Specialist Biomedical Scientist

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

The closing date is 09 December 2024

Job summary

The department provides a Specialist Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology service to both acute and primary care, and to other trusts within the Sussex area and beyond. It holds accreditation with UKAS, and is approved by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences as a training laboratory.

The Biochemistry laboratory at UHS East is divided into four sections: at RSCH: Automation, Sample referrals and Downs screening, Special Reference (including Toxicology, Point of Care, and Separation Sciences) and Immunology: and on the PRH site: Automation.

The post-holder will primarily be based in the Automated Section at the PRH site, however would be expected to cover shifts at RSCH, after the appropriate training, at short notice. They would processing the work according to standard operating procedures, producing high quality scientific results.

Applicants must be HCPC registered, hold an IBMS Specialist Portfolio and have extensive post registration experience in a routine diagnostic blood sciences laboratory.

Registered BMSwho have completed 75% of the Specialist Portfolio will be considered.

The successful applicant must be conscientious and enthusiastic and able to work well as part of a team. Applicants must be prepared to work and attend meetings at any sites. They will participate in the extended working shift pattern and is also expected to participate in the 24/7 shift system.

There may be a possibility of joining the bank.

Main duties of the job

  • Analyses samples according to the departmental Standard Operating Procedures (including the requesting of tests and reporting of results) using highly complex analysers, or performing highly complex techniques and informs senior staff of any proposed changes to SOP's.
  • Undertakes/oversees planned preventative maintenance on highly complex, expensive and specialised analysers to ensure correct functioning. Records problems and troubleshoots or refers to senior members of staff.
  • Prioritises workload according to national guidelines. Understands the clinical urgency of requests and the impact on patient care (i.e. the 4hr wait in A&E).
  • Performs calibrations on all methods, informs senior staff of any problems.
  • Performs and verifies quality control samples (including checking quality control charts) to ensure accuracy and precision. Carries out corrective action to ensure all analyses are performing within defined parameters. Understands the use of statistical parameters for mean and SD.
  • Performs external quality assurance analysis on highly specialised analysers
  • Volunteers to participates in overtime & out-of-hours arrangements, when assessed as competent to do so
  • Undertakes analytical validation of results produced
  • Checks all samples before processing for status & suitability
  • Interprets results and clinical history to ensure patients receive correct therapy.

About us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. 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 Programmefor staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - 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.

Date posted

14 November 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£37,338 to £44,962 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

279-6767808-NOV24

Job locations

Princess Royal Hospital (Primary) + RSCH (As required)

Lewes Road

Haywards Heath

RH16 4EX


Job description

Job responsibilities

  • Has an extensive knowledge of the disease process and the clinical relevance and appropriateness of diagnostic tests requested. Therefore understands why certain tests (including the abbreviations and medical terminology) are requested in certain pathological situations.
  • Communicates with the requesting physician to discuss the suitability of tests requested and discuss the availability of further tests which might contribute to diagnosis/patient management. Also discuss with senior member of staff if appropriate/available.
  • Validates results according to the SOP. Interprets results in conjunction with previous results (delta checks). Requests further work according to SOP, refers to senior staff upon completion of further work.
  • Handles unsuitable samples for example if taken from drip arm, too old, incorrectly labelled (according to departmental policy), insufficient volume to ensure reliability and validity of sample and will request repeat bloods be taken accordingly.
  • Phones highly complex and potentially sensitive results to clinicians ensuring results are understood and transcribed correctly. Acts on or refers phone calls received to appropriate area of lab.

Please see JD and PS for full details.

Job description

Job responsibilities

  • Has an extensive knowledge of the disease process and the clinical relevance and appropriateness of diagnostic tests requested. Therefore understands why certain tests (including the abbreviations and medical terminology) are requested in certain pathological situations.
  • Communicates with the requesting physician to discuss the suitability of tests requested and discuss the availability of further tests which might contribute to diagnosis/patient management. Also discuss with senior member of staff if appropriate/available.
  • Validates results according to the SOP. Interprets results in conjunction with previous results (delta checks). Requests further work according to SOP, refers to senior staff upon completion of further work.
  • Handles unsuitable samples for example if taken from drip arm, too old, incorrectly labelled (according to departmental policy), insufficient volume to ensure reliability and validity of sample and will request repeat bloods be taken accordingly.
  • Phones highly complex and potentially sensitive results to clinicians ensuring results are understood and transcribed correctly. Acts on or refers phone calls received to appropriate area of lab.

Please see JD and PS for full details.

Person Specification

IBMS qualified

Essential

  • IBMS qualified

Specialist Portfolio

Essential

  • Specialist portfolio completed

Desirable

  • In progress

2 years NHS lab experience

Essential

  • 2 years NHS lab experience

Desirable

  • 1 year NHS lab experience

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

IBMS qualified

Essential

  • IBMS qualified

Specialist Portfolio

Essential

  • Specialist portfolio completed

Desirable

  • In progress

2 years NHS lab experience

Essential

  • 2 years NHS lab experience

Desirable

  • 1 year NHS lab experience

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.

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

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.

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

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address

Princess Royal Hospital (Primary) + RSCH (As required)

Lewes Road

Haywards Heath

RH16 4EX


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

Princess Royal Hospital (Primary) + RSCH (As required)

Lewes Road

Haywards Heath

RH16 4EX


Employer's website

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


For questions about the job, contact:

Biochemistry Automation Section Manager

Jason Brown

jason.brown4@nhs.net

01273696955

Date posted

14 November 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£37,338 to £44,962 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

279-6767808-NOV24

Job locations

Princess Royal Hospital (Primary) + RSCH (As required)

Lewes Road

Haywards Heath

RH16 4EX


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)'s privacy notice (opens in a new tab)