Job summary
The Histopathology Department has a vacancy for a Biomedical Associate (Band 4) to join our busy, but friendly team.
The department handles 44,000 surgical and diagnostic requests annually across two sites (Luton & Dunstable Hospital & Bedford Hospital). As the Bedfordshire Hospital Trusts forms a large general hospital, we see a wide variety of tissue and diagnostic cytology specimens, including post-mortem work.
Pathology is undergoing a merger; the main Cellular Pathology Laboratory will be based at Bedford Hospital site with an expectation that staff cover some shifts at Luton & Dunstable site.
Pathology has full UKAS accreditation, HTA & MHRA compliance.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will contribute to the day-to-day operations and assist within technical aspects of the service.
The post holder will assist BMS and senior laboratory BMS in the delivery of a high quality, efficient and effective service, through the Quality Management System [QMS].
The post holder is expected to follow policies and procedures ensuring that the service complies with current UKAS standards, national and European legislation and discipline specific regulatory bodies.
The post holder may be required to assist in the training of support staff.
About us
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.
You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and well being of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.
We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.
All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.
Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To assist BMS and laboratory senior BMS in the implementation and delivery of a cohesive service.
To follow the quality policy for the department including the agreed quality objectives.
To follow the UKAS standards for the department using the Pathology Quality Management System as established, to fulfil the quality circles and audit inherent to the ISO 15189 standards of compliance.
To follow the Standard Operating Procedures [SOP] for the department utilising the Document Management Module of the Q-Pulse system.
To comply with Policies and Procedures commensurate to role.
To conduct day-to-day operations for the department and within the team.
To follow the quality aspects of the department ensuring that test requests are processed according to the agreed turnaround times and within the policies.
To contribute to departmental audits whether vertical, horizontal or examination audits relevant to the service.
To follow the Risk Management Policy for the department such as the reporting of incidents, accidents and adverse events ensuring that Risk Assessments are followed commensurate with the role.
To contribute to the department communication in disseminating and receiving information, arising from the management, operational and Health & Safety meetings, to colleagues where necessary.
Where required to participate in all aspects of the department, with the ability to perform a limited range of tests and assays methodically, within the limits of their training.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To assist BMS and laboratory senior BMS in the implementation and delivery of a cohesive service.
To follow the quality policy for the department including the agreed quality objectives.
To follow the UKAS standards for the department using the Pathology Quality Management System as established, to fulfil the quality circles and audit inherent to the ISO 15189 standards of compliance.
To follow the Standard Operating Procedures [SOP] for the department utilising the Document Management Module of the Q-Pulse system.
To comply with Policies and Procedures commensurate to role.
To conduct day-to-day operations for the department and within the team.
To follow the quality aspects of the department ensuring that test requests are processed according to the agreed turnaround times and within the policies.
To contribute to departmental audits whether vertical, horizontal or examination audits relevant to the service.
To follow the Risk Management Policy for the department such as the reporting of incidents, accidents and adverse events ensuring that Risk Assessments are followed commensurate with the role.
To contribute to the department communication in disseminating and receiving information, arising from the management, operational and Health & Safety meetings, to colleagues where necessary.
Where required to participate in all aspects of the department, with the ability to perform a limited range of tests and assays methodically, within the limits of their training.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ3 level or 'A' Level GCE or equivalent
Desirable
- Additional training to diploma level or IBMS accredited degree in Biomedical Sciences
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience in an Pathology Laboratory environment
- Ability to work under own initiative
Desirable
- Previous Histology experience
Personal Skills
Essential
- Fundamental laboratory practice including H&S
- Specimen preparation
- Understanding for the need of patient confidentiality at all times
Knowledge
Essential
- Ability to relay test results to clinicians and other staff, answers queries
- Able to communicate with all levels of staff within the Organisation and a wide range of individuals and organisations outside the Trust e.g. General Practitioners.
- Good interpersonal & telephone skills.
- Requires keyboard skills and computer skills for the operation of the computer system.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ3 level or 'A' Level GCE or equivalent
Desirable
- Additional training to diploma level or IBMS accredited degree in Biomedical Sciences
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience in an Pathology Laboratory environment
- Ability to work under own initiative
Desirable
- Previous Histology experience
Personal Skills
Essential
- Fundamental laboratory practice including H&S
- Specimen preparation
- Understanding for the need of patient confidentiality at all times
Knowledge
Essential
- Ability to relay test results to clinicians and other staff, answers queries
- Able to communicate with all levels of staff within the Organisation and a wide range of individuals and organisations outside the Trust e.g. General Practitioners.
- Good interpersonal & telephone skills.
- Requires keyboard skills and computer skills for the operation of the computer system.
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).
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).
