Job summary
A vacancy to provide maternity cover has arisen for a Specimen Reception Area (SRA) Head of Department in our Specimen Reception Department based at Watford and Hemel Hempstead Hospitals. Health Services Laboratories will provide Pathology services to the West Hertfordshire Hospitals Trust following implementation of a new Pathology and Phlebotomy services programme commissioned by the Herts and West Essex Integrated Care Board with services set to commence from 1st March 2025.
Main duties of the job
The role will involve oversight and supervision of all support staff required to undertake routine preparation of patient samples, data entry of patient orders onto the laboratory computer system, sample analyses including basic analytical processes, pre- and post-analytic sample handling and management of test result queries under the supervision of a qualified BMS staff, bringing any unusual test requests or results to the attention of the appropriate member of staff. The successful candidate will oversee staff responsible for entering patient requests into the pathology computer system (WinPath and Helix) and carrying out clerical and technical tasks in accordance with sample handling procedures. Staff will be required to assist in handling and distribution of incoming and outgoing goods, equipment, specimens and reagents as well as managing the laboratory users Helpdesk.
The laboratory operates a 24/7 service so the successful candidate will be expected to help ensure there are enough trained staff available to participate in all shifts and to otherwise take part in both core and late shift working arrangements which will include weekend-working on occasion.
About us
At HSL we offer a variety of excellent staff benefits including:
Training and development opportunities supporting professional development
Annual salary review- No banding restrictions:As we are a private company we are not restricted by salary bandings and so are able to negotiate appropriate salaries based on experience. This also means that annual salary reviews do not hit a band ceiling.
Discounted gym membership we have a corporate gym membership scheme with Better Gyms
Cash healthcare plan cash back on a variety of healthcare costs including dentist and opticians
Sick Pay Entitlement 5 paid days in the first year of employment, 20 days thereafter
Permanent Health Insurance and Death in Service Cover
Life Assurance providing salary continuation for long term illness (six months qualifying period)
Employee Assistance Programme supporting staff wellbeing
Season Ticket Loan Scheme interest free loan for the cost of annual travel ticket
Perkbox Access to additional staff perks and benefits such as high street discounts
Company Pension Scheme company and staff contributions which increase with service
Competitive annual leave allowance-28 days
Flexible working hours 37.5 hours standard working week
Job description
Job responsibilities
To include, but not be restricted to, the following duties:
1. The post holder will oversee and be directly involved with the reception of all samples at the
specific Trust site. These will include those generated within the trust, by GPs, and at referring
hospitals.
2. The post holder will provide leadership within the department and be responsible for the day to day
management of the Pre analytical Pathology 24/7 service.
3. The post holder will be responsible for maintaining the 24/7 staff rota
4. The post holder will oversee and bedirectly involved with the dispatch of all samples to the HSL
Core laboratory and to external referral sites.
5. The post holder will oversee and be directly involved with the receipt of samples for research
projects that have been approved by HSL. The post holder will need to fully understand the
different and specialist handling requirements of all samples.
6. The post holder will be fully trained by Specialist Leads in optimal sample handling, Health and
Safety and any other specialist techniques as deemed necessary for specified investigations.
7. The post holder will provide training to the Specimen Reception Team
8. The post holder will be responsible for the co-ordination, supervision, provision and monitoring of
training and continuing professional development of staff in the area
9. In the event of substandard labelling either of the specimen or the request form (this includes lack
of clinical data) the post holder will communicate directly with either the Specialist Leads, the RRL
Laboratory Manager or the clinician generating the sample to facilitate resolution of the situation
10. The post holder will provide advice and recommendations in line with national, regional, local and
departmental protocols as agreed with clinical leads.
11. The post holder will provide direction and support for the Specimen Reception Team and will act as
a role model.
12. The post holder will ensure that the team fully complies with the Data Protection Act and that they
do not reveal any patient identifiable data to inappropriate third parties. The post holder will actively
communicate with all RRL staff.
13. The post holder will communicate with staff at all levels both on site and off site (where applicable)
14. The post holder will liaise and communicate with service users consistently and be a
representative at external meetings for HSL as the need arises (where applicable).
15. In partnership with the Rapid Response Lab Manager the post holder will manage the trust HSL
Helpdesk staff.
16. The post holder will support and participate in Quality Management as directed i.e. facilitating
audits, leading quality initiatives, maintaining area in line with UKAS requirements etc.
