Specialist 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 Biomedical Scientists, 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. Carries out troubleshooting and preventative maintenance on highly complex automated systems.

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 and be responsible for the validity of own results. Completes the work process by the verification and validation of results and report generation. This involves the interpretation of clinical data and requires in-depth theoretical knowledge.

Is able to exercise individual skills through the observation and interpretation of clinical material or data. Recommends additional tests where appropriate to assist the requesting clinician in the diagnostic process. Responsible for ensuring 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 the associate practitioner team and reagent issues to Senior BMS and Quality Manager.

Be able to exercise own initiative and work in conjunction with other staff members to ensure that the workload is processed in a timely and efficient manner. Demonstrates proficiency in the assessment, planning and prioritisation of tasks. Is fully conversant with departmental policies and Standard Operating Procedures, ensuring that personal performance complies with ISO 15189 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 frequently offer specialist technical advice to Medical staff and other service users on validity of results including reference ranges, appropriate specimens, sampling and turnaround times. Communicates effectively with other staff groups, both internal and external. To include healthcare professionals, patients and their representatives, external agencies, commercial suppliers, service engineers and visitors to the laboratory. Provides and receives complex scientific and clinical information to and from colleagues and service users.

Is aware of barriers to understanding and is able to present information accordingly. Demonstrates specialist skill and professional knowledge acquired through post Registration, Specialist Portfolio or equivalent academic and scientific development through work performed at bench level. Provides and receives sensitive information to and from patients and their representatives where empathic and re-assurance skills are required. May include notification of adverse events.

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. As a HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist, participate in the Microbiology on call rota, processing samples according to the SOP. 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. To participate in the Quality Management System in accordance with accreditation bodies. This includes: Conduct vertical, horizontal and examination audits in accordance with the Department Audit Programme.

Completes non-conformance record forms when required, and submits to the Senior BMS and, or Quality Manager. Know how to proceed in the event of a technical, analytical non-conformance and when to inform Senior BMS and, or Quality Lead and Quality Manager & Laboratory Manager. Complies with the requirements of internal and external or national quality assurance schemes along with internal requirements for audits and competence assessment to national standards. Understanding and involvement in departmental risk assessments. Contribute to the revision and development of Standard Operating Procedures. Assists in improving and developing departmental quality by contributing ideas as appropriate and participating in the change management process, in conjunction with senior staff.

Has awareness of the requirements of Clinical Governance, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health and local Health and Safety Policies, reporting problems, errors or breaches via the appropriate mechanisms. 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 carry out any other duties deemed necessary to maintain a Microbiology Service.