Health Services Laboratories

Head of Blood Transfusion

The closing date is 11 November 2025

Job summary

We are currently looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and suitably qualified HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist to oversee the vital work of our transfusion services at the Royal Free Hospital Site.

TheBlood Transfusion Managerwill manage the day-to-day operations of the blood transfusion laboratory, leading a dedicated team of biomedical scientists and support staff. Your responsibilities will include overseeing the testing, processing, and distribution of blood and blood components, while ensuring full compliance with clinical guidelines, regulatory requirements, and Trust policies and collaboratingwith clinical teams to promote safe transfusion practices.You will also be involved in staff training and development, quality improvement initiatives, and the ongoing enhancement of laboratory technologies and practices to provide a service with the highest safety and quality standards. Collaborate with clinical teams to promote safe transfusion practices

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be educated to an appropriate MSc level or have equivalent experience with an IBMS Specialist Diploma in Haematology/ Transfusion, or Specialist Certificate in Transfusion Science Practice. They will need to be up to date with developments in the discipline & able to demonstrate relevant CPD in accordance with HCPC. They will have post registration clinical & technical experience at senior biomedical scientist level, in-depth knowledge of complex instrumentation / laboratory techniques & QA/QC procedures and be able to lead a team.This is an exceptional opportunity to play a crucial role in a collaborative, forward-thinking healthcare environment.

About us

At HSL we offer a variety of excellent staff benefits including:

Training and development opportunities supporting professional development

Annual salary reviewNo 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 we support and offer flexibility around shift patterns and working schedule

Details

Date posted

20 October 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience Up to £68,000 per annum DOE inc. HCA

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

E0111-25-0068

Job locations

North Middlesex Hospital Nhs Trust

Sterling Way

London

N18 1QX


Job description

Job responsibilities

Main duties

1. To oversee and (when necessary) participate in the routine processing of specimens and issue of blood components; and to allocate work to the other BMS and MLA staff to ensure a smooth workflow. To ensure a robust rota is in place to provide a 24/7 service. 2. To ensure the maintenance of scientific standards and quality assurance in all areas of the department. 3. To establish systems that ensure that for each sample the appropriate requested investigations are performed in a timely manner, and that agreed turnaround times of samples and results are met. To ensure that results are correctly verified, and appropriate diagnostic comments added before authorisation. 4. To ensure that specialised and urgent specimens are appropriately dealt with. 5. To work with the HSL Quality Management Group to uphold an effective Quality system in Blood Transfusion in accordance with UKAS accreditation requirements (ISO15189). 6. To liaise with the NHSBT reference laboratories and clinicians for the follow-up of specialist investigations or the provision or compatible blood components for patients with complicated serology. 7. To ensure timely and accurate reporting of manual work results with correct follow-up including input of additional testing requirements, correct report comments, future testing instructions and patient special blood component requirements into the laboratory information system (LIMS). 8. To ensure the correct operation, cleaning and maintenance of laboratory surfaces and equipment and all blood component storage facilities (both within the laboratory and in the clinical areas) according to GMP departmental and manufacturers protocols and procedures. 9. To inspect documentation and records including but not limited to QC, QA, cleaning, maintenance, temperature monitoring, equipment service and repair, incident reports etc. to ensure compliance with GMP standards legal compliance with the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations (BSQR) 2005 and legal compliance with the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations (BSQR) 2005 and any subsequent updates. 10. To be actively involved in the timely development of rotas to provide the appropriate numbers and correct skill mix of staff to support essential daily transfusion services, and to ensure continuous 24/7 cover for the whole Haematology service. 11. To be proficient in the use and functions of the information technology systems within the department, including relevant administrative functions. 12. To ensure the facilities management team maintain adequate supplies of laboratory consumables, reagents; and to ensure adequate supplies of blood component and product stocks. 13. To undertake, (in conjunction with the Quality Manager, Transfusion Practitioners, laboratory and clinical staff as required), investigation of any incident, error, transfusion reaction or other event which may cause a service delivery or quality failure, and to assist in the implementation and documentation of corrective and preventive actions. 14. To advise on equipment and method troubleshooting (including laboratory instrumentation and remote issue blood fridges), and receive reports of situations requiring further action, work with service engineers on fault resolution, reporting and documenting equipment faults and resolutions as per GMP requirements. 15. To supervise and facilitate the maintenance of correct storage of blood components throughout the laboratory and service areas as required, including but not limited to: temperature monitoring (electronic and manual systems) and responding to temperature deviations; arranging and directing stock movement between blood fridges in order to minimise wastage and provide sufficient supplies where needed; initiating blood component recalls as required; correct packing of blood transport containers to GMP standards. 16. To oversee (in liaison with MLA staff, couriers and Transfusion Practitioners) the remote issue of blood in the clinical areas as well as the use of contingency blood storage equipment for planned or unexpected downtime. 17. To ensure hospital compliance with traceability in liaison with the BMS staff, MLA staff and Transfusion Practitioners. 18. To be involved in staff recruitment and to conduct appraisals as required. To approve leave requests, monitor sickness absence and act as first line response in disciplinary, grievance and performance matters. 19. To monitor external quality control submission and compliance, and to contribute to audit activities. 20. To contribute to the maintenance and development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and to ensure that other staff fulfil their responsibilities in this respect. 21. To ensure that the department is meeting its KPIs and any contractual deliverables required. Training and Education 1. To make sure that the training documentation is up to date and complies with CPA/UKAS, HCPC and IBMS regulations, and to ensure adequate training programmes are in place for junior medical, scientific and support staff. To provide managerial support to the Training Manager and his/her Training Officer. 2. To undertake teaching, competency and induction of new staff in conjunction with the other senior biomedical staff, and be actively involved in staff meetings and seminars. 3. To keep abreast of current developments in the field and attend courses and meetings as relevant. 4. To continue own personal and professional development by participation in a recognised CPD scheme, and participation in departmental meetings and case pr

