The job involves the processing of tissues achieving high quality, fulfilling turnaround time to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of patients. Northampton General Hospital has a full-time permanent Band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientist position.

Histopathology department is looking for an individual who can demonstrate histology skills and has a genuine interest and desire to provide a high-quality service to our patients. We require staff that are compassionate and empathetic to the needs of our service users and patients.

Being a large DGH with a proud history, we process about 28,000 histology and non-gynae cases per annum and consisted of eight registered Biomedical Scientists and sixteen other whole time equivalent staff. We also have about six consultants.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will contribute to the provision of a routine comprehensive Processing of Histological samples in Cellular Pathology Department.

The successful candidate will undertake a range of duties under the supervision and direction of Cellular Pathology Operation Manager and Senior Biomedical Scientists.

Duties will include embedding, processing, sectioning, staining, quality check, special stains, immunohistochemistry and non-gynae preparation.

The successful candidate will be expected to take part in audit, non-conformance investigation, training and assessing competence of staff.

The candidate would be expected to stain and assess stains to be send for EQA.

Working hours flexibility is available, subject to the approval of Head of Pathology.

The key responsibilities of the Specialist Biomedical Scientist are:

Process histology samples based on our Standard Operation procedures

To enforce compliance of Policies and Standard Operations Procedures

To train and mentor staff

To communicate clearly and work well with all staff

About us

Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.

Our Excellence Values

Compassion

Accountability

Respect

Integrity

Courage

We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities.

We are a Defence positive trust, supporting our reservists, veterans, spouses and partners.

The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals.

We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.

We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds.This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.

Job description

Job responsibilities

SERVICE DELIVERY

To prioritise and organise workload to ensure continuity and efficiency of service. Organise own work and ensure completion in a timely manor and to satisfactory Standards.

Ensure that all procedures carried out in the laboratory contribute to high quality service provision.

Take part in the specimen entry process using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Ensure that all samples / request forms are correctly matched and fulfil the specimen acceptance criteria of the Department. Highlight any discrepancies to a senior member of staff.

Ensure that laboratory records are maintained accurately and stored securely in line with the Standards issued by Clinical Pathology Accreditation (CPA) and the Human Tissue Authority (HTA).

Participate at every stage in the laboratory preparation of tissue sections including tissue embedding and microtomy.

Perform routine Haematoxylin and Eosin (H& E) staining of prepared tissue sections as well as a variety of special staining techniques prior to slides being submitted for microscopic examination.

To participate in the provision of the laboratory immunocytochemistry service.

To participate in the preparation of frozen tissue sections when necessary.

To participate in the Andrology service provided by the laboratory if required and following suitable training and competency assessment.

To assist in the training and development of trainee and registered Biomedical Scientists and Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA).

Filing and archiving of all material both received in, and produced by, the laboratory.

To assist in the disposal of clinical waste in a safe and respectful manner as necessary and in line with laboratory Policies and Procedures.

Ensure that appropriate preventative maintenance and calibration has been carried out and recorded on laboratory instruments and equipment prior to being used for patient investigations. Ensure that all equipment failures are recorded in line with Departmental and Trust Policies.

Ensure that all chemicals and reagents are prepared, stored and used according to manufacturer guidelines and in line with laboratory procedures. Ensure that associated documentation such as risk and COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessments are maintained.

To assist in the monitoring of stocks of consumables through accurate record keeping and by alerting a senior member of staff to any shortfalls. Use resources efficiently and cost effectively.

To contribute to the evaluation of both new and existing equipment and procedures to ensure continuous service improvement and development.

To assist in the production, implementation and review of documentation associated with laboratory procedures.

Promptly report any incidents / accidents and near miss occurrences in accordance with Departmental and Trust Policies and Procedures

To be actively involved in the implementation of both Trust and Departmental Policies and Procedures and reinforcing their use and application.

To participate in housekeeping duties in the laboratory in order to maintain a clean and tidy working environment.

GOVERNANCE

Establish and maintain effective communication with colleagues and Service users.

Strictly adhere to all local and National Policies and Codes of Practice pertaining to confidentiality of information.

Promptly report any incidents / accidents and near miss occurrences in accordance with Departmental and Trust Policies and Procedures.

Support the Cellular Pathology Operation Manager in ensuring that lessons are learnt from issues arising from risk reports / complaints and that they are promptly and positively addressed. Implement action plans arising from risk reports or complaints when required.

Develop and review risk and COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessments for the Histopathology laboratory.

Ensure compliance with all Trust Policies, Procedures and Guidelines, taking action / alerting the Cellular Pathology Operation Manager, if practice appears to contravene Policy, or if concerned regarding any aspect of patient care.

In conjunction with the Histopathology Operations Manager, continually monitor Standards through the Quality Management System (QMS) and implement action plans to improve the quality of the Service as necessary. Participate in turnaround time (TAT) monitoring, benchmarking, and laboratory audit.

Assist the Cellular Pathology Operation Manager with the development and implementation of Policies, Procedures and Guidelines relating to the Service. Actively participate in the development and review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

Ensure that all relevant documentation is controlled, reviewed, and maintained using the Q.Pulse management system.

Attend and contribute to Histopathology Department meetings.

Demonstrate politeness, courtesy, and sensitivity in dealing with patients and members of the public as well as other members of staff and users of the service. Maintain good relations with all stakeholders in the service and promote a positive image of both the Department and the Trust in terms of professional conduct, manner, and appearance.

Treat everyone equitably and with respect.

MANAGERAL / LEADERSHIP

Act as a role model by demonstrating leadership and expertise, producing high quality results and by maintaining credibility within the Division, the wider health care community, and external agencies.

In conjunction with the Histopathology Operations Manager assist the Division in the effective use of resources i.e., staff, budget, premises, equipment, supplies and materials.

In conjunction with the Histopathology Operations Manager, maintain a healthy and safe working environment for all staff and visitors to the Department by ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, maintaining accurate documentation, and reporting any concerns promptly.

Participate fully as a member of a team, sharing knowledge and information and supporting colleagues to promote a cohesive Department and the achievement of team objectives.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Evidence of active participation in Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Working and theoretical knowledge of all sections of Histopathology as a laboratory discipline
• Understanding of the role of diagnostic Cellular Pathology in a clinical setting
• Knowledge of Health and Safety in relation to clinical laboratories
• Understanding of laboratory accreditation and Quality Management Systems (QMS)

Skills

Essential

• Ability to communicate with users of the service both appropriately and professionally
• Ability to communicate complex and sensitive information accurately, appropriately, and professionally, both orally and in writing
• Have good manual dexterity and coordination pertaining to the manipulation of histopathological specimens and ability to develop and work with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
• Have keyboard and basic Information Technology (IT) and standard Microsoft packages such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Innovate and self-motivating
• Ability to work individually as well as to supervise and motivate, as part f a team
• Be accurate with good attention to detail
• Be able to work within safe systems of work and report any deficiency
• Ability to work systematically and under pressure to meet deadlines
• Have proven organisational skills

Desirable

• A deep working understanding of Laboratory Information management Systems (LIMS)

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc. (Hons.) Biomedical Science or equivalent
• Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology or equivalent Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Desirable

• Interest/ experience in molecular testing.

Previous Experience

Essential

• Have at least 2 years post HCPC Registration experience in the relevant Biomedical Science discipline
• Have experience of supervising trainee and support grade staff
• Experience of planning and managing a daily workload and ensuring completion in a timely manner and to required Standards of quality
• Experience of planning and delivering training to trainee and support grade staff

Desirable

• Immunofluorescence (IF)

Employer details

Employer name

Northampton General Hospital

Address

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

265-5597159