The Cellular Pathology Laboratory (main base St Richards Hospital, Chichester) within the newly formed University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust currently deals with approximately 35,000 - 40,000 Histology specimens from across the West Sussex including St Richards Hospital, Chichester, Worthing Hospital and Southlands Hospital, Shoreham.

In addition to routine Histology samples the department undertakes work in Immunocytochemistry (ICC), Special Stains, Immunofluorescence, Non-Gynae Diagnostic Cytology and OSNA (Intra-operative Breast Sentinel Node testing). The main laboratory at St Richards Hospital is currently open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, whilst the Worthing Hospital laboratory is open from 8am to 5pm, also Monday to Friday. There is no direct laboratory cover at Southlands Hospital. The post holder will be expected to work at both St Richards hospital and Worthing hospital as required on the rota.

Main duties of the job

The main area of work for this individual will be within routine Histology (including ICC & Special Stains), however it would also be advantageous for at least a basic working knowledge of Non-Gynae Cytology sample preparation and the OSNA procedure, along with the ability to cut Frozen Sections and some experience of Immunofluoresence techniques. Any experience of using the Cerebro tracking system, WinPath LIMS, Q-Pulse, SHE software and writing SOPs will also be viewed favourably.

Ideally we are looking for those with an IBMS Specialist portfolio but may consider individuals already working towards their Specialist portfolio and hoping to complete this year. It is important to be aware that the remuneration will be no higher than Band 5 until Specialist registration is attained - only once fully registered will the pay be increased to Band 6 level.

About us

Join us atUHSussex, every day is different, you can be the change, better neverstops

At UHSussex we're proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of theUK's largest acute Trusts, we're a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Improving lives:We are a vibrant and inclusive organisation, with hardworking, talented and dedicated individuals, who work together towards a common goal, to always put ourPatient First. Our mission is summed up by our 'where better never stops' motto and no matter the role at UHSussex, you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourwellbeing programmefor staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

Build a career with us:As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Communication

• To telephone patient results to clinical users and to offer advice relating to processes and services available following training and competency assessment and in accordance with appropriate departmental policies and procedures.
• To communicate any relevant information within the team to ensure the continual and efficient running of the service.
• To work within a team framework in order to provide a high quality, cost-effective and efficient service.
• To respond to enquiries from patients and service user and offer appropriate guidance and advice according to departmental policies, referring to senior staff where appropriate.
• To liaise between laboratory, clerical, medical staff and all service users
• To attend and actively participate in departmental meetings and departmental Huddles.
• To communicate information within the team to ensure the continual and efficient running of the Pathology Service.
• To liaise between laboratory staff and other users of the service and deal with telephone enquiries from users, patients and other members of staff in a polite and helpful manner, seeking specialist scientific and/or medical advice where required.
• To actively manage workload dependent upon staff availability referring to senior staff where appropriate.
• To ensure that samples are correctly prioritised according to urgency, according to departmental protocols.
• To efficiently perform maintenance in a timely manner so as to ensure that sample processing is not unduly delayed.
• To direct junior staff as appropriate when necessary.

Service Delivery and Improvement

• To participate in the analysis of specimens to develop discipline specific expertise, using manual and automated methods in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and policies, after appropriate training and competency assessment.
• To participate in the provision and reporting of test results in the designated section where competent to do so referring results to more senior or consultant staff, all according to laboratory guidelines, so as to facilitate accurate, timely and relevant reports to clinical staff.
• To record, interpret, validate and authorise test results as appropriate, referring results to consultant staff, under supervision, according to Standard Operating Procedures after appropriate training and competency assessment.
• To perform the routine and advanced maintenance of all appropriate laboratory equipment, e.g. analysers, microscopes, etc. in all areas of the specialty in line with departmental protocols, and first line troubleshooting of malfunctions, referring to more senior staff where appropriate, after relevant training and competency assessment.
• To actively assist in monitoring the accuracy and imprecision of laboratory investigations, using appropriate internal and external quality assurance and to carry out corrective action in a timely manner, referring to senior staff as necessary.
• To maintain high standards of laboratory safety ensuring Health & Safety of self, other staff and visitors.
• To ensure that the arrangements for the security of buildings, equipment and chemicals are carried out in accordance with laboratory policy.
• To inform the departmental H& S representative or senior staff of any issue as soon as identified.
• Ability to know when limit of scope of practice has been reached.
• To perform at the appropriate level in an assigned section of the department to ensure that reporting of results is carried out in an agreed timeframe.