17. The post holder will investigate and resolve complaints and incidents involving Specimen
Reception and make recommendations as appropriate
Form No.: HR-MP7-13-F-5 Version No.: 1 Status.: Active
Author: Gibbins, Matthew Owner: Manze, Lisa Effective Date: 26/02/2021
Document was accessed on 22/01/2025 10:35:13 and has a review date of 13/07/2025 COPYING OF THIS DOCUMENT IS PERMITTED Page 2 of 6
18. The post holder will assist with change management projects within the area involving staff and
processes.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To include, but not be restricted to, the following duties:
1. The post holder will oversee and be directly involved with the reception of all samples at the
specific Trust site. These will include those generated within the trust, by GPs, and at referring
hospitals.
2. The post holder will provide leadership within the department and be responsible for the day to day
management of the Pre analytical Pathology 24/7 service.
3. The post holder will be responsible for maintaining the 24/7 staff rota
4. The post holder will oversee and bedirectly involved with the dispatch of all samples to the HSL
Core laboratory and to external referral sites.
5. The post holder will oversee and be directly involved with the receipt of samples for research
projects that have been approved by HSL. The post holder will need to fully understand the
different and specialist handling requirements of all samples.
6. The post holder will be fully trained by Specialist Leads in optimal sample handling, Health and
Safety and any other specialist techniques as deemed necessary for specified investigations.
7. The post holder will provide training to the Specimen Reception Team
8. The post holder will be responsible for the co-ordination, supervision, provision and monitoring of
training and continuing professional development of staff in the area
9. In the event of substandard labelling either of the specimen or the request form (this includes lack
of clinical data) the post holder will communicate directly with either the Specialist Leads, the RRL
Laboratory Manager or the clinician generating the sample to facilitate resolution of the situation
10. The post holder will provide advice and recommendations in line with national, regional, local and
departmental protocols as agreed with clinical leads.
11. The post holder will provide direction and support for the Specimen Reception Team and will act as
a role model.
12. The post holder will ensure that the team fully complies with the Data Protection Act and that they
do not reveal any patient identifiable data to inappropriate third parties. The post holder will actively
communicate with all RRL staff.
13. The post holder will communicate with staff at all levels both on site and off site (where applicable)
14. The post holder will liaise and communicate with service users consistently and be a
representative at external meetings for HSL as the need arises (where applicable).
15. In partnership with the Rapid Response Lab Manager the post holder will manage the trust HSL
Helpdesk staff.
16. The post holder will support and participate in Quality Management as directed i.e. facilitating
audits, leading quality initiatives, maintaining area in line with UKAS requirements etc.
17. The post holder will investigate and resolve complaints and incidents involving Specimen
Reception and make recommendations as appropriate
Form No.: HR-MP7-13-F-5 Version No.: 1 Status.: Active
Author: Gibbins, Matthew Owner: Manze, Lisa Effective Date: 26/02/2021
Document was accessed on 22/01/2025 10:35:13 and has a review date of 13/07/2025 COPYING OF THIS DOCUMENT IS PERMITTED Page 2 of 6
18. The post holder will assist with change management projects within the area involving staff and
processes.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office packages
- Training in local systems will be provided
- Proficient in process management
- Able to manage, develop, co-ordinate and provide a complex services
- Sufficient knowledge to be able to analyse and troubleshoot complex operational problems.
- Experience in training and managing staff and assessing competence
- Understanding of Key Performance
- Indicators and Quality Management Structures
- Experience in leadership (motivation, teamwork, delegation, change management)
- Experience in staff recruitment, management, retention and performance management
Qualifications
Desirable
- BSc or equivalent in relevant subject
- Specialist Diploma in relevant discipline or relevant qualification
- Managerial qualification (e.g. DMS) or equivalent experience
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office packages
- Training in local systems will be provided
- Proficient in process management
- Able to manage, develop, co-ordinate and provide a complex services
- Sufficient knowledge to be able to analyse and troubleshoot complex operational problems.
- Experience in training and managing staff and assessing competence
- Understanding of Key Performance
- Indicators and Quality Management Structures
- Experience in leadership (motivation, teamwork, delegation, change management)
- Experience in staff recruitment, management, retention and performance management
Qualifications
Desirable
- BSc or equivalent in relevant subject
- Specialist Diploma in relevant discipline or relevant qualification
- Managerial qualification (e.g. DMS) or equivalent experience
Additional information
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).
