Job summary

Advert may close once sufficient number of applications is reached

The pathology departments at NTH and STH are working collaboratively to develop a joint service with services being delivered on both hospital sites. This will require cross site working as appropriate.

An opportunity has arisen for a well-motivated and enthusiastic HCPC Registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join our team in the Biochemistry Department at University Hospital of North Tees. The department provides a comprehensive and high quality service to the acute hospital and General Practitioners in the Stockton, Hartlepool and East Durham areas.

Although the IBMS specialist diploma is a requirement , applications will be welcome from those within 3 months of completion of the qualification.

You will be required to work as part of a team to undertake a full range of Biochemistry tests and will assist the department in maintaining UKAS accreditation.

Good communications skills, teamwork and an aptitude for problem solving are essential, as is a flexible attitude to work and willingness to adapt to changes in working practice.

You will be required to fully participate in a working pattern allowing the laboratory to process specimens 24 hours a day, providing a 7 days a week service.

The Department has UKAS accreditation and IBMS training approval and encourages continues professional development.

Main duties of the job

Under the direction of the Biochemistry Management Team, the post holder will be required to perform the routine day to day operations within the Biochemistry department, rotating between all sections within the specialty following approved methodologies and procedures. To assist in the training and development of Trainee Biomedical Scientists, Medical Laboratory Assistants and other staff grades according to departmental policy. It is expected that the post holder will have a considerable degree of autonomy and will be able to work unsupervised for significant periods.

About us

At North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust our main priority is, and always will be, to provide safe and high quality care to our patients every day; the kind of care we would want for ourselves and our loved ones. We want our organisation to be the best place to work with the right staff, in the right roles, at the right time, to ensure we deliver exceptional patient care and experience.

We will support staff through providing an inclusive and supportive workplace with health and well-being initiatives, staff benefits and opportunities for personal and professional development. Staff recognition is very important to us; as well as performance reviews and appraisals, we recognise staff through Star and Team of the month, colleague recognition - a note of thanks, Managers Awards, Shining Stars and Service Awards.

We recruit for values and "Together we are North Tees & Hartlepool"

Job description

Job responsibilities

Under the direction of the Biochemistry Management Team, the post holder will be required to perform the routine day to day operations within the Biochemistry department, rotating between all sections within the specialty following approved methodologies and procedures. To assist in the training and development of Trainee Biomedical Scientists, Medical Laboratory Assistants and other staff grades according to departmental policy. It is expected that the post holder will have a considerable degree of autonomy and will be able to work unsupervised for significant periods.

Human Resource Management

In conjunction with line manager produce a personal development plan, ensuring goals are linked to business objectives, identify training requirements and attend mandatory and other training as required

Assist in the training of Biomedical Scientists and Clinical Support Workers

Tackle discrimination and harassment and promote equality and diversity in the workplace

Demonstrate commitment to IWL principles and flexible working patterns to meet the needs of the service and needs of staff

Take responsibility for the supervision, training and coaching of more junior staff when required

Maintain ongoing Professional Portfolio and update professional development plan undertaking courses and CPD activities to satisfy HCPC CPD requirements.

Reduce Sickness absence; work place accidents; and promote zero tolerance on violence against staff

Take responsibility for personal development and education and the development of a Personal Development Plan

Quality Management and Clinical Governance

Assist with the production, maintenance and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures using the Q-Pulse Quality Management System

Perform risk assessments, COSHH assessments and incident reporting (InPhase)

Perform audit as directed by Senior BMS

To promote lean working to ensure a safe, tidy, efficient workplace and to advise on improvements in own area completing quality improvement notes if appropriate

Ensure accuracy of patient data recorded in the laboratory computer system

Undertake quality control procedures and examine results to identify poor performance instigating appropriate action

Participate in laboratory departmental staff and quality meetings providing information as requested by Scientific/Operational Leads

To comply with all statutory and departmental safety regulations to reduce work place accidents

Be aware of and adhere to trust policies including those related to discipline, grievance, attendance management, and health and safety.

