JOB DETAILS Job Title: Biomedical Support Worker - Higher Level Reports to: Manager/ HPC Professional Accountable to: Laboratory Manager Band: 3 Unit/Department: Blood Bank Directorate: Pathology Location[1]: LGI /SJH AfC Job no: 1167 JOB PURPOSE To be responsible for training and day to day supervision of Biomedical Support Workers within the section. To collect, receive and assist in the processing of clinical diagnostic specimens for testing. To undertake routine and more complex clinical technical investigations, following standard operating procedures, some of which may be under supervision. To communicate effectively with colleagues and other healthcare staff. JOB DIMENSIONS As a Biomedical Support Worker Higher Level you will work as a member of the departmental team. As part of the team, you will be expected to perform a range of routine and more complex investigations some of which may be under the supervision of more experienced scientific and technical staff. You will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute towards the provision of an accurate and timely service for patients. You will be expected to apply professional judgements and specialist skills to technically complex and sometimes difficult situations, and how to work, often under pressure, either independently or as part of the team. Within the team you may be required to organise the tasks of support workers. You will be required to communicate information, often related to patient management and care, to colleagues, healthcare staff and other organisations. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED In order to carry out the job sufficiently and effectively you will have successfully studied to A-level standard, preferably in sciences or other equivalent qualification. You will develop your competencies and further your knowledge in all aspects of the speciality through practical experience, in house training and structured study subject to the requirements of continuous professional development (CPD). In addition, basic computer skills are essential to carry out your work. THE LEEDS WAY VALUES Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this as strength, as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are: Patient-centred, Collaborative, Fair, Accountable, Empowered All our actions and endeavours will be guided and evaluated through these values Additionally the following are core values which relate specifically to this post: As a healthcare worker dealing with sensitive (patient related) information the importance and value of personal honesty and integrity as a commitment to patient service and confidentiality will be recognised. In contributing to the quality of a technical clinical service you will understand the requirement to continuously develop appropriate skills and accumulate relevant knowledge whether by formal or in- house training. CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS In order to work effectively in the role the job holder must be able to demonstrate a number of attributes. These abilities will include: To gain new knowledge through experience, formal study and participation in relevant training schemes To become an integral member of a team providing a clinical technical service To work independently when and as directed by supervisors To communicate clearly and effectively whether orally, graphically or electronically To plan the designated workload and assist in the organisation of tasks undertaken by support workers To work with precision and follow accurately the documented laboratory standard operating procedures To operate highly complex laboratory equipment safely and efficiently To input and extract patient data from the laboratory computer system To demonstrate relevant tasks to others as appropriate To contribute actively towards the improvement of service quality by participation in relevant discussions with other team members To remain competent in established procedures and to develop new skills as experience is accrued. To participate actively in the departmental appraisal scheme CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING As the job holder you will acquire sufficient knowledge and understanding to: Participate in the maintenance of a safe working environment. This will include an awareness of the hazards associated with your work. In addition you will be made aware of any suitable actions to take in the event of breaches in health and safety. Such hazards include fire, manual handling, and breach of security, controlled and uncontrolled exposure to chemical, biological and radioactive materials. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY To perform, sometimes under supervision, appropriate technical laboratory procedures and tasks that are consistent with the job holders level of knowledge, skills and experience. To develop your competences in the department and to perform tasks accurately and in accordance with departmental standard operating procedures. To enter, manage and retrieve patient information using the laboratory computer system. To communicate accurately sensitive and complex information to users of the service in a manner that is in accordance with departmental procedures. To actively participate in the laboratory quality assurance programme. To contribute to general departmental management, for instance, by assisting in the ordering, receipt and control of consumables. This list is not exhaustive and the changing needs of the service from time to time may require the development of other appropriate tasks and skills. These will be fully discussed with the post holder in advance of their implementation. The Pathology Department of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is located on several sites. Subject to consultation, the post holder may be required to work in a laboratory based at an alternative site as required by the Laboratory Manager. Infection Control The jobholder must comply at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Infection Control policies, in particular by practising Universal Infection Control Precautions. Hand hygiene must be performed before and after contact with patients and their environment. Equality and Diversity The jobholder must comply with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment and that services are delivered in ways that meet the individual needs of patients and their families. No person whether they are staff, patient or visitor should receive less favourable treatment because of their gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc. Patient and Public Involvement The Trust has a statutory duty to involve patients and public in evaluating and planning services. All staff have a responsibility to listen to the views of patients and to contribute to service improvements based on patient feedback. Training and Personal Development Continuous Professional Development Respect for Patient Confidentiality The jobholder should respect patient confidentiality at all times and not divulge patient information unless sanctioned by the requirements of the role. COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS As the job holder you will communicate and work directly or indirectly with a diverse range of other staff. Those shown below are examples: Internal Junior staff, colleagues, supervisors and managers within the speciality Pathology staff working in other specialities Members of clinical teams including nurses, doctors and other practitioners Administrative and secretarial staff External Staff in primary care facilities Staff in other hospitals Staff in non- NHS organisations (for example suppliers of consumables) SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS As the job holder you will be required to work in a clinical laboratory environment. As such you will work under controlled conditions where chemical and bio hazardous materials are handled. For your own safety you will be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and for this you will receive training. Laboratory equipment. This task requires concentration so that positive patient identification and personal safety are maintained and equipment is not damaged. These periods of concentration will be daily and may be prolonged subject to workload EMOTIONAL EFFORT: In normal circumstances there is little patient contact by the job holder and exposure to emotional circumstances is limited Subject to the requirements of the speciality some patient contact may occur such as in the collection of capillary blood samples from children. WORKING CONDITIONS: The job holder will be required to work with chemical and biological materials such as blood, other body fluids, body tissue and faeces on every shift. The working environment in a clinical laboratory is strictly controlled and under normal circumstances these hazards are contained.