Job summary
We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic individual to join our team in the Clinical Biochemistry Department at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals NHS Trust, a partner within the South West London Pathology (SWLP) Network. The role will enable your continued development as a Clinical Scientist, build on your broad range of experience in Clinical Biochemistry and provide scientific input into both the core automated and the specialist laboratories of the Biochemistry department, including the South West Thames Newborn Blood Spot Screening services.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will join our existing friendly team at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals comprising three Consultant Chemical Pathologists, a Consultant Clinical Scientist, a senior Clinical Scientist and two STP trainees. You will participate in the clinical advisory and authorisation rota and will be encouraged to develop an area of specialised knowledge. In addition, you will contribute to research, development, and audit relevant to the Clinical Biochemistry service. It is an exciting time to join SWLP with the introduction of a new LIMS, new automated equipment and expansion of the specialist chemistry services. The successful candidate will have opportunities for involvement in a number of network projects related to these service developments.
About us
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust is a large acute Trust serving South West London (SWL) and Surrey. The pathology services across SWL is provided by an award winning Pathology Partnership between St George's, Epsom and St Helier, Kingston Hospital NHS FT and Croydon Health services.
This role is based at Epsom and St Helier hospitals, which offer an extensive range of acute services including 24-hour A&E. Epsom General Hospital is situated close to the centre of Epsom, whilst St Helier Hospital, which also incorporates Queen Mary's Hospital for Children on site, is situated in Carshalton. The Trust provides services to local communities including the whole of the London Borough of Sutton and part of the London Borough of Merton; the Surrey Boroughs of Epsom and Ewell, Reigate and Banstead and Elmbridge, plus part of the District Council of Mole Valley. The Trust serves approximately 510,000 people. It also provides medical care for a wider population, particularly for certain specialist services. The Trust includes the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and a dedicated Children's Hospital.
Across the SWLP network, all Clinical Scientists participate in regular meetings and educational sessions which allow for training opportunities. Full support will also be provided for the attainment of FRCPath examinations. Candidates at time of appointment with Part 1 FRCPath will be eligible for the role of 8a Principal Clinical Biochemist.
Date posted: 09 April 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £51,883 to £58,544 a year p.a. pr Inclusive of outer HCAS (15%)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 200-ESH-713102-7072394-DK
Job responsibilities
Organisation of the role:
To be an efficient and flexible member of the SWL Pathology team providing a consistently high quality and professional service to all users of the service.
To ensure the Clinical Biochemistry service meets the clinical needs of the Trust and hospitals affiliated with SWL Pathology and GPs in the community by providing fast, accurate and reliable clinical biochemistry results.
To provide a clinical interpretative service for all biochemical investigations and to ensure the efficacy, quality and safety of the investigations.
Main responsibilities:
1. To provide clinical advice and interpretation of biochemical results to medical, nursing and other staff within the Trust, hospitals affiliated with SWL Pathology and Primary care, under the direction of departmental Consultant staff.
2. To participate in the monitoring and troubleshooting of external quality control performance to maintain a high quality analytical service.
3. To develop skills and knowledge in a specialist area of Clinical Biochemistry.
4. To pursue further training and personal study towards the FRCPath.
5. To participate in research, development and audit relevant to the Clinical Biochemistry service.
Please see Job description for further details.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training Essential
* Honours degree in Biochemistry (or related subject)
* Masters degree in Clinical Biochemistry
* Registration as a Clinical Scientist with Healthcare Professions Council (HCPC)
Knowledge and Experience Essential
* Minimum of 3 years working as a Pre-Registration Clinical Scientist
* Experience of participating in research, development and audit
Skills and Abilities Essential
* Experience of general clinical biochemistry service
* Able to demonstrate clinical reasoning and interpretation
* Detailed knowledge of Clinical Biochemistry
* Ability to perform (or at least troubleshoot) complex analytical equipment
* IT skills necessary for the manipulation, management and presentation of laboratory data
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Ability to communicate complex information and results to other healthcare professionals
* Ability to supervise and train more junior members of staff
Other relevant requirements Essential
* Able to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team and face the challenge of conflicting priorities, concentrate on several aspects of a complex situation with frequent urgent interruptions
* Have a commitment to CPD and professional development
* Ability to concentrate for long periods of time, to carry out tests and authorise results
* Able to work with accuracy and diligence and with attention to detail
* Flexible with respect to meeting service requirements
* Required to use VDU for protracted periods and short periods of light effort
* Required to work in areas of biological risk, frequently exposed to both biological and chemical hazards, contact with bodily fluids and faecal material
* High degree of precision and hand eye co-ordination for use of analytical instrumentation
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 (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name: St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Epsom and St Helier Hospital sites, Clinical Blood Sciences - Pathology, Block D, Floor 1, Wrythe Lane, Carshalton, SM5 1AA
Employer's website: https://www.stgeorges.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
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