Job summary
This vacancy is for a Band 7 Biochemistry BMS and Section Lead (Training) for the Clinical Biochemistry Department in Pathology. The part time (25 hours per week) , fixed term (12 months) post has arisen due to a temporary vacancy to cover Maternity leave. The successful candidate will be an experienced Specialist BMS with a proven track record in training and will have a commitment to out of hours working. As a seniorBMS you will exhibit a high level of knowledge and skill required for the management of complex automation. You will have experience of lone specialist working outside of core hours, have a flexible approach, be highly motivated and organised and be a strong team player fully committed to patient care. Previous experience in a supervisory capacity would be a distinct advantage. The post isprimarily based at Whiston Hospital with regular cross site working at Southport and the successful candidate will be flexible to work across any of the sites where the Laboratory provides a service. The Pathology Department at MWL is currently undergoing a period of change whilst it develops the Cheshire and Mersey Pathology Network Eastern Hub in collaboration with Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The JD & PS are currently under AfC review and are subject to change.
Main duties of the job
Undertake manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations on a rotational basis play a lead role in the various sections such as the 'Hot' section, Immunology, Immunoassay, Automation, etc. within the Blood Science as appropriate.
Ensure that equipment is used in accordance with departmental policies and supplier's instructions. Undertake routine and more complex maintenance procedures on the analysers within the Department. To carry out appropriate internal maintenance procedures and maintain maintenance records. Undertake the repair of complex laboratory analysers and installing replacement components as requested by the supplier.
Ensure prompt technical validation and authorisation of multiple test sets from laboratory investigations ensuring accuracy and precision as specified by laboratory protocols. Also to assess the validity of the results as to whether conflicting information is due to the pathology of the patient, contamination or compromised integrity of the sample prior to release of the results for clinical validation.
Ensure the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations within the Section using appropriate quality control procedures.Carry out corrective action and record when the quality control procedures indicate loss of performance.
About us
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust serves a population of over 600,000 with a workforce of over 10,500 dedicated and skilled staff across 21 sites.
Our services:
Acute Care
Providing emergency and maternity services at Whiston, Southport and Ormskirk hospitals, and medical and surgical specialties across all our sites.
Primary Care
Providing primary care services at Marshalls Cross Medical Centre situated in St Helens Hospital.
Community Services
Providing adult community services for St Helens and a wheelchair service in Chorley, South Ribble, and West Lancashire. Our inpatient unit at Newton Community Hospital is where patients needing acute hospital beds can continue rehabilitation. We also provide urgent care at our Urgent Treatment Centre located in St Helens town centre.
Specialist Regional Services
We provide the Mersey Regional Burns & Plastic Surgery Unit at Whiston Hospital and the Spinal Injuries Unit at Southport Hospital to more than 4 million people across the whole of Merseyside, West Lancashire, Cheshire, Isle of Man and North Wales.
Achievements:
- Rated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018
- Top 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal)
- National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme.
Job description
Job responsibilities
LINE MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervise the day to day running of a section of the department, organising and prioritising the workload, allocating workload and resources to ensure the section runs as efficiently as possible with the available resources
Supervise staff and maintain the skill mix and staffing levels appropriate to the needs of the section on a day to day basis.
Ensure staff maintain recognised scientific standards, and that agreed Quality Control procedures are carried out, monitored and proactively managed informing the Operational Lead of any concerns.
Ensure the validation and reporting of results is carried out in a timely manner and in accordance with Quality Control policy.
Ensure staff in the section deal with abnormal, problem and critical results promptly, deciding what action needs to be taken regarding checking the validity of results and informing clinicians and/or Consultant staff.
Ensure all work meets defined procedures and standards.
Allocate and co-ordinate the work of the section such that staff, equipment and materials are used safely and to maximum effect.
Deputise for the Operational Manager as a named individual when required.
Liaise in conjunction with the Operational Manager and other seniors between sections to ensure sufficient staff to maintain delivery of service.
Ensure stocks of reagents and consumables are maintained at satisfactory levels, ordering reagents and consumable items as required. To manage and maintain the computerised stock control system.
Participate in the recruitment and selection of Biomedical Scientists, Trainee BMS and MLA staff.
Carry out Individual performance reviews and ensure objectives and personal development plans are managed appropriately.
Ensure that Clinical Incidents and Near Misses are reported to the Trust, SHOT/MHRA and at Departmental Meetings following correct procedures.
Act as Biochemistry Co-ordinator in the event of a major incident call-out in the absence of more senior Biochemistry Staff
TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSBILITIES
Section Leads have responsibility for the day to day supervision, education and training of Biomedical Scientists, trainee BMS and Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA)
Section Leads must ensure the delivery of training, development and competence assessment for trainee and probationary Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners and MLA and locum staff.
Assist as required by the Departmental Manager in the organisation of, and delivery of formal training programmes for BMS, Trainee BMS, Associate Practitioners and MLA staff. Manage the completion of IBMS Registration and Specialist diplomas.