• To be familiar with the Pathology Departments Quality Policy and Quality Manual and to ensure that a high standard of work is maintained at all times.
• To help senior staff to ensure that appropriate action is taken to remedy any shortcomings.
• To contribute to developing the service to ensure that delivery is safe, efficient and cost-effective and follows best practice.
• To contribute to internal audit programmes and undertake appropriate corrective actions when required.

• To participate in external/internal Quality Assurance programmes (EQA/IQA) as supervised/directed.
• To work with other laboratory staff to ensure on-going compliance with UKAS ISO15189 Accreditation standards, audits, policies and procedures to enable the department to become fully Accredited and maintain that Accreditation. This may involve extensive liaison with the Pathology Quality and Governance Manager.
• To support laboratory processes that ensure internal and external quality assurance (IQA/EQA) are utilised and performance monitored with action plans put in place in compliance with UKAS and other relevant quality standards as appropriate.
• To work in accordance with departmental policies and Standard Operating Procedures.
• To write and contribute to the development, preparation and review of draft protocols/procedures (SOPs) for tests, reagents, methods, etc.
• To monitor stocks of consumables & reagents and to advise senior staff of any deficiencies.
• To rotate stock appropriately so as to ensure minimum wastage and comply with UKAS Accreditation requirements.
• To report to senior staff where any process is considered inefficient and suggest alternative approaches.

• To be competent in the use of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) according to authorised guidelines and protocols including registration, verification of data, the input of data and results and the appropriate management of results through relevant authorisation processes.
• To use the Trust-wide HIS IT system, as appropriate, adhering to Trust Policies, guidelines and procedures.

• To assist in the audit of data held on the Pathology LIMS.
• To be familiar with the laboratory Quality Management System, currently Q-Pulse.
• To have IT skills, including basic Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint so as to enable the post holder to assist in the production and review of SOPs and participate in CPD/Training sessions.
• To be familiar with Data Protection, Information Governance and Caldecott issues relating to the use and storage of patient information.
• To undertake specialist equipment testing, research and developmental work as directed.
• To participate in the validation of new equipment and/or diagnostic kits as required.
• To write reports including validation/verification reports for new methodology and equipment to enable adoption of new techniques.
• To support in agreed Research & Development projects undertaken by the laboratory and to participate in the evaluation of associated new equipment / methodologies as required.
• To achieve an appropriate required level of competence in assisting, where necessary under supervision, in the provision of routine analysis of patient specimens and to undertake manual and automated laboratory investigations as required.
• To achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales.
• To know the limits of own practice and to raise uncertainties with Senior BMS staff.
• To actively participate in the Trusts appraisal system and personnel development planning in accordance with Trust Policies.
• To conduct literature searches and assess the relevance of scientific papers in order to assist with the interpretation of results (as necessary) and to keep abreast of current trends.
• Each Band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientist may be allocated specific departmental duties to undertake, usually with a Band 7 Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientist overseeing the section and/or project.

People Management and Development

• To maintain HCPC (Health & Care Professions Council) State Registration as a Biomedical Scientist, including adhering to all the HCPC required professional standards at all times.
• To develop and improve expertise by attending meetings, participating in CPD activities and maintaining a portfolio of relevant material subject to approval by the Training Budget Holder and adequate resources.
• To undergo training as required according to the needs of the service.
• To develop and improve expertise where necessary and to develop and maintain a portfolio of evidence of competence
• To help facilitate the necessary training of others and undertake as directed by senior staff.
• To work alongside the departmental Quality Officers to perform audit of staff training records as required
• To assist with practical induction programmes, in-house seminar meetings and other training meetings as requested by senior staff.
• To perform Appraisals where necessary.
• Under guidance of Senior and Lead / Head Biomedical Scientists, assist with the supervision and training of less experienced staff as appropriate.
• To provide guidance to and supervise State Registered Biomedical Scientist (Band 5), AP (Associate Practitioners Band 4) and MLA (Medical Laboratory Assistants Bands 2 & 3) staff operating in their area of accountability.
• To attend the Trust Staff Induction Day and ensure all Mandatory Training is maintained as required.
• To comply with the departmental Training Programme and undertake any & all training in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the Line Manager.
• To actively seek and attend appropriate training course at Specialist level, where approved by Lead / Head BMS

Person Specification

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Registration with the HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist
• IBMS Specialist Portfolio in relevant discipline, or equivalant
• Knowledge of discipline specific procedures

Desirable

• Member of the IBMS at the appropriate level
• Post HCPC registration experience in an NHS laboratory

Other

Essential

• Ability to wor
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