A unique opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, proactive, motivated and passionate individual to join the team as part of the Cellular Pathology Genomics Centre (CPGC) working as a Tissue Co-Ordinator.
The post holder will contribute to the direct and indirect delivery of molecular testing and whole-genome sequencing service across the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Association of Acute Trusts (WYAAT) pathology network, and will liaise with partners across the wider North East and Yorkshire region.
They will play a key role in the delivery of the requesting and reporting workflows for molecular testing within the region through a range of routine tasks in supporting biomedical, scientific, administrative and medical staff.
It is essential that the post holder has excellent IT skills and experience in data handling in order to organise relevant documentation.
Experience of working in a complex healthcare work environment is desirable. The post holder must possess excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of stakeholders at all levels and a flexible and pro-active approach.
An innovative department, we were the first laboratory in the UK digitally scanning all surgical slides and the first to introduce automated tissue sectioners to the UK.
The department has appointed a Transformation Lead to support with development of the service and is also supported by a Pathology Technology & Innovation Lead.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will contribute to the direct and indirect delivery of molecular testing and whole-genome sequencing service across the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Association of Acute Trusts (WYAAT) pathology network, and will be expected to liaise with partners at other centres across the wider North East and Yorkshire region. As part of the CPGC at Leeds, they will play a key role in the delivery of the requesting and reporting workflows for molecular testing within the region through a range of routine tasks in supporting biomedical, scientific, administrative and medical staff. The responsibilities encompass ensuring patient identification, eligibility, maintaining documentation, and the generation of high-quality data in line with NHS England GLH requirements and as outlined in the NHSE National Genomic Test Directory. This necessitates the completion of paperwork and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure appropriate, timely, and accurate testing via the GLH lab and within cellular pathology.
Furthermore, the post holder will coordinate across centres within the region to ensure the provision of appropriate samples. The duties also include transcribing genomics reports into integrated reports for clinical sign-out by Consultant Histopathologists and also educating secretarial colleagues in doing the same.
The post holder will have direct access to data informing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
About us
The department provides Histopathology, Andrology, Immunohistochemistry, Muscle, Molecular, Non Gynae Cytology and mortuary services for Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust and surrounding primary care centres. We are a well equipped and innovative department being the first laboratory in the UK digitally scanning 100% of surgical slides, also introducing the UK's first automated tissue sectioners. We process circa 58,000 surgical cases, 2,000 autopsy cases and 6000 non-gynaecological cytology cases per annum. We are a continually improving department, striving for high quality staff and processes. As a training hospital we serve to expand the knowledge and skills of all staff. There are plenty of opportunities to become involved, and further development is encouraged. We endeavour to follow 'The Leeds Way' at all times putting the patient first at all times.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.
Job responsibilities
It is essential that the post holder has excellent IT skills and experience in data handling in order to organise relevant documentation as per Cellular Pathology Genomics Centre (CPGC) and Genomic Laboratory Hub (GLH) standards. The post holder must have at least outline knowledge of NHS Structure and Functions. Experience of working in a complex healthcare work environment is desirable. The post holder must possess excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of stakeholders at all levels and a flexible and pro-active approach.
The post holder will contribute to the direct and indirect delivery of molecular testing and whole-genome sequencing service across the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Association of Acute Trusts (WYAAT) region. As part of the CPGC at Leeds, they will play a key role in the delivery of the requesting and reporting workflows for molecular testing within the region through a range of routine tasks in supporting biomedical, scientific, administrative and medical staff. The responsibilities encompass ensuring patient identification, eligibility, maintaining documentation, and the generation of high-quality data in line with NHS England GLH requirements and as outlined in the NHSE National Genomic Test Directory. This necessitates the completion of paperwork and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure appropriate, timely, and accurate testing via the GLH lab and within cellular pathology.
Furthermore, the post holder will coordinate across centres within the region to ensure the provision of appropriate samples. The duties also include transcribing genomics reports into integrated reports for clinical sign-out by Consultant Histopathologists and also educating secretarial colleagues in doing the same.
The post holder will have direct access to data informing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
The post holder will be provided with an induction into the service and will have opportunities to undergo additional training. In addition, the candidate will be expected to perform supervision of qualified persons as and when this is required.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
To perform appropriate procedures and tasks consistent with the job holder's levels of knowledge, skills and experience. These tasks may vary from day to day but examples would include:
1. To direct secretarial staff and if required help with secretarial duties including booking in of cases, test ordering, and transcription of results for molecular testing at the CPGC.
2. Develop proficiency in the use of cellular pathology and GLH lab information systems and quality management systems.
3. Participate in the quality agenda and compliance monitoring of the CPGC service including (but not limited to): Datix reporting & basic immediate investigation of issues, contributing to quality documents updates & SOPs.
