Job summary
We are looking for a Quality and Virology Senior to join the Microbiology department at Bedford Hospital.
Our laboratory is equipped with a wide range of modern platforms, including the Beckman Coulter Microscan, BioMrieux BacT/Alert Virtuo, Cepheid GeneXpert systems, BD MGIT, BioMrieux VIDAS, Biofire TORCH and FilmArray, Roche Cobas 6800, Bruker MALDI-TOF, BD Max, Stratec Gemini, MAST Uri System and DS2.
Following the merger with the Luton Microbiology department, the service now provides an extensive repertoire of investigations for Bedford Hospital, Luton and Dunstable Hospital, and local GP practices. The department is UKAS accredited to ISO 15189:2022 and is an IBMS-approved training laboratory.
In this role, you will be part of the senior Microbiology team, with a particular focus on quality management and virology.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will act as a Quality Lead, working closely with the Laboratory Manager and the Quality Team to support departmental quality processes--including non-conformities, audits, documentation, verification and validation--to maintain UKAS accreditation. They will also provide quality, systems-improvement and data-analysis support to the Virology service. Applicants should have substantial experience with Quality Management Systems, a strong understanding of quality processes, and in-depth knowledge of virology (both molecular and serology).
The post holder will support the senior laboratory team with documentation, monitoring non-conformances, conducting audits, implementing quality procedures and contributing to staff training. They will also assist the Laboratory Manager with operational aspects of the department, including the implementation, monitoring and review of contractual requirements, while ensuring service continuity and effective risk mitigation.
About us
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.
Job description
Job responsibilities
-
Work as the departmental Quality Lead, contributing to the effective delivery of departmental services.
-
Support Laboratory Management in implementing and maintaining a cohesive, wellcoordinated service in collaboration with the departments clinical lead.
-
Apply the departmental quality policy and work towards achieving agreed quality objectives.
-
Contribute to the implementation and maintenance of UKAS standards, using the established Pathology Quality Management System to support quality cycles and audits required for ISO 15189 compliance.
-
Assist in developing and delivering action plans to address nonconformities identified through internal or external audits or complaints, ensuring timely completion of corrective and preventive actions.
-
Follow and update departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) using the QPulse Document Management Module.
-
Where delegated, take responsibility for drafting and implementing SOPs within the department using the QPulse Document Management Module.
-
Oversee the daytoday quality operations within the department, supporting senior staff with documentation, and training staff at all levels in standardised quality processes and effective use of the Quality Management System.
Job description
Job responsibilities
-
Work as the departmental Quality Lead, contributing to the effective delivery of departmental services.
-
Support Laboratory Management in implementing and maintaining a cohesive, wellcoordinated service in collaboration with the departments clinical lead.
-
Apply the departmental quality policy and work towards achieving agreed quality objectives.
-
Contribute to the implementation and maintenance of UKAS standards, using the established Pathology Quality Management System to support quality cycles and audits required for ISO 15189 compliance.
-
Assist in developing and delivering action plans to address nonconformities identified through internal or external audits or complaints, ensuring timely completion of corrective and preventive actions.
-
Follow and update departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) using the QPulse Document Management Module.
-
Where delegated, take responsibility for drafting and implementing SOPs within the department using the QPulse Document Management Module.
-
Oversee the daytoday quality operations within the department, supporting senior staff with documentation, and training staff at all levels in standardised quality processes and effective use of the Quality Management System.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
- Masters degree or related professional health care qualification or equivalent
- HCPC registration or working towards
Desirable
- IBMS certificate in Expert Practice in Quality Management
Experience
Essential
- Audit and evaluation, clinical and information governance, use of Quality Management systems
- Significant specialist knowledge of Virology (Serology and Molecular) diagnostic methods
- Significant experience of UKAS assessment processes
- Project management experience
Desirable
- Experience training staff
- Experience in the implementation of new processes
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal at all levels
- Manage and analyse highly complex information and data
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Document writing
- Use of statistical packages and data management
Desirable
- Leadership skills
- Time management skills
Knowledge
Essential
- Experienced in use of Quality Management systems
- Knowledge of assessment criteria and relevant standards
- Experienced in use of Excel and statistical programmes for data handling and presentation
- Specialist knowledge of Virology
Desirable
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
- Masters degree or related professional health care qualification or equivalent
- HCPC registration or working towards
Desirable
- IBMS certificate in Expert Practice in Quality Management
Experience
Essential
- Audit and evaluation, clinical and information governance, use of Quality Management systems
- Significant specialist knowledge of Virology (Serology and Molecular) diagnostic methods
- Significant experience of UKAS assessment processes
- Project management experience
Desirable
- Experience training staff
- Experience in the implementation of new processes
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal at all levels
- Manage and analyse highly complex information and data
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Document writing
- Use of statistical packages and data management
Desirable
- Leadership skills
- Time management skills
Knowledge
Essential
- Experienced in use of Quality Management systems
- Knowledge of assessment criteria and relevant standards
- Experienced in use of Excel and statistical programmes for data handling and presentation
- Specialist knowledge of Virology
Desirable
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).
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