Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Microbiology
Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust
We are seeking an experienced, well-motivated and suitably qualified Specialist Biomedical Scientist to work within the busy paediatric Microbiology department which runs a 24 hr service. Working as part of a team across Pathology, you will contribute to the provision and further development of a high-quality diagnostic service. You will support the Senior Biomedical Scientists responsible for the day-to-day organisation of the laboratory. You will prioritise work and re-direct staff accordingly, and your duties will include validating analytical data prior to reporting, standardising, operating and maintaining complex analytical equipment, and regularly reviewing internal quality control and external quality assurance data trends, taking action as appropriate. You will write and review standard operating procedures and train all grades of staff. You will be directly involved in service development and modernisation. You should be highly motivated, a good communicator and enjoy working as part of a Pathology-wide team. The department has a proven track record of staff development in further education and actively encourages attendance at regional and national meetings. Consideration will be given to candidates who are working towards their Specialist portfolio.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will act as a Microbiology specialist, registered Biomedical Scientist who provides scientific services on patient samples as an aid to diagnosis of paediatric infectious disease. They will perform a range of diagnostic tests and provide technical support to consultant Microbiologists, liaising with users of the Microbiology service. Participation in the department's out of hours working arrangements; this includes approximately 25-35% of contracted hours spent working independently following broad operational policies and procedures.
Job responsibilities
* To carry out all work to specified standards as laid down by the professional bodies including Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS), Health Care Professions Council (HCPC), and the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).
* To participate in the routine work of the department rotating through all sections of the department, working without supervision.
* To plan and organise own work, unsupervised, on a daily basis ensuring results are produced in an accurate and timely manner. This involves the adjustment of plans based on results generated.
* To actively redistribute workload/staff dependent upon demand in each area of the laboratory.
* To ensure data integrity when entering patient demographics onto the Meditech computer system.
* To approve test procedures using the Meditech computer system.
* To enter test results onto the Meditech computer system including non-personally generated data.
* To highlight urgent and clinically important results.
* To professionally deal with telephone enquiries from patients and doctors, using tact, diplomacy and empathy whilst maintaining strict confidentiality.
* To operate and maintain expensive and sophisticated equipment on a daily basis to ensure proper and efficient use of equipment and consumables without wastage.
* To participate in maintaining a system for the safe and confidential storage and retrieval of proper records and specimens both physically and electronically.
* To contribute to departmental management decisions including active participation in departmental meetings.
Management
* To write, review and ensure implementation of departmental Standard Operating Procedures.
* To monitor levels of reagents and consumable items.
* To comply with and ensure colleagues adhere to Trust and Departmental Health and Safety policies.
Training
* To contribute to the delivery of training to MLA, Trainee BMS, BMS staff and colleagues.
* To act as a mentor to new colleagues ensuring their competence in skills and supporting their learning.
* To undergo mandatory training as required by the Trust.
* To participate in annual performance review including the development of a Personal Development Plan (PDP).
* To participate in the induction of staff, students and visitors.
Education and experience
* GCSE in English or evidence of English language proficiency.
* Registered as a biomedical scientist with Health professions council (HCPC).
* Minimum 2 years post-registration experience in a Microbiology laboratory registered with the IBMS for training.
* To have gained the IBMS specialist (post-registration) diploma in Microbiology.
* To have sufficient experience to operate in all sections of the laboratory.
* To have specialist knowledge of paediatric disease processes.
* Undertake a period of specific on-site training prior to the commencement of lone out of hours working.
Communication
* To communicate effectively with peers, senior colleagues and service users on a daily basis.
* To regularly liaise with external users offering advice/information regarding the use of the service.
Analytical skills
* To work unsupervised as a Biomedical Scientist.
* To undertake a wide variety of non-automated, complex operations requiring a high level of skill, knowledge and manual dexterity.
* To regularly review Quality Control procedures, highlighting outlying results and correcting potential problems.
* To assess the suitability and appropriateness of samples received liaising with medical staff as appropriate.
* To troubleshoot problems with methodologies.
* To undertake the reception, processing, referral and storage of a variety of biological specimens.
* To participate in the Microbiology Saturday morning rota.
* To be competent in the use and maintenance of microscopes.
Planning and organising skills
* To participate and support the departmental 24 hr service provision shift pattern.
* To operate as first point of contact for advice, requiring a broad spectrum of knowledge.
* Out of hours workload is unpredictable requiring clinical prioritisation.
Physical skills
* To handle hazardous chemicals and reagents appropriately.
* To move and manipulate heavy objects whilst following appropriate manual handling guidelines.
Person Specification
Education and Training
* HCPC registered biomedical scientist.
* IBMS Specialist diploma in medical microbiology - applicants working towards may be considered.
* GCSE in English or evidence of English language proficiency.
* Experience of paediatric microbiology.
Experience
* Minimum 2 years post-registration experience in medical microbiology.
* Supervision of trainee and support staff.
Knowledge
* Knowledge of paediatric microbiology.
* Knowledge of Good laboratory practice.
* Knowledge of patient confidentiality.
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 to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust
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