Quality Officer

Synnovis Analytics

The closing date is 01 November 2024

Job summary

We're looking for a highly motivated Quality Officer to join the Quality Team at Synnovis Analytics. The role is based on the Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital sites and at the Synnovis Blackfriars Hub laboratories, in the Haematology and Blood Transfusion services.

Synnovis Analytics is fortunate to have a strong Quality Team, and the successful candidate will be an integral part of this team. We work together in a supportive framework to move forward quality management and governance processes within Synnovis in conjunction with our operational and clinical colleagues, within Synnovis and our partner NHS Trusts.

You will have HCPC State registration as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist. You will hold an MSc, FIBMS or equivalent experience in a similar role, as well as experience of quality management. Familiarity with GMP regulations is also an advantage,

Main duties of the job

This role is vital to the clinical governance and risk management of the laboratory services you support. You will support the Quality Manager in ensuring these laboratory services are meeting ISO 15189 standards, MHRA requirements and in maintaining UKAS accreditation for each area. You will have a high level of responsibility to ensure the successful delivery of pathology services, in line with our corporate objectives.

The successful candidate will support the Quality Manager in oversight of the laboratory services Quality Management System (QMS) and for monitoring and developing this in line with the central Synnovis QMS. They will be involved in training of staff in QMS tasks including internal audit, document control and management of non-conformances.

All Synnovis services use QPulse as a quality management database, so experience in the use of this software will be valuable.

The role involves collating data for regular reports on the quality management system and which will include updates on key quality indicators and presenting these reports at governance meetings.

Supporting the laboratories with UKAS assessments is a key element of the role - this directing the laboratories in preparation for assessments; following up on any findings and ensuring evidence is available for submission to UKAS; and participating in assessments.

About us

Your development and learning

You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Academy through which you can receive funding / support for advanced qualifications.

The Synnovis Quality Team work together to constantly share learning and experience, either through regular group meetings or on a one-to-one basis. This provides a supportive and instructive environment to develop quality management skills.

Date posted

18 October 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

Depending on experience £51,488 to £57,802 per annum depending on experience.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

J206-VIS5896-A

Job locations

Friars Bridge Court/Guy's and St Thomas

41-43 Blackfriars Road

London

SE1 8NZ


Job description

Job responsibilities

At Synnovis, we are currently shaping the future of pathology services by creating a world-leading Hub and Spoke pathology network with our NHS partners. A large part of this modernisation will involve moving 70% of our services to a purpose built, state of the art Hub laboratory in the heart of London. For now, the job you are applying for will be based at one of our hospital sites however, from 1 April 2024 our people and services will start to move to our Hub laboratory in Blackfriars, Southwark, SE1, with some work remaining in refurbished essential services laboratories across our hospital network, focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests. Please do ask your recruiting manager if you wish to find out more.

You will hold a variety of accountabilities in the laboratory environment. These include, but are not limited to:

Contribute to the ongoing delivery of quality management through the Quality Management System (QMS), supporting the Quality Managers as required.

Collate information and compile Quality reports.

Support the introduction of new analysers/assays/methodologies by identifying and advising on any quality related aspects, improving patient pathways and service delivery.

Take part in activities such as audits, investigations, incidents and quality assurance.

Support and lead on quality related training for all laboratory employees in your area.

Deputise for the Quality Manager including attendance at meetings, as required

Ensure compliance with all regulatory and quality requirements of regulatory directives, accreditation bodies, and local management including:

Care Quality Commission

UKAS

Synnovis policies and SOPs

Any other body in area of responsibility.

The successful candidate will:

Hold HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist

Have significant experience from working in a diagnostic medical laboratory

Have experience of laboratory quality management including audits, managing non-conformances, and incident investigations

Have an understanding of the ISO 15189:2022 standard and the ability to implement the correct policies and procedures in relation to quality systems

Have experience of coaching and co-ordinating others

The Haematology laboratories provide a comprehensive screening and diagnostic service using a range of state-of-the art technologies and manual laboratory procedures, both for Guys and St Thomas patients, and patients across the SE London area. The Blood Transfusion service provides a comprehensive Red Cell Immunohaematology service as well as meeting the blood transfusion needs of patients at Guys and St Thomas Hospitals. The service is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory to ISO15189:2012 and is currently undergoing transition to the 2022 standard.

Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust and Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.

The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.

The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.

Guys and St Thomas Hospital Foundation Trust is a major emergency and specialist teaching Trust which has all the specialties associated with a fascinating and career defining case load including: Womens Services, Fetal Medicine, Haematology, Oncology, Transplantation, and is also home to the Evelina Childrens Hospital and the Cancer Centre on the Guys site.

You will be close to the vibrant Borough Market and the South Bank, which are exceptional London locations; perfect places to work and relax next to such iconic venues as Big Ben, The London Eye and The Shard!

Job description

Job responsibilities

At Synnovis, we are currently shaping the future of pathology services by creating a world-leading Hub and Spoke pathology network with our NHS partners. A large part of this modernisation will involve moving 70% of our services to a purpose built, state of the art Hub laboratory in the heart of London. For now, the job you are applying for will be based at one of our hospital sites however, from 1 April 2024 our people and services will start to move to our Hub laboratory in Blackfriars, Southwark, SE1, with some work remaining in refurbished essential services laboratories across our hospital network, focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests. Please do ask your recruiting manager if you wish to find out more.