Maintain standards of laboratory policies and procedures to ensure that the department meets ISO 15189 standards.

Ensure compliance with all statutory and legislative requirements including patient confidentiality and the Data Protection Act

Scientific and Diagnostic

Participate in allocated work rotas, carrying out laboratory techniques in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.

Perform maintenance procedures and advanced troubleshooting on highly complex equipment requiring high levels of concentration and record all procedures undertaken

Prioritise workflows so that timely and accurate results are produced in order to achieve a high standard of diagnostic work which will contribute to optimal patient care

Monitor quality control to ensure accurate results, taking appropriate remedial action.

Participate in the critical evaluation of new equipment / procedures and investigate poorly performing laboratory methods reporting findings to the line manager

To perform good stock control ensuring resources are used efficiently and order new stock in accordance with Trust Standing Financial Orders

In conjunction with senior BMS / Manager notify equipment / general building / fitting failures to the estates & facilities department

Training and Education

To undertake a mentoring role for relevant staff especially in the completion of registration and specialist portfolios

To deliver training in new equipment and methodologies

To deliver presentations to laboratory staff to fulfil CPD requirements

Maintain up to date knowledge in area of expertise and to share this knowledge with other staff

Departmental specific

Participate in the 24hr shift rota including overnight, weekend, extended working day and Bank Holidays.

To maintain an up to date knowledge base of methods in use within Biochemistry and to be aware of scientific and technological advances within Biochemistry.

To be responsible for the validation and release of normal and abnormal laboratory results for the clinical care of patients according to protocols agreed with the Clinical Head of Department.

Recognise potential problems with sample and quality control results through result patterns and take appropriate corrective action.

Be the named person for at least one area of the department (specific duties supported by an addendum to this job description)

Ensure all records, evaluations and data are recorded and maintained in compliance with standards set by UKAS

Financial

Ensure efficient use of equipment and reagents to maintain an accurate, cost effective service.

Control of Infection

To be aware of, and comply with, all Trust infection prevention and control policies, to include hand hygiene, personal hygiene, environmental and food hygiene.

To undertake annual training/updates in infection prevention and control.

Communication and Working Relationships

Liaise with all members of the laboratory team and across the Pathology Directorate

Communication of patients` results to service users including acute trust and primary care trust staff.

Maintain regular communication with Departmental Manager and Senior Biomedical Scientists in relation to training and work-related matters.

Participate in laboratory meetings to ensure effective dissemination of information and discussion of problems relating to area of expertise.

Providing training as required to laboratory staff in area of expertise.

Treating all colleagues and laboratory users with courtesy and respect at all times as stated in Trust Personal Responsibility Framework.

The most challenging part of the job

To maintain the agreed quality of personal performance within the discipline with specific reference to accuracy of specimen handling, analytical performance, data transcription and throughput of work.

Prioritising work to ensure timely, accurate results for all laboratory users

This job description is intended as a guide to the duties and responsibilities of the post and should not be regarded as a complete list of those required to be fulfilled under the written statement of the main terms and conditions of employment.

The contents may be amended from time to time subject to developing service needs although such amendment would occur following appropriate consultation with the postholder.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

HCPC registration IBMS Specialist portfolio

Desirable

MSc Biomedical Science Leadership qualification

Experience

Essential

Minimum of 2 years' experience post registration working in a Clinical Blood Transfusion and Haematology Laboratory. Out of Hours Shift experience. Experience of training staff

Desirable

Lead role in a specialist area of blood Transfusion or Haematology

Skills

Essential

Able to communicate and maintain good relations with all levels of staff Willing to attend courses and conferences to keep up to date and disseminate knowledge

Desirable

Negotiation and problem solving skills Familiar with principles of LEAN

Skills

Essential

Excellent interpersonal skills

Desirable

Calm when under pressure Positive attitude Focused on best interests of patients