation.
The postholder plays a key role in supporting and maintaining pathology informatics across the Trusts. This includes the LIMS, pathology instrument interfaces, middleware, and integration with clinical systems such as the Electronic Patient Record (EPR). The post-holder will work collaboratively with pathology, clinical, and IT teams to ensure systems are safe, efficient, and compliant with national and local standards, including UKAS and MHRA regulations.
The successful candidate will also be responsible for implementing system enhancements, ensuring that the IT infrastructure supports operational efficiency in pathology services, and fostering strong relationships with internal and external teams to ensure continuous improvement.
Main duties of the job
System Optimisation & Support:Support and maintain the ICE and LIMS systems, ensuring they are configured and optimized to meet the operational demands of the pathology teams.Troubleshoot system issues, working proactively to resolve problems and enhance system functionality.Monitor system performance and engage with users to gather real-time feedback to inform improvements.Perform routine system administration tasks including configuration, user access management, and software updates.Monitor system performance, investigate incidents, and implement resolutions in line with Trust IT governance.
Stakeholder Engagement & Demand Management:Act as the primary point of contact for pathology staff, engaging regularly to understand their challenges, requirements, and priorities regarding the ICE and LIMS systems.Collaborate with clinical teams to identify areas of high demand and work on optimizing system usage to meet these needs.Ensure clear, ongoing communication with clinical and laboratory staff to gather feedback and implement demand management strategies that enhance workflow and system adoption.
Implementation & System Integration:Work closely with technical teams to integrate new IT solutions, enhancements, and upgrades into the existing pathology systems, ensuring these changes align with staff needs and operational priorities.Provide support during the implementation of new features or systems, ensuring minimal disruption to workflows.
About us
With a new hospital planned for Watford and work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working ever more closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority at our Trust, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance. www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking If you have a disability or long-term health condition and should you require support or guidance please contact westherts.recruitment@nhs.net If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form. We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Training & Support:Deliver tailored training sessions and support to pathology staff on the use of ICE and LIMS systems, focusing on practical use and demand management to improve daily operations.Develop user-friendly manuals, guides, and troubleshooting resources to empower staff to use systems efficiently.Provide training, advice, and technical support to pathology and clinical staff using the systems.Act as a key contact for escalation during system failures or planned outages.
Data Management & Reporting:Ensure that all data entered into ICE and LIMS is accurate, timely, and aligned with pathology service requirements.Work with the team to generate useful data reports that inform operational decisions, and provide actionable insights based on system performance and usage trends.
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement:Collaborate with stakeholders from different departments to gather insights and feedback, making data-driven decisions to support the continuous improvement of pathology services.Support staff in adapting to changes in the system, ensuring smooth transitions and that new processes are integrated effectively.Contribute to the planning, development, and implementation of new pathology IT systems or modules.Support service improvement initiatives and upgrades, ensuring minimal disruption to clinical services.Assist in user acceptance testing (UAT), go-live planning, and post-implementation support.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Training & Support:Deliver tailored training sessions and support to pathology staff on the use of ICE and LIMS systems, focusing on practical use and demand management to improve daily operations.Develop user-friendly manuals, guides, and troubleshooting resources to empower staff to use systems efficiently.Provide training, advice, and technical support to pathology and clinical staff using the systems.Act as a key contact for escalation during system failures or planned outages.
Data Management & Reporting:Ensure that all data entered into ICE and LIMS is accurate, timely, and aligned with pathology service requirements.Work with the team to generate useful data reports that inform operational decisions, and provide actionable insights based on system performance and usage trends.
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement:Collaborate with stakeholders from different departments to gather insights and feedback, making data-driven decisions to support the continuous improvement of pathology services.Support staff in adapting to changes in the system, ensuring smooth transitions and that new processes are integrated effectively.Contribute to the planning, development, and implementation of new pathology IT systems or modules.Support service improvement initiatives and upgrades, ensuring minimal disruption to clinical services.Assist in user acceptance testing (UAT), go-live planning, and post-implementation support.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential
- Working towards a degree in IT, Computer Science, Healthcare Technology, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
Desirable
- Recognised qualification in Pathology or a related healthcare field.
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of pathology workflows across disciplines (Haematology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, etc.). Knowledge of ICE and LIMS systems.
- Familiarity with HL7, NHS data standards, and information governance. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Desirable
- Experience supporting LIMS and related pathology IT systems in a clinical environment.
Experience
Essential
- Experience in IT support, systems administration, or a related role, ideally within a healthcare or pathology environment.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement, particularly with clinical or laboratory staff, and an understanding of operational challenges in healthcare.
- Strong understanding of demand management and the ability to align IT system capabilities with staff needs
- Experience in system troubleshooting, integration, and user support.
- Familiarity with data management, reporting, and creating actionable insights from system performance.
Desirable
- Experience with specific NHS LIMS (e.g., WinPath).
- Knowledge of NHS IT infrastructure and integration frameworks.
- Project management or ITIL certification
- Experience with middleware solutions.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential
- Working towards a degree in IT, Computer Science, Healthcare Technology, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
Desirable
- Recognised qualification in Pathology or a related healthcare field.
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of pathology workflows across disciplines (Haematology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, etc.). Knowledge of ICE and LIMS systems.
- Familiarity with HL7, NHS data standards, and information governance. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Desirable
- Experience supporting LIMS and related pathology IT systems in a clinical environment.
Experience
Essential
- Experience in IT support, systems administration, or a related role, ideally within a healthcare or pathology environment.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement, particularly with clinical or laboratory staff, and an understanding of operational challenges in healthcare.
- Strong understanding of demand management and the ability to align IT system capabilities with staff needs
- Experience in system troubleshooting, integration, and user support.
- Familiarity with data management, reporting, and creating actionable insights from system performance.
Desirable
- Experience with specific NHS LIMS (e.g., WinPath).
- Knowledge of NHS IT infrastructure and integration frameworks.
- Project management or ITIL certification
- Experience with middleware solutions.
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).
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).