You will hold a variety of accountabilities in the laboratory environment. These include, but are not limited to:

Contribute to the ongoing delivery of quality management through the Quality Management System (QMS), supporting the Quality Managers as required.

Collate information and compile Quality reports.

Support the introduction of new analysers/assays/methodologies by identifying and advising on any quality related aspects, improving patient pathways and service delivery.

Take part in activities such as audits, investigations, incidents and quality assurance.

Support and lead on quality related training for all laboratory employees in your area.

Deputise for the Quality Manager including attendance at meetings, as required

Ensure compliance with all regulatory and quality requirements of regulatory directives, accreditation bodies, and local management including:

Care Quality Commission

UKAS

Synnovis policies and SOPs

Any other body in area of responsibility.

The successful candidate will:

Hold HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist

Have significant experience from working in a diagnostic medical laboratory

Have experience of laboratory quality management including audits, managing non-conformances, and incident investigations

Have an understanding of the ISO 15189:2022 standard and the ability to implement the correct policies and procedures in relation to quality systems

Have experience of coaching and co-ordinating others

The Haematology laboratories provide a comprehensive screening and diagnostic service using a range of state-of-the art technologies and manual laboratory procedures, both for Guys and St Thomas patients, and patients across the SE London area. The Blood Transfusion service provides a comprehensive Red Cell Immunohaematology service as well as meeting the blood transfusion needs of patients at Guys and St Thomas Hospitals. The service is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory to ISO15189:2012 and is currently undergoing transition to the 2022 standard.

Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust and Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.

The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.

The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.

Guys and St Thomas Hospital Foundation Trust is a major emergency and specialist teaching Trust which has all the specialties associated with a fascinating and career defining case load including: Womens Services, Fetal Medicine, Haematology, Oncology, Transplantation, and is also home to the Evelina Childrens Hospital and the Cancer Centre on the Guys site.

You will be close to the vibrant Borough Market and the South Bank, which are exceptional London locations; perfect places to work and relax next to such iconic venues as Big Ben, The London Eye and The Shard!

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • BSc (Hons) IBMS accredited degree or equivalent.
  • HCPC State registration as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist.
  • Specialist portfolio in relevant discipline (if HCPC Registration via IBMS Portfolio route) or FIBMS or equivalent experience or Clinical Scientist.
  • MSc, FIBMS or equivalent experience in a similar role.

Desirable

  • Quality Management qualification.

Experience

Essential

  • Leadership qualities with experience of coaching and co-ordinating others.
  • Significant demonstrable discipline specific practical experience.
  • Performing audits, investigation of Adverse Incidents and Root Cause Analysis.
  • Using Quality Management Systems (QMS).
  • Training colleagues in QMS, disseminating changes to SOPs and regulations pertaining to quality.

Desirable

  • Laboratory Quality Lead.
  • Using QPulse.
  • Involvement with external assessments/inspections e.g. UKAS/MHRA.

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

  • Ability to troubleshoot and train those who use the QMS.
  • Knowledge of the correct policies and procedures to implement in relation to quality systems, with reference to ISO/UKAS.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • BSc (Hons) IBMS accredited degree or equivalent.
  • HCPC State registration as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist.
  • Specialist portfolio in relevant discipline (if HCPC Registration via IBMS Portfolio route) or FIBMS or equivalent experience or Clinical Scientist.
  • MSc, FIBMS or equivalent experience in a similar role.

Desirable

  • Quality Management qualification.

Experience

Essential

  • Leadership qualities with experience of coaching and co-ordinating others.
  • Significant demonstrable discipline specific practical experience.
  • Performing audits, investigation of Adverse Incidents and Root Cause Analysis.
  • Using Quality Management Systems (QMS).
  • Training colleagues in QMS, disseminating changes to SOPs and regulations pertaining to quality.

Desirable

  • Laboratory Quality Lead.
  • Using QPulse.
  • Involvement with external assessments/inspections e.g. UKAS/MHRA.

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

  • Ability to troubleshoot and train those who use the QMS.
  • Knowledge of the correct policies and procedures to implement in relation to quality systems, with reference to ISO/UKAS.

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

Synnovis Analytics

Address

Friars Bridge Court/Guy's and St Thomas

41-43 Blackfriars Road

London

SE1 8NZ


Employer's website

http://www.synnovis.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Synnovis Analytics

Address

Friars Bridge Court/Guy's and St Thomas

41-43 Blackfriars Road

London

SE1 8NZ


Employer's website

http://www.synnovis.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact:

Senior Quality Manager

Michael Makele

michael.makele@nhs.net

Date posted

18 October 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

Depending on experience £51,488 to £57,802 per annum depending on experience.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

J206-VIS5896-A

Job locations

Friars Bridge Court/Guy's and St Thomas

41-43 Blackfriars Road

London

SE1 8NZ


Supporting documents

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