Biomedical Scientist Microbiology

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust; West Midlands Combined Authority; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000

Job description

To be responsible for the work carried out in the designated section, supervising associate practitioners and MLA staff, ensuring work is completed in line with service requirements. To perform pre-analytical preparation of specimens including matching of specimens and data entry of patient and specimen information into the Laboratory IT system with accuracy. Analyses potentially infectious samples using a range of highly specialised laboratory procedures, by either manual or automated techniques, to produce results of a quality consistent with excellent patient care. Undertakes these duties in all areas of the Department under supervision of Senior BMS until deemed competent. Carries out troubleshooting and maintenance on automated systems, only when trained and competency assessed, and understands when to escalate to a senior member of staff. Ensures appropriate records are kept and liaises with senior staff and service engineers where appropriate.

To handle potentially highly infectious material and known highly infectious material, containing Hazard Group 2 & 3 pathogens, in order to perform subjective interpretation of diagnostic investigations. Ensures efficient use and maintenance of resources, is aware of stock levels and rotation, storage conditions, batch numbers and expiry dates, thus ensuring the viability of the reagents used. Communicating any ordering requirements to associate practitioner team and reagent issues to Senior BMS and Quality Manager. Complies with the requirements of internal and external/national quality assurance schemes along with internal requirements for audits and competence assessment to national standards.

Is fully conversant with departmental policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), ensuring that personal performance complies with ISO 15189-2012 and other professional standards. Practices in accordance with the professional, ethical and legal codes of the Health Care Professions Council and the Trusts protocols and guidelines. To be able to prioritise own workload and work in conjunction with the team to ensure investigations and analyses are processed and completed in a timely and efficient manner. Completes the work process by the verification and validation of results and report generation under direction and supervision of Senior BMS.

This involves the interpretation of clinical data and requires theoretical knowledge once trained and approved as competent to do so. Communicates effectively with other staff groups, both internal and external, including healthcare professionals, patients and their representatives, external agencies, commercial suppliers, service engineers and visitors to the laboratory. As a HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist, participate in the Microbiology on call rota, processing samples according to the SOP.

Through competency assessment, demonstrate ability to be able to work alone and unsupervised to a level required as part of the on call rota, with off site clinical advice and technical support available when required. To be aware of escalation procedures and processes to follow when required. Participates in the supervision, induction and training of Trainee BMSs, support staff and clinical staff where required. Provides and receives sensitive information to and from patients and their representatives where empathic and reassurance skills are required.

May include notification of adverse events. Participates in Departmental Competency Assessment schemes in collaboration with the Laboratory Manager and Senior BMS / Training Officer. Proactive in creating a training ethos for all staff. Displays and maintains an appropriate level of IT skills.

Works to, and ensures that performance targets and sample turnaround times are met by continually assessing quality and priority of work. To participate in Mandatory Training and Personal Development System as required, and maintain continued professional development. Demonstrates continuing ability to work individually and unsupervised to a level required in the provision of an out of hours service for lone working on shift or on call. To be able to work alone as part of the on call rota, with 24/7 off site clinical and technical support when required.

To be aware of escalation procedures and processes to follow when required. Work towards the acquisition of specialist skill and professional knowledge acquired through post Registration, by completing the Specialist Portfolio (or equivalent) and academic and scientific development. To participate in the Quality Management System in accordance with accreditation bodies. This includes: Being able to conduct vertical, horizontal and examination audits in accordance with the Department Audit Programme. Awareness and completion of non-conformance record forms when required, and submits to the Senior BMS and / or Quality Manager.

Contribute to the revision and development of Standard Operating Procedures. Has awareness of the requirements of Clinical Governance, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and local Health and Safety Policies, reporting problems, errors or breaches via the appropriate mechanisms (Ipassport, Datix, RIDDOR). Attends departmental and directorate staff meetings as appropriate. To participate in induction, training and supervision of AP, MLA, Trainee BMS, Band 5 BMSs and other staff and visitors in all relevant aspects of laboratory work including Health & Safety as directed by the Laboratory Manager. To participate in the Departmental Competency Assessment schemes for Trainee BMS, Band 5 BMS, AP and MLA staff in collaboration with the Laboratory Manager and Senior BMS / Training Officer. To maintain good working relations with all members of staff and to promote effective team working taking action when own or others behaviour undermines equality and diversity.

To participate in Mandatory Training and Personal Development System as required, and maintain continued professional development. To participate in Clinical Trials / Research and Development as directed by a Consultant Microbiologist. To be able to present scientific, technical data and audit data at staff meetings using appropriate communication tools. To participate in Clinical Trials / Research and Development as directed by a Consultant Microbiologist.

To carry out any other duties deemed necessary to maintain a Microbiology Service.