Job summary An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Pre-Analytical and Logistics Manager to join our Pathology Department. The post holder will be an experienced Healthcare Practitioner with a science-based degree qualification or equivalent, and demonstrable leadership skills. They will be responsible for the efficient delivery of the 24/7 pre-analytical service, and management of general pathology logistics across all sites. Responsible for the effective delivery of a diagnostic pre analytical service across all MWL sites including transport, arrival, quality assurance, processing and distribution of samples through the department. Delivery of Key Performance Indicators appropriate to pre-analytical area. Responsible for the effective performance of the pathology logistics team in stock ordering, receipt, movement, inventory and general management across all sites. Be able to order and maintain stock control in the appropriate environments to ensure stock is fit for purpose for patient tests/patient care. Main duties of the job Assurance of quality of sample integrity prior to laboratory analysis and test result reporting, including both clinical and research samples. Overseeing performance management systems to ensure services meet agreed service specification including key performance indicators and other local and national targets. Practice highly developed hand-eye coordination and dexterity skills for accuracy required in processing clinical sample materials and specialist laboratory equipment Provide training to new staff using specialist knowledge of a range of biomedical procedures acquired through science degree and considerable post-graduate practical experience. Ensure staff are suitably qualified, trained and competent to perform their roles, and receive appropriate professional development and training opportunities according to needs of the service and those identified at their annual appraisal. Provide effective people management and performance measurement. This will include scheduling, deployment, team meetings, payroll and HR functions. Motivate, encourage and engage teams and coach/mentor individuals to achieve and embrace organisational objectives, key performance indicators and new ways of working. About us Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust serves a population of over 600,000 with a workforce of over 9000 dedicated and skilled staff across 21 sites. We strongly believe that the communities we serve should all have access to Five Star Patient Care. Our services: Acute Care Providing emergency and maternity services at Whiston, Southport and Ormskirk hospitals, and medical and surgical specialties across all our sites. Primary Care Providing primary care services at Marshalls Cross Medical Centre situated in St Helens Hospital. Community Services Providing adult community services for St Helens and a wheelchair service in Chorley, South Ribble, and West Lancashire. Our inpatient unit at Newton Community Hospital is where patients needing acute hospital beds can continue rehabilitation, freeing up space for more unwell patients. We also provide urgent care at our Urgent Treatment Centre located in St Helens town centre. Specialist Regional Services We provide the Mersey Regional Burns & Plastic Surgery Unit at Whiston Hospital and the Spinal Injuries Unit at Southport Hospital to more than 4 million people across the whole of Merseyside, West Lancashire, Cheshire, Isle of Man and North Wales. Achievements: Rated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018 Top 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal) National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme Date posted 06 November 2024 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year Per Annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 409-6734883 Job locations Whiston Hospital Warrington Road Prescott L35 5DR Job description Job responsibilities KEY DUTIES Responsible for the effective delivery of a diagnostic pre analytical service across all sites including transport, arrival, quality assurance, processing, and distribution of samples through the department. Delivery of Key Performance Indicators appropriate to pre-analytical area. Assurance of quality of sample integrity prior to laboratory analysis and test result reporting, including both clinical and research samples. Responsible for the effective performance of the pathology logistics team in stock ordering, receipt, movement, inventory, and general management across all sites. Be able to order and maintain stock control in the appropriate environments to ensure stock is fit for purpose for patient tests/patient care. Overseeing performance management systems to ensure services meet agreed service specification including key performance indicators and other local and national targets. To resolve day to day management, technology and equipment issues in the departments for all aspects of the patient pathway. Practice highly developed hand-eye coordination and dexterity skills for accuracy required in processing clinical sample materials and specialist laboratory equipment To remedy where possible any instance or event which may cause a service delivery failure (which may also occur out of hours), including judgement on how to proceed during technical failures by making technical decisions, to ensure ongoing quality assurance of processes. Test and develop business continuity plans for local area and in conjunction with other Pathology departments to ensure ongoing service delivery for patient care. Escalate incidents and disruptions appropriately. Ensure there is sufficient staff to maintain the services, and lead and support in recruitment and selection of staff. Responsible for the work allocation, activity and planning of the pre-analytical team. Provide training to new staff using specialist knowledge of a range of biomedical procedures acquired through science degree and considerable post-graduate practical experience. Ensure staff are suitably qualified, trained and competent to perform their roles, and receive appropriate professional development and training opportunities according to needs of the service and those identified at their annual appraisal. Provide effective people management and performance measurement. This will include