Senior Biomedical Scientist - Haematology, NWP

Job description

Job responsibilities

Overall Job Purpose:

As a Senior Biomedical Scientist (BMS) in Haematology the post holder is responsible for the delegated tasks required for the delivery of a fit-for-purpose medical laboratory service analysing and reporting Clinical Haematology results. The department offers a variety of analytical tests and in addition the Blood Transfusion department matches, prepares and supplies blood components.

The post-holder will co-operate with the Chief BMS and Lab Manager in the provision of the Haematology service across Northwick Park NHS Trust and Central Middlesex Hospital on behalf of The Doctors Laboratory.

Main Duties:

To include, but not be restricted to, the following duties:

1. Technical/Scientific

a. To handle, use and dispose of blood, urine, faeces other body tissue and hazardous chemicals in a safe manner.

b. To assist in the care and maintenance of equipment and to ensure equipment is functioning correctly, prior to analysis.

c. To carry out first-line equipment and method troubleshooting, advise Chief BMS of situations requiring further action, work with Service Engineers on fault resolution.

d. To prepare, store and use reagents required for laboratory investigations.

e. To perform manual, semi-automated and fully-automated laboratory investigations.

f. To measure and monitor the accuracy and imprecision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality controls procedures.

g. To perform and supervises the laboratory analysis of pathology samples including blood, urine and bone marrow specimens and also groups and matches blood and plasma products for transfusion.

h. To undertake preliminary fault finding and corrective action when the quality control procedures indicate loss of performance.

i. To report to the Chief BMS any instance or event which may cause a service delivery failure. Communicates operational experience to other staff and reports regularly to the Chief BMS on the functioning of the section.

j. To undertake method and laboratory instrument evaluation as directed by the Head of Department

k. To participate in research and development as directed by the Head of Department.

l. To provide scientific advice and acts as a resource both internally and externally.

2. Diagnostic/Clinical

a. To interpret first-line laboratory results and take appropriate actions in line with laboratory polices and procedures for authorising results, adding approved predefined clinically relevant comments, referring results for an expert opinion and clinical interpretation. Refers on to appropriate specialists requests for information outside of their area of responsibility.

b. To report results through the computer system or by telephone to medical and nursing staff when requested to do so

c. To inform the requestor of clinically significant results

d. To provide approved departmental information and advice to other healthcare professionals and patients and to refer on to appropriate specialists requests for information out of their area of responsibility.

e. To participate in clinical audit.

f. To provide and receive information to inform work colleagues or external contacts e.g. other departments, GP's or visitors to the department. This may include providing non-clinical advice, explanation of results and instruction in routine and emergency situations. This is complex, sensitive information that must be accurate and may have medico-legal implications.

3. Training and Development

a. To maintain registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)

b. To comply with the code of practise for the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) and HCPC

c. To support and participate in staff training and development as required.

d. To be pro-active in continuing professional development (CPD). To maintain training logs of internal and external courses attended.

e. To assist in the maintenance of the CPA standards to ensure the department remains compliant at all times.

f. To participate with supervision of the work and performance monitoring of Medical Laboratory Assistants, Trainees and Students and newly qualified Biomedical Scientists in the procedures for which the post holder is responsible.

g. To fulfil all competency requirements for out of hours and lone worker duties.

4. Information Technology

a. To use the Lab information system according to authorised protocols.

b. To comply with local and national policies for safe secure and confidential processing and storage of patient and other lab Information, ensuring compliance to the data protection act (1984)

c. To maintain the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases

5. Administrative

a. To ensure records are kept up to date and stored safely to ensure compliance with the standards of Clinical Pathology Accreditation (CPA)

b. To ensure that all results are reported with the agreed turnaround times

c. To use departmental resources efficiently and to advise the senior Biomedical Scientist when stock of reagents and consumables are approaching minimum stock levels.

d. To participate in the review of policies and procedures COSHH and workplace risk assessments as directed by the Head of Department

e. The Senior BMS, in addition to performing the role of BMS (specialist practitioner) is the discipline specialist who deputises for and works with the Chief BMS to organise and manage the laboratory and is responsible for supervising and monitoring a team of BMSs on a day-to-day basis.

f. Participates in Quality processes of the laboratory such as audit and error reporting and ensures compliance with the standards of CPA.

g. May be required to participate in the selection and recruitment of laboratory staff.

h. In co-operation with senior staff in other sections, assigns junior staff to different sections and duties to maintain an optimal balance of staff for the work requirements throughout the department.

i. Responsible for prioritising workflow and managing staff cover within the section in response to changing demands and events, for example; urgent tests for out-patient clinics and machine failure.

j. Acts as first contact for junior staff with performance, personal or development issues and updates Chief BMS on a regular basis.

k. Manages the ongoing operation of the section ensuring that turnaround times and quality standards are maintained.

l. To observe and adhere to the security arrangements of the Department

Other Responsibilities:

This job description is neither exclusive nor exhaustive and the duties and responsibilities may very from time to time in the lights of changing circumstances and in consultation with the post holder.These guidelines are provided to assist in the performance of the contract, but are not a firm condition of the contract. This job description will be reviewed as necessary to meet the needs of the service, in consultation with the post holder.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc in Biomedical Science.
• Registration with the Health Profession Council as a Biomedical Scientist
• MSc Biomedical Science (or related subject) or equivalent

Experience

Essential

• Minimum 3 year in an accredited laboratory (at least two years at the level of Specialist BMS, practicing in Haematology and Blood Transfusion)
• Training of pre-registration Biomedical Scientists
• Participation in out-of-hours service (working alone)

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• To be able to work as part of a team
• Show initiative
• Prioritise their work
• Basic understanding of quality management procedures
• Supervisory skills
• Problem solving

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Good interpersonal skills
• Good communication skills
• Good organisational skills

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.

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

The Doctors Laboratory

Address

Watford Road

Harrow

Middlesex

HA1 3UJ

Employer's website

https://www.tdlpathology.com/ (Opens in a new tab)