University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant - Cellular Pathology

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

The Cellular Pathology Laboratory (main base St Richards Hospital, Chichester) within the newly formed University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust currently deals with approximately 35,000 - 40,000 Histology specimens from across the West Sussex including St Richards Hospital, Chichester, Worthing Hospital and Southlands Hospital, Shoreham.

In addition to routine Histology samples the department undertakes work in Immunocytochemistry (ICC), Special Stains, Non-Gynae Diagnostic Cytology, OSNA (Intra-operative Breast Sentinel Node testing) and Digital Pathology. The main laboratory at St Richards Hospital is currently open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, whilst the Worthing Hospital laboratory is open from 8am to 5pm, also Monday to Friday. There is no direct laboratory cover at Southlands Hospital.

Main duties of the job

To participate in the provision of a specialised, diagnostic, pathology service contributing to the clinical care of the patient, to enable diagnosis and subsequent monitoring of the effectiveness of treatment given.

To work as part of a team in the Cellular Pathology Department, performing a wide range of routine and non-routine clinical, scientific or technical procedures usually under the direction of an appropriately regulated practitioner.

The individual will be expected to apply judgement, and utilise skills and scientific knowledge, to provide a high quality and timely result service. As a non-HCPC registered position the post holder will not authorise results, nor take responsibility for results issued.

About us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Details

Date posted

05 August 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£22,816 to £24,336 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

279-6505385-AUG24

Job locations

St Richards hospital

Spitalfield Lane

Chichester

PO19 6SE


Job description

Job responsibilities

The individuals key responsibilities will include undertaking routine paraffin wax embedding, sectioning and H&E staining, and preparation of non-gynae diagnostic cytology specimens training will be provided, but the successful candidate will be expected to complete appropriate competencies within a reasonable time period as directed by the Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientist Training Lead Band 7.

The Band 3 SMLA will need to be able to deal with telephone enquiries (seeking scientific advice where required); to undertake manual & automated laboratory investigations as required; perform routine maintenance on instrumentation and undertake first line troubleshooting of malfunctions; use appropriate EQA & IQC; provide routine & non-routine preparation of specimens; undertake work management to ensure reporting of results is conducted in the timeframes; work to ensure ongoing compliance with UKAS ISO 15189, audits, etc.; ensure compliance with the departmental Quality Policy & Manual; contribute to the preparation of SOPs; under supervision participate in the training of new & less experienced personnel; maintain a portfolio of competencies and CPD; and, help evaluate new equipment & methodologies as directed by the Lead Biomedical Scientist. The Band 3 SMLA will be expected support with preparation of material for outsource reporting, including associated administrative duties.

See attached Job description

Job description

Job responsibilities

The individuals key responsibilities will include undertaking routine paraffin wax embedding, sectioning and H&E staining, and preparation of non-gynae diagnostic cytology specimens training will be provided, but the successful candidate will be expected to complete appropriate competencies within a reasonable time period as directed by the Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientist Training Lead Band 7.

The Band 3 SMLA will need to be able to deal with telephone enquiries (seeking scientific advice where required); to undertake manual & automated laboratory investigations as required; perform routine maintenance on instrumentation and undertake first line troubleshooting of malfunctions; use appropriate EQA & IQC; provide routine & non-routine preparation of specimens; undertake work management to ensure reporting of results is conducted in the timeframes; work to ensure ongoing compliance with UKAS ISO 15189, audits, etc.; ensure compliance with the departmental Quality Policy & Manual; contribute to the preparation of SOPs; under supervision participate in the training of new & less experienced personnel; maintain a portfolio of competencies and CPD; and, help evaluate new equipment & methodologies as directed by the Lead Biomedical Scientist. The Band 3 SMLA will be expected support with preparation of material for outsource reporting, including associated administrative duties.

See attached Job description

Person Specification

Experience, Qualifications & skills

Essential

  • NVQ3 or equivalent award, including IBMS Certificates, etc.
  • Good level of Numeracy and English, ideally GCSE Grade C or higher or equivalent.
  • Experiencing working in a discipline specific NHS laboratory
  • Proven ability to correctly and appropriately use relevant Laboratory equipment and documentation procedures
  • Demonstrable computer keyboard skills to a high standard.
  • Demonstrable ability to communicate well - both written & oral.
  • Proven ability to work to given schedules and rotas and to prioritise urgent and emergency workloads.
  • Demonstrate Patient First principles
  • Demonstrable abilities to use IT, including Windows-based software - in particular Word and Excel.
  • Proven ability to work as part of a team.

Desirable

  • Experience using relevant laboratory instrumentation utilised within the department.
  • Proven ability to lead, supervise and train subordinate staff
  • Experience of participating in the testing of equipment.
  • Competent in: Tissue Processing Embedding Sectioning

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Essential

  • Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
  • Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Person Specification

Experience, Qualifications & skills

Essential

  • NVQ3 or equivalent award, including IBMS Certificates, etc.
  • Good level of Numeracy and English, ideally GCSE Grade C or higher or equivalent.
  • Experiencing working in a discipline specific NHS laboratory
  • Proven ability to correctly and appropriately use relevant Laboratory equipment and documentation procedures
  • Demonstrable computer keyboard skills to a high standard.
  • Demonstrable ability to communicate well - both written & oral.
  • Proven ability to work to given schedules and rotas and to prioritise urgent and emergency workloads.
  • Demonstrate Patient First principles
  • Demonstrable abilities to use IT, including Windows-based software - in particular Word and Excel.
  • Proven ability to work as part of a team.

Desirable

  • Experience using relevant laboratory instrumentation utilised within the department.
  • Proven ability to lead, supervise and train subordinate staff
  • Experience of participating in the testing of equipment.
  • Competent in: Tissue Processing Embedding Sectioning

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Essential

  • Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
  • Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

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.

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address

St Richards hospital

Spitalfield Lane

Chichester

PO19 6SE


Employer's website

https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address

St Richards hospital

Spitalfield Lane

Chichester

PO19 6SE


Employer's website

https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Lead Biomedical Scientist

Leisa Cook

leisa.cook@nhs.net

01243788122

Details

Date posted

05 August 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£22,816 to £24,336 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

279-6505385-AUG24

Job locations

St Richards hospital

Spitalfield Lane

Chichester

PO19 6SE


Supporting documents

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