scheduling, deployment, team meetings, payroll and HR functions. Motivate, encourage and engage teams and coach/mentor individuals to achieve and embrace organisational objectives, key performance indicators and new ways of working. Participate in the applications of the Quality Management System in Pathology and the requirements of ISO 15189. Prepare, review and update policies and procedures. Ensure team compliance with health and safety regulations, and channel effective systems for the management, recording and reporting of risks, incidents, complaints, patient safety, audit, clinical effectiveness and COSHH. Work with managers and colleagues to continually improve the quality and performance of services within the overall governance framework and within the guidelines required for accreditation and other governing bodies compliance. Participate in service reviews to ensure all sites/areas are fit for purpose, within Service Level Agreements where applicable. Contribute to the planning process for other services. Utilising effective change management, people management and project management skills to implement projects within the department and deliver in a timely fashion. Provide advice, guidance and training to colleagues and other stakeholders appropriate to scope. Manage departmental meetings, including any associated actions. Represent the departments at meetings and investigations as appropriate. To contribute to the Annual Management Review as part laboratory Quality Management System. Support the use of research and evidence-based learning to promote clinical excellence. Support the maintenance of business continuity plans which may include being available in critical situations outside of regular working hours. Delegate duties appropriately. Deputise for Haematology Service lead within scope. CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES Maintain and promote the professional image of Pathology. Quality assurance of all pre-analytical procedures Pre-analytical quality/integrity checks of samples prior to analysis and test result reporting to ensure safe and efficient delivery of patient care. Ensuring hand-eye coordination and accuracy required of pre-analytical procedures of themselves and the pre-analytical team. Maintain good working relations with all members or staff and to promote effective teamwork. Maintain an awareness of developments and provide suggestions for implementation as appropriate. Keep the workplace safe, clean, and tidy. ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES Implementation and management (including changes) of departmental standard operating procedures and other relevant documentation. Implementation and management (including changes) of Trust standard operating procedures, for example for the Trust-wide sample Pod/Chute system. Ensure that records are kept up to date and stored safely to ensure compliance with good working practices required by UKAS ISO:15189:2022. Comply with and enforce good laboratory practices required by UKAS ISO:15189: 2022 including Health and Safety Comply with the local and national policies for safe, secure and confidential processing and storage of patient and other laboratory information. Use the Pathology Computer System (LIMS) according to the SOPs. Validation, verification and ongoing assurance of performance and accuracy of the pre-analytical performance of the Laboratory Information Management System. Create and maintain the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases and records Includes staff personnel files Create specialist reports/documents using a range of software. Use Trust wide I.T. systems as appropriate following Trust polices, guidelines and procedures. TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSBILITIES Developing and delivering teaching sessions on specialised pre-analytical processes and techniques Teaching colleagues specialist knowledge of pre-analytical processes and sharing skills to ensure integrity and suitability of samples received for processing in the laboratory. Teaching and training colleagues on the use of specialised laboratory equipment Teaching and training new/junior staff specialised pre-analytical processes and procedures. Ensuring ongoing competency and development of established staff LINE MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES General management of the pre-analytical team Recruiting and selecting pre-analytical staff Managing staff leaving, including retirement of staff Training of new, junior, and established staff and colleagues, and students Professional supervision of the pre-analytical team supervisors and the general team (when required) Undertake appraisals of the pre-analytical team including supervisors. Absence management in line with Trust policy, including level/trigger meetings. Assessing requirements for reasonable adjustments in line with the Trust Reasonable Adjustments Policy Management of rostering and annual leave Ensuring compliance of personal and pre-analytical team mandatory training Ensuring ongoing competency and continued professional development of themselves and the preanalytical team. Management of capability of staff in line with Trust Capability Policy Carrying out disciplinary investigations and managing staff against Trust Disciplinary policy Managing grievances in line with Trust Grievance Policy Managing Organisational Change in line with Trust Organisational Change Policy Supporting health and wellbeing of the pre-analytical team CLINICAL GOVERNANCE, RESEARCH & AUDIT Manage Pathology research in conjunction with Trust Research and Development teams. Support, promote and participate in departmental clinical trials, audit, research, and development programmes. Maintain compliance with Pathology Accreditation Body audit schedules, which includes carrying out scheduled audits and initiating and undertaking ad-hoc audits are required Job description Job responsibilities KEY DUTIES Responsible for the effective delivery of a diagnostic pre analytical service across all sites including transport, arrival, quality assurance, processing, and distribution of samples through the department. Delivery of Key Performance Indicators appropriate to pre-analytical area. Assurance of quality of sample integrity prior to laboratory analysis and test result