Job description

Job responsibilities

Main duties

1. To oversee and (when necessary) participate in the routine processing of specimens and issue of blood components; and to allocate work to the other BMS and MLA staff to ensure a smooth workflow. To ensure a robust rota is in place to provide a 24/7 service. 2. To ensure the maintenance of scientific standards and quality assurance in all areas of the department. 3. To establish systems that ensure that for each sample the appropriate requested investigations are performed in a timely manner, and that agreed turnaround times of samples and results are met. To ensure that results are correctly verified, and appropriate diagnostic comments added before authorisation. 4. To ensure that specialised and urgent specimens are appropriately dealt with. 5. To work with the HSL Quality Management Group to uphold an effective Quality system in Blood Transfusion in accordance with UKAS accreditation requirements (ISO15189). 6. To liaise with the NHSBT reference laboratories and clinicians for the follow-up of specialist investigations or the provision or compatible blood components for patients with complicated serology. 7. To ensure timely and accurate reporting of manual work results with correct follow-up including input of additional testing requirements, correct report comments, future testing instructions and patient special blood component requirements into the laboratory information system (LIMS). 8. To ensure the correct operation, cleaning and maintenance of laboratory surfaces and equipment and all blood component storage facilities (both within the laboratory and in the clinical areas) according to GMP departmental and manufacturers protocols and procedures. 9. To inspect documentation and records including but not limited to QC, QA, cleaning, maintenance, temperature monitoring, equipment service and repair, incident reports etc. to ensure compliance with GMP standards legal compliance with the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations (BSQR) 2005 and legal compliance with the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations (BSQR) 2005 and any subsequent updates. 10. To be actively involved in the timely development of rotas to provide the appropriate numbers and correct skill mix of staff to support essential daily transfusion services, and to ensure continuous 24/7 cover for the whole Haematology service. 11. To be proficient in the use and functions of the information technology systems within the department, including relevant administrative functions. 12. To ensure the facilities management team maintain adequate supplies of laboratory consumables, reagents; and to ensure adequate supplies of blood component and product stocks. 13. To undertake, (in conjunction with the Quality Manager, Transfusion Practitioners, laboratory and clinical staff as required), investigation of any incident, error, transfusion reaction or other event which may cause a service delivery or quality failure, and to assist in the implementation and documentation of corrective and preventive actions. 14. To advise on equipment and method troubleshooting (including laboratory instrumentation and remote issue blood fridges), and receive reports of situations requiring further action, work with service engineers on fault resolution, reporting and documenting equipment faults and resolutions as per GMP requirements. 15. To supervise and facilitate the maintenance of correct storage of blood components throughout the laboratory and service areas as required, including but not limited to: temperature monitoring (electronic and manual systems) and responding to temperature deviations; arranging and directing stock movement between blood fridges in order to minimise wastage and provide sufficient supplies where needed; initiating blood component recalls as required; correct packing of blood transport containers to GMP standards. 16. To oversee (in liaison with MLA staff, couriers and Transfusion Practitioners) the remote issue of blood in the clinical areas as well as the use of contingency blood storage equipment for planned or unexpected downtime. 17. To ensure hospital compliance with traceability in liaison with the BMS staff, MLA staff and Transfusion Practitioners. 18. To be involved in staff recruitment and to conduct appraisals as required. To approve leave requests, monitor sickness absence and act as first line response in disciplinary, grievance and performance matters. 19. To monitor external quality control submission and compliance, and to contribute to audit activities. 20. To contribute to the maintenance and development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and to ensure that other staff fulfil their responsibilities in this respect. 21. To ensure that the department is meeting its KPIs and any contractual deliverables required. Training and Education 1. To make sure that the training documentation is up to date and complies with CPA/UKAS, HCPC and IBMS regulations, and to ensure adequate training programmes are in place for junior medical, scientific and support staff. To provide managerial support to the Training Manager and his/her Training Officer. 2. To undertake teaching, competency and induction of new staff in conjunction with the other senior biomedical staff, and be actively involved in staff meetings and seminars. 3. To keep abreast of current developments in the field and attend courses and meetings as relevant. 4. To continue own personal and professional development by participation in a recognised CPD scheme, and participation in departmental meetings and case pr

