Job summary
(Currently shift working attracts short term recruitment and retention premia of £5K pro rata under review)
The Haematology Laboratory at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust is seeking a well-organised and highly motivated Biomedical Scientist to join our friendly and dedicated Haematology & Blood Transfusion team. Our services are based over two acute hospital sites at Conquest Hospital, Hastings and Eastbourne District General Hospital - you will be based at Eastbourne District General Hospital, although some cross-site working is required.
In return, the Trust is committed to the personal and professional development of its staff at all levels.
The Department is fully automated in its analytical platform for Blood Transfusion (Ortho Vision), Coagulation (Sysmex CN6000), Special Haematology (BioRad Variant II) and Haematology (Sysmex XN1000/2000), and uses the iLab/Apex Laboratory Information system. LIMS is due to be replaced in 2027 with Winpath Enterprise.
Full 24/ hour, 7 days a week acute services are operated at both acute hospital sites. Candidates will be required to participate in the full shift rota, covering weekdays, nights and weekends after suitable training and assessment.
Previous applicants need not apply
Main duties of the job
QualifiedBiomedical Scientists, who have (or are close to achieving) HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist with experience in Haematology/Transfusion Science within an NHS setting, or within a laboratory with IBMS training approval, are encouraged to apply.
We have a proud record of successful training and development in our laboratories at both registration and specialist level and access to experienced training officers will be available to you.
You will be required to rotate through Haematology, Coagulation, and Blood Transfusion sections of the department. You must be keen to embrace new ways of working and develop your knowledge and skills. We are moving towards a Blood Sciences structure to take advantage of common skills across Haematology and Biochemistry whilst continuing to recognise specialist discipline requirements. Opportunities for cross-discipline training will be available as we progress this project.
Our laboratories are accredited to UKAS 15189 standards and we promote a quality approach to working with all staff contributing towards maintenance of the Quality Management System.
About us
A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation.
In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.
There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.
Statement on the Use of AI
We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective.
Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.
We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will practise as an HCPC Registered BMS in Haematology/ Blood Transfusion mainly at Eastbourne District General Hospital. They will be required to work at Conquest Hospital as service needs dictate.
They will work closely with the Biomedical Scientists Team Leaders to observe and implement the policies and procedures relevant to the role these include the Blood Transfusion Policy, the departmental Health & Safety Policy and Quality Policy.
The post holder must also comply with practices and procedures as dictated in the departmental Standard Operating Procedures.
Additionally, they will liaise with the Blood Sciences Lead and Deputy Leads, Senior Biomedical Scientists, the Training and Quality Leads and Clinical and Nursing staff to develop and integrate the services provided by the Team.
Participation in the 24/7 shift rota necessitates a flexible approach to working hours.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will practise as an HCPC Registered BMS in Haematology/ Blood Transfusion mainly at Eastbourne District General Hospital. They will be required to work at Conquest Hospital as service needs dictate.
They will work closely with the Biomedical Scientists Team Leaders to observe and implement the policies and procedures relevant to the role these include the Blood Transfusion Policy, the departmental Health & Safety Policy and Quality Policy.
The post holder must also comply with practices and procedures as dictated in the departmental Standard Operating Procedures.
Additionally, they will liaise with the Blood Sciences Lead and Deputy Leads, Senior Biomedical Scientists, the Training and Quality Leads and Clinical and Nursing staff to develop and integrate the services provided by the Team.
Participation in the 24/7 shift rota necessitates a flexible approach to working hours.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- B.Sc (Hons) in Biomedical Science or equivalent.
- State Registration (Health Professionals Council)
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills achieved through evidence of ongoing continuing professional development and attendance on educational and practical courses
Desirable
- Familiar with Apex Computer System
- Familiar with automated analysers in Haematology and Blood Transfusion
- Familiar with manual techniques in Haematology and Blood Transfusion
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of completing local learning contracts alongside registration
- Experience of working flexibly and within a team.
- Commitment to the ethos of a health care environment.
- Experience of accepting responsibility while recognising limits
Skills
Essential
- Haematology/Blood Bank skills and techniques.
- Good scientific numeracy skills.
- Good IT skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office
- Knowledge of haematological diagnostic techniques
- Good knowledge of health and safety legislation and procedures as applied in pathology
- Good knowledge of laboratory practice.
- Must be prepared to check all work performed
- Ability to work under pressure
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Working on own initiative and managing own workload (work planning with flexibility).
- Capable of working with minimum supervision
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- B.Sc (Hons) in Biomedical Science or equivalent.
- State Registration (Health Professionals Council)
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills achieved through evidence of ongoing continuing professional development and attendance on educational and practical courses
Desirable
- Familiar with Apex Computer System
- Familiar with automated analysers in Haematology and Blood Transfusion
- Familiar with manual techniques in Haematology and Blood Transfusion
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of completing local learning contracts alongside registration
- Experience of working flexibly and within a team.
- Commitment to the ethos of a health care environment.
- Experience of accepting responsibility while recognising limits
Skills
Essential
- Haematology/Blood Bank skills and techniques.
- Good scientific numeracy skills.
- Good IT skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office
- Knowledge of haematological diagnostic techniques
- Good knowledge of health and safety legislation and procedures as applied in pathology
- Good knowledge of laboratory practice.
- Must be prepared to check all work performed
- Ability to work under pressure
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Working on own initiative and managing own workload (work planning with flexibility).
- Capable of working with minimum supervision
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).