reporting, including both clinical and research samples. Responsible for the effective performance of the pathology logistics team in stock ordering, receipt, movement, inventory, and general management across all sites. Be able to order and maintain stock control in the appropriate environments to ensure stock is fit for purpose for patient tests/patient care. Overseeing performance management systems to ensure services meet agreed service specification including key performance indicators and other local and national targets. To resolve day to day management, technology and equipment issues in the departments for all aspects of the patient pathway. Practice highly developed hand-eye coordination and dexterity skills for accuracy required in processing clinical sample materials and specialist laboratory equipment To remedy where possible any instance or event which may cause a service delivery failure (which may also occur out of hours), including judgement on how to proceed during technical failures by making technical decisions, to ensure ongoing quality assurance of processes. Test and develop business continuity plans for local area and in conjunction with other Pathology departments to ensure ongoing service delivery for patient care. Escalate incidents and disruptions appropriately. Ensure there is sufficient staff to maintain the services, and lead and support in recruitment and selection of staff. Responsible for the work allocation, activity and planning of the pre-analytical team. Provide training to new staff using specialist knowledge of a range of biomedical procedures acquired through science degree and considerable post-graduate practical experience. Ensure staff are suitably qualified, trained and competent to perform their roles, and receive appropriate professional development and training opportunities according to needs of the service and those identified at their annual appraisal. Provide effective people management and performance measurement. This will include scheduling, deployment, team meetings, payroll and HR functions. Motivate, encourage and engage teams and coach/mentor individuals to achieve and embrace organisational objectives, key performance indicators and new ways of working. Participate in the applications of the Quality Management System in Pathology and the requirements of ISO 15189. Prepare, review and update policies and procedures. Ensure team compliance with health and safety regulations, and channel effective systems for the management, recording and reporting of risks, incidents, complaints, patient safety, audit, clinical effectiveness and COSHH. Work with managers and colleagues to continually improve the quality and performance of services within the overall governance framework and within the guidelines required for accreditation and other governing bodies compliance. Participate in service reviews to ensure all sites/areas are fit for purpose, within Service Level Agreements where applicable. Contribute to the planning process for other services. Utilising effective change management, people management and project management skills to implement projects within the department and deliver in a timely fashion. Provide advice, guidance and training to colleagues and other stakeholders appropriate to scope. Manage departmental meetings, including any associated actions. Represent the departments at meetings and investigations as appropriate. To contribute to the Annual Management Review as part laboratory Quality Management System. Support the use of research and evidence-based learning to promote clinical excellence. Support the maintenance of business continuity plans which may include being available in critical situations outside of regular working hours. Delegate duties appropriately. Deputise for Haematology Service lead within scope. CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES Maintain and promote the professional image of Pathology. Quality assurance of all pre-analytical procedures Pre-analytical quality/integrity checks of samples prior to analysis and test result reporting to ensure safe and efficient delivery of patient care. Ensuring hand-eye coordination and accuracy required of pre-analytical procedures of themselves and the pre-analytical team. Maintain good working relations with all members or staff and to promote effective teamwork. Maintain an awareness of developments and provide suggestions for implementation as appropriate. Keep the workplace safe, clean, and tidy. ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES Implementation and management (including changes) of departmental standard operating procedures and other relevant documentation. Implementation and management (including changes) of Trust standard operating procedures, for example for the Trust-wide sample Pod/Chute system. Ensure that records are kept up to date and stored safely to ensure compliance with good working practices required by UKAS ISO:15189:2022. Comply with and enforce good laboratory practices required by UKAS ISO:15189: 2022 including Health and Safety Comply with the local and national policies for safe, secure and confidential processing and storage of patient and other laboratory information. Use the Pathology Computer System (LIMS) according to the SOPs. Validation, verification and ongoing assurance of performance and accuracy of the pre-analytical performance of the Laboratory Information Management System. Create and maintain the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases and records Includes staff personnel files Create specialist reports/documents using a range of software. Use Trust wide I.T. systems as appropriate following Trust polices, guidelines and procedures. TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSBILITIES Developing and delivering teaching sessions on specialised pre-analytical processes and techniques Teaching colleagues specialist knowledge of pre-analytical processes and sharing skills to ensure integrity and suitability of samples received for processing in the laboratory. Teaching and training colleagues on the use of specialised laboratory equipment Teaching and training new/junior staff specialised pre-analytical processes and procedures. Ensuring ongoing competency and development of established staff LINE MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES General management of the pre-analytical team Recruiting and selecting pre-analytical staff Managing staff leaving, including retirement of staff Training of new, junior, and established staff and colleagues, and students Professional supervision of the pre-analytical team supervisors and the general team (when required) Undertake appraisals of the pre-analytical team including supervisors. Absence management in line with Trust policy, including level/trigger meetings. Assessing requirements for reasonable adjustments in line with the Trust Reasonable Adjustments Policy Management of rostering and annual leave Ensuring compliance of personal and pre-analytical team mandatory training Ensuring ongoing competency and continued professional development of themselves and the preanalytical team. Management of capability of staff in line with Trust Capability Policy Carrying out disciplinary investigations and managing staff against Trust Disciplinary policy Managing grievances in line with Trust Grievance Policy Managing Organisational Change in line with Trust Organisational Change Policy Supporting health and wellbeing of the pre-analytical team CLINICAL GOVERNANCE, RESEARCH & AUDIT Manage Pathology research in conjunction with Trust Research and Development teams. Support, promote and participate in departmental clinical trials, audit, research, and development programmes. Maintain compliance with Pathology Accreditation Body audit schedules, which includes carrying out scheduled audits and initiating and undertaking ad-hoc audits are required Person Specification Qualifications Essential Degree level education or equivalent experience Management, leadership or other recognised academic or vocational qualification or working towards Knowledge & Experience Essential Experience in managing in healthcare services Knowledge of range of biomedical procedures acquired through HCS associate degree, plus further knowledge acquired through training and practical experience to postgraduate diploma level or equivalent Evidence of developing stakeholder relationships at a service and operational level. Support, manage and sustain change in a multi-faceted organisation Desirable Experience of manual handling/health and safety regulations Good understanding of the NHS - primary and secondary care Stock/inventory management systems Managing transport of specimens to and between laboratory sites Logistics management Skills Essential Good computing skills including Microsoft and web-based applications Understanding of basic management practice including human resources skills Ability to lead and supervise others and ensure compliance with agreed procedures Possess good interpersonal skills and be able to communicate with other health professionals Ability to train and impart their skills and knowledge to other colleagues. Good reasoning, analysing and decision-making skills using a variety of resources. Able to prioritise and manage a heavy and pressured workload in a target driven environment Good written and verbal skills for general communications, presentations, and reports Lateral thinking to identify innovative solutions to problems. Desirable Able to work effectively in several teams ensuring good relationships with colleagues and peers. Able to conduct difficult conversations with staff members around performance or sickness management. Understanding of financial management with ability to analyse and interpret data and statistics e.g. activity trends, financial data Knowledge and understanding of service improvement Other Essential Able to problem solve and use own initiative Able to travel to and work within different sites within the Trust. Able to work flexibly in a healthcare setting with 24/7 service provision Prepared to learn new skills Person Specification Qualifications Essential Degree level education or equivalent experience Management, leadership or other recognised academic or vocational qualification or working towards Knowledge & Experience Essential Experience in managing in healthcare services Knowledge of range of biomedical procedures acquired through HCS associate degree, plus further knowledge acquired through training and practical experience to postgraduate diploma level or equivalent Evidence of developing stakeholder relationships at a service and operational level. Support, manage and sustain change in a multi-faceted organisation Desirable Experience of manual handling/health and safety regulations Good understanding of the NHS - primary and secondary care Stock/inventory management systems Managing transport of specimens to and between laboratory sites Logistics management Skills Essential Good computing skills including Microsoft and web-based applications Understanding of basic management practice including human resources skills Ability to lead and supervise others and ensure compliance with agreed procedures Possess good interpersonal skills and be able to communicate with other health professionals Ability to train and impart their skills and knowledge to other colleagues. Good reasoning, analysing and decision-making skills using a variety of resources. Able to prioritise and manage a heavy and pressured workload in a target driven environment Good written and verbal skills for general communications, presentations, and reports Lateral thinking to identify innovative solutions to problems. Desirable Able to work effectively in several teams ensuring good relationships with colleagues and peers. Able to conduct difficult conversations with staff members around performance or sickness management. Understanding of financial management with ability to analyse and interpret data and statistics e.g. activity trends, financial data Knowledge and understanding of service improvement Other Essential Able to problem solve and use own initiative Able to travel to and work within different sites within the Trust. Able to work flexibly in a healthcare setting with 24/7 service provision Prepared to learn new skills 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. Employer details Employer name Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Address Whiston Hospital Warrington Road Prescott L35 5DR Employer's website https://www.merseywestlancs.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)