Undertake tutorial sessions to all department staff and in order to help complete staff competency portfolios.
Act as mentors for Biomedical Scientists, Trainee Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners and Medical Laboratory Assistants
Job description
Job responsibilities
LINE MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervise the day to day running of a section of the department, organising and prioritising the workload, allocating workload and resources to ensure the section runs as efficiently as possible with the available resources
Supervise staff and maintain the skill mix and staffing levels appropriate to the needs of the section on a day to day basis.
Ensure staff maintain recognised scientific standards, and that agreed Quality Control procedures are carried out, monitored and proactively managed informing the Operational Lead of any concerns.
Ensure the validation and reporting of results is carried out in a timely manner and in accordance with Quality Control policy.
Ensure staff in the section deal with abnormal, problem and critical results promptly, deciding what action needs to be taken regarding checking the validity of results and informing clinicians and/or Consultant staff.
Ensure all work meets defined procedures and standards.
Allocate and co-ordinate the work of the section such that staff, equipment and materials are used safely and to maximum effect.
Deputise for the Operational Manager as a named individual when required.
Liaise in conjunction with the Operational Manager and other seniors between sections to ensure sufficient staff to maintain delivery of service.
Ensure stocks of reagents and consumables are maintained at satisfactory levels, ordering reagents and consumable items as required. To manage and maintain the computerised stock control system.
Participate in the recruitment and selection of Biomedical Scientists, Trainee BMS and MLA staff.
Carry out Individual performance reviews and ensure objectives and personal development plans are managed appropriately.
Ensure that Clinical Incidents and Near Misses are reported to the Trust, SHOT/MHRA and at Departmental Meetings following correct procedures.
Act as Biochemistry Co-ordinator in the event of a major incident call-out in the absence of more senior Biochemistry Staff
TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSBILITIES
Section Leads have responsibility for the day to day supervision, education and training of Biomedical Scientists, trainee BMS and Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA)
Section Leads must ensure the delivery of training, development and competence assessment for trainee and probationary Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners and MLA and locum staff.
Assist as required by the Departmental Manager in the organisation of, and delivery of formal training programmes for BMS, Trainee BMS, Associate Practitioners and MLA staff. Manage the completion of IBMS Registration and Specialist diplomas.
Undertake tutorial sessions to all department staff and in order to help complete staff competency portfolios.
Act as mentors for Biomedical Scientists, Trainee Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners and Medical Laboratory Assistants
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- A recognised Biomedical Science degree with honours which is acceptable to the HCPC
- Registration with Health Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Science/Masters in Biomedical Science /equivalent qualification or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Membership of the Institute of Biomedical Science
- Willing to pursue further qualifications
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience as a Registered Biomedical Scientist
- Detailed working knowledge of laboratory information and management computer systems and standard IT packages eg word processing and spreadsheets
- Ability to work within all specialised areas of the department
- Full knowledge of theoretical and practical laboratory procedures
- Ability to organise own workload and that of subordinate staff
- Evidence of CPD
- Exhibit competency to work alone out of core hours
- Knowledge of H&S risk assessment requirements, including COSHH regulations and assessments
Skills
Essential
- Problem solving skills
- Ability to perform audit
- Ability to lead on quality control procedures
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Good organisational and time management skills
- Ability to work flexibly and multitask
- Ability to work without supervision
- Able to initiate techniques
- Work to a high proficiency standard
- Supervisory and leadership skills
Desirable
- Presentation skills
- Highly developed technical skills
Other
Essential
- Understands and complies with UKAS Accreditation requirements when producing SOPs
- Personable, friendly demeanour
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- A recognised Biomedical Science degree with honours which is acceptable to the HCPC
- Registration with Health Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Science/Masters in Biomedical Science /equivalent qualification or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Membership of the Institute of Biomedical Science
- Willing to pursue further qualifications
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience as a Registered Biomedical Scientist
- Detailed working knowledge of laboratory information and management computer systems and standard IT packages eg word processing and spreadsheets
- Ability to work within all specialised areas of the department
- Full knowledge of theoretical and practical laboratory procedures
- Ability to organise own workload and that of subordinate staff
- Evidence of CPD
- Exhibit competency to work alone out of core hours
- Knowledge of H&S risk assessment requirements, including COSHH regulations and assessments
Skills
Essential
- Problem solving skills
- Ability to perform audit
- Ability to lead on quality control procedures
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Good organisational and time management skills
- Ability to work flexibly and multitask
- Ability to work without supervision
- Able to initiate techniques
- Work to a high proficiency standard
- Supervisory and leadership skills
Desirable
- Presentation skills
- Highly developed technical skills
Other
Essential
- Understands and complies with UKAS Accreditation requirements when producing SOPs
- Personable, friendly demeanour
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.
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.
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).