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Qualification in pathology disciplines consistent with HCPC requirement.
  • MSc or equivalent experience in a relevant subject
  • Current registration with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
  • Specialist Diploma in relevant discipline
  • Management qualification

Experience

Essential

  • Demonstrate experience of working to a laboratory Quality Management System, and full working knowledge of MHRA requirements for a BT laboratory.
  • Post-registration experience in a routine diagnostic/clinical laboratory and proficiency in relevant techniques.
  • Experience of using a Laboratory Information System.
  • Experience of supervising staff and of conducting appraisals.

Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Good organisational skills. Ability to work accurately, neatly and efficiently.
  • Attention to detail is very important.
  • Ability to lead a team.
  • Basic Keyboard skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Ability to maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
  • Ability to work on own initiative.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels in English - both verbally and in writing.
  • Use of laboratory equipment relevant to the specialty.
  • Able to write and review SOPs.

Desirable

  • Experience of utilising statistical analysis software.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Qualification in pathology disciplines consistent with HCPC requirement.
  • MSc or equivalent experience in a relevant subject
  • Current registration with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
  • Specialist Diploma in relevant discipline
  • Management qualification

Experience

Essential

  • Demonstrate experience of working to a laboratory Quality Management System, and full working knowledge of MHRA requirements for a BT laboratory.
  • Post-registration experience in a routine diagnostic/clinical laboratory and proficiency in relevant techniques.
  • Experience of using a Laboratory Information System.
  • Experience of supervising staff and of conducting appraisals.

Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Good organisational skills. Ability to work accurately, neatly and efficiently.
  • Attention to detail is very important.
  • Ability to lead a team.
  • Basic Keyboard skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Ability to maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
  • Ability to work on own initiative.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels in English - both verbally and in writing.
  • Use of laboratory equipment relevant to the specialty.
  • Able to write and review SOPs.

Desirable

  • Experience of utilising statistical analysis software.

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).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Health Services Laboratories

Address

North Middlesex Hospital Nhs Trust

Sterling Way

London

N18 1QX


Employer's website

https://www.hslpathology.com/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Health Services Laboratories

Address

North Middlesex Hospital Nhs Trust

Sterling Way

London

N18 1QX


Employer's website

https://www.hslpathology.com/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Rita Atugonza

rita.atugonza@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

20 October 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience Up to £68,000 per annum DOE inc. HCA

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

E0111-25-0068

Job locations

North Middlesex Hospital Nhs Trust

Sterling Way

London

N18 1QX


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