Job responsibilities
General duties:
To follow agreed protocols and policies seeking advice where appropriate from more senior staff
To work in an efficient and timely manner and to be adaptable to change
To work in a safe manner in accordance with departmental and Trust Health and Safety policies
To contribute to care, maintenance and security of the laboratory premises and equipment
To demonstrate a positive attitude to the work of the laboratory, colleagues and service users
To respond to requests for information in a polite, helpful and concise manner
To maintain confidentiality and conform with the Data Protection Act
To work to quality standards for all aspects of the service as defined by the Pathology Directorate Quality Management System (QMS)
The postholder will participate in an annual Personal Development Review/ appraisal process as well as all necessary mandatory training. As part of the PDR process the postholders involvement and contribution to Quality Management will be reviewed along with their understanding and compliance with the current, relevant Trust objectives.
Analytical
Maintain a high level of skilled specialist expertise and professional competence, to solve be able to participate in the routine work of all sections of the department to provide our users with accurate and timely results.
- To perform both routine tasks covering a variety of analytical equipment and manual techniques.
- To ensure that all tasks are performed in accordance with current Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and regulations to ensure a high quality service at all times.
- The embedding and orientation of tissue samples selected for diagnostic evaluation requiring knowledge and experience of histological and anatomical structure.
- The production of microscopical preparations requiring extensive hand and eye coordination to produce high quality diagnostic sections using complex, skilled microtomy and handling techniques, for both paraffin wax and urgent diagnostic frozen sections.
To undertake routine quality control checks prior to releasing cases to pathologists for reporting
Specialist:
Provide expert advice and interpretation of laboratory investigations to healthcare professionals as required or for referral to specialist medical and scientific for clinical advice
Ensure appropriate records and documentation of specimens examined are maintained and ensure laboratory reports are accurate and timely
Supervise and where appropriate, perform the operation of departmental equipment including calibration, control and routine maintenance.
Troubleshoot problems arising with equipment and processes ensuring the implementation of backup procedures to ensure service continuity
Maintain expertise and awareness of current technological and scientific developments in relevant aspects of the discipline.
Develop, evaluate and implement new equipment and procedures within the department.
Monitor internal and external quality control results, taking appropriate action to identify and correct problems.
Employ specialist knowledge and technical skills to perform complex analytical techniques and procedures
Supervise and perform the development of laboratory Standard Operating Procedures and carry out regular planned audit and review of SOPs, COSHH assessments and workplace risk assessments.
Service Delivery & Development
Take a lead role in developing new processes, techniques and methodologies within the area of expertise covered, ensuring cost effectiveness and meeting organisational goals
Undertake relevant research and development activities both internal and with other NHS and educational organisations as a significant part of the role.
Lead on teaching, training and developing staff in the designated field
Continually review performance against KPIs, proactively addressing areas of concern Participate in clinical trials as appropriate and beneficial to service development and provision
Laboratory Manager duties
Maintain a high level of skilled specialist expertise and professional competence, to solve complex analytical and technical problems arising within the department
In collaboration with the Consultant Head of Department and the Pathology Services manager, be responsible for the development, maintenance and revision of laboratory procedures to ensure a high standard of work, observing confidentially, safety and data protection in accordance with UKAS standards.
Attends senior staff meetings (PEMC) and Laboratory Manager meetings.
Prepares reports as appropriate, and ensures all other reports are available, for management review meetings
To be responsible for ensuring setting and reviewing performance against KPIs, addressing areas of concern where required
To co-ordinate and monitor annual and study leave ensuring availability of staff with appropriate skill mix.
Ensures completion of the Trust turnaround document including oncall and overtime payments.
Review and improve staff capability, performance, knowledge and skills
Manage the provision of training of staff, taking actions to ensure competency levels are adequate.
Participate in personally and perform Trust Personal Development Review (PDR)
Oversee the Departmental Training Plan with the Laboratory training officer
Contribute to the future planning and organisation of the service by reporting issues, problems and trends to senior management.
Communicate effectively with team members, service management and external users of the service on clinical, scientific and technical matters.
Be the departmental Recruiting Officer for the recruitment, and selection of all technical staff.
In conjunction with team leaders, contribute to the overall strategic development of the service
Has financial responsibilities within budgetary constraints for the Cellular Laboratory, mortuary and bereavement services
Is an authorised signatory for procurement of supplies and services within budgetary constraints
Informs Facilities (WRH) or Estates (Alex) or external suppliers of equipment breakdown, faults in the building fabric, or problems with the supply of services.
Participates in the evaluation of laboratory equipment, including providing scientific and technical data for incorporation into business cases for the procurement of equipment.
Writing business cases for the department
Be the departmental health and Saftey officer - ensuring the departments compliance with all statutory requirements with regard to health and safety legislation, polices and procedures and laboratory codes of practice.
To be responsible for ensuring Departmental Policies and Procedures are adhered to for the safety of all visitors to the department including, contractors, company representatives, work experience student.
Be a member of the Pathology wide Health and Safety Committee.
To be the quality lead for the department. Duties to include:
o Assist in the maintenance of the Departmental Audit Programme
o Review any Internal and External Quality Assessment (IQA and EQA) as directed by the Quality manager
o To monitor the requirements of the Departments users and ensure that they are reflected within defined quality performance measures.
o Assists in the preparation and follow up external inspections and verifies the completion of corrective action as required by inspection reports in conjunction with the Quality Manager
o Investigates complaints, and incidents.
o Attends Pathology quality meetings (PQAC) in the absence of the Quality manager, to report on quality matters.
To oversee the mortuary service. This includes line management of the mortuary manager, overseeing the mortuary budget, monitoring capacity and development of services in conjunction with the mortuary manager.
Improving Diversity and
Inclusive Recruitment:
As part of the Trust's aim to
improve diversity across the Trust, positive action is being taken and all
applications for this post from BAME, Disabled and LGBT+ candidates can request
to be considered under an expanded Guaranteed Interview Scheme if they meet the
minimum criteria as specified in the person specification for this role.
Applicants will be prompted
in the application form to declare if they wish to be considered under this
expanded Guaranteed Interview Scheme, and their response would be visible to
the Shortlisting Panel.
If you have any queries about
expanded Guaranteed Interview Scheme, please contact Rob Saunders (HR Manager -
Recruitment) in confidence via email robert.saunders1@nhs.net