4. Coordinate and collaborate with regional WYAAT cellular pathology departments to ensure timely transfer of appropriate samples to the GLH and take proactive measures to ensure that agreed turnaround times are met.
5. Attend and actively participate in monthly CPGC/Solid Malignancy Diagnostic Services (SMDS) management meetings and multidisciplinary team meetings, including preparing agendas and recording minutes.
6. Develop and implement SOPs for the CPGC, providing support to laboratory and secretarial staff across WYAAT. Regularly review and update SOPs, and conduct relevant audits.
7. Assist the CPGC leadership team in planning and organizing training sessions for staff as needed.
8. Collaborate with the WGS nursing lead and multidisciplinary teams to ensure proper routing of fresh tissue and blood samples.
9. Maintain effective communication with relevant staff members.
10. Ensure accurate record-keeping in compliance with requirements from UKAS and RCPath.
11. Utilize approved data collection templates and systems to accurately input all necessary information in accordance with the CPGC operational plan.
12. Contribute to monitoring and reporting KPIs and other metrics, conducting periodic audits, and providing input into monthly CPGC/GLH Quality meetings.
13. Ensure adherence to health and safety policies, promptly reporting any incidents.
Professional Development and Education. Attend relevant study sessions related to Genomic Medicine and GLH at an appropriate level.
Complete Trust annual mandatory training programs.
Maintain own competence in established procedures and participate in relevant training where required.
Support waste reduction and continuous improvement initiatives for designated area.
Support collaborative team working across all sections.
Participate in the collation of service user/stakeholder feedback.
Support with documentation and SOPs when evaluating and verifying new methods/instruments/tests.
Support with identification of service improvement opportunities and implementation of improvement actions.
Assist in the delivery of continuous improvement/development plans for specialist area.
THE LEEDS WAY VALUES
Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this as a 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:
* Accountable
* Empowered
All our actions and endeavours will be guided and evaluated through these values.
Additionally, the following are core values that relate specifically to this post:
* Good interpersonal skills and commitment to working as part of a team.
* Willingness to learn and to share information and laboratory resources is essential.
* Integrity and attention to detail are essential as the role will involve access to patient information and handling of valuable research samples.
CORE BEHAVIORS AND SKILLS
* Good interpersonal skills.
* Supportive of communal tasks.
* Sympathetic to the needs of others.
* Hard-working and flexible in time management.
* Able to fulfil all Occupational Health and Health and Safety requirements of the role.
CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
* Understanding of team working within a clinical laboratory.
* Understanding of relevant health and safety issues.
* Knowledge of biological sciences at a basic level is required. This includes knowledge of cell biology, biochemistry, and some knowledge of disease processes.
* Possess prior laboratory experience in clinical record data handling and database management.
* Use of basic IT packages including Microsoft Excel.
* Familiarity with archival clinical tissue handling and clinical metadata collection is advantageous.
* A background in biological sciences (HNC or equivalent) is desirable.
INFECTION CONTROL
The job holder must comply at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Infection Control policies, in particular by practicing Universal Infection Control Precautions. Hand hygiene must be performed before and after contact with patients and their environment.
HEALTH AND SAFETY / RISK MANAGEMENT
All staff are responsible for working with their colleagues to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to our patients and other service users. This includes complying at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Policies, including Health and Safety policies, in particular by following agreed security and safer working procedures, and reporting incidents using the Trust Incident Reporting system.
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
The job holder 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 the 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 The job holder must take responsibility in agreement with his/her line manager for his/her own personal development by ensuring that Continuous Professional Development remains a priority. The job holder will undertake all mandatory training required for the role.
Respect for Patient Confidentiality
The job holder should respect patient confidentiality at all times and not divulge patient information unless sanctioned by the requirements of the role.
COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
This post is an important component of the operational plan to successfully deliver our KPIs as set by NHSE within the Service Specification for CPGCs and GLHs.
Effective communication, alongside robust organization, will facilitate delivery; the successful applicant will be supported in delivering an agreed communication plan across the region.
SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS
(i) PHYSICAL EFFORT
The components of this post are varied and require flexibility and effective organization to work across the region as required.
Time at a computer screen is integral, and good practice health and safety principles will apply.
No heavy lifting or exposure to environmental hazards is required for this post.
Standard hospital infection prevention and control measures apply regarding human tissue handling and transportation.
(ii) MENTAL EFFORT:
Active decision making and prioritization, which may be stressful.
Planned Interview Date
06/05/2025
Person Specification
Qualifications
* GCSE Maths and English or equivalent
* Level 4 qualification in science related subject
* IBMS Certificate of Achievement II
Experience
* Previous experience of working in a laboratory
Skills and Behaviours
* Ability to work in a team and independently
* Flexible approach to work
* Good communicator and friendly attitude
Other Criteria
* Dexterity
* Basic computer 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.
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