Job summary Cytology is housed in new state of the art Pathology laboratories in North Bristol NHS Trust. The service provides Cervical Screening via HPV testing for the whole of the South West as well as Diagnostic Cytology for the Bristol and North Somerset area. Successful candidates will join a dynamic, friendly and motivated team committed to providing excellent services for patients. Main duties of the job The role involves primary screening and QC screening of Cytology samples while maintaining national standards. Preparation of diagnostic samples including at off site one stop clinics. Participate in quality management process. Supervise and train other staff in the department. Participate in staff recruitment. Participate in research and equipment evaluations. About us North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from our award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered. North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups. Date posted 17 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year pa Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 339-BAL5473 Job locations Southmead Cytology lab, Southmead Hospital, Bristol BS10 5NB Bristol BS10 5NB Job description Job responsibilities Scientific and Technical 1. Be competent to work on rotation in Cervical Cytology and Non-gynae Cytology sections of the laboratory 2. Participate in screening of cervical smears including the assessment of smear quality, providing recommendation for recall interval, reporting negative smears and referring abnormal and suspicious cases to appropriate Team Leader / Checker 3. Participate in Quality Control (rapid review) of screened slides 4. Participate in HPV testing and issuing results. 5. Participate in the reception and documentation of specimens for Cytology in accordance with laboratory policies and protocols 6. Participate in the entry of data to laboratory computer systems 7. Participate in specimen processing and the production cytology preparations for microscopic examination. 8. Prepare staining solutions and reagents and to assist in the maintenance of adequate stocks of reagents and consumables. 9. Ensure the efficient and safe use of consumables and equipment within the working area 10. Be responsible for the day to day maintenance and cleanliness of the equipment with which she/he is working 11. Work in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) developed for use in the dept. Participate in their development and review 12. Participate in record keeping processes, including maintenance records, electronic and paper based. 13. Participate in the production of reports and the maintenance of departmental records. QC, EQA, Clinical Governance 14. Participate in internal quality control procedures including taking responsibility for technical authorisation of work 15. Interpret and technically validate all routine and specialist tests 16. Assist in research and development projects 17. Assist in audit 18. Participate in internal and external quality control procedures 19. Participate in quality assurance procedures, and corrective actions 20. Participate in risk management of the department including error reporting and corrective actions Staff supervision 21. Assist in the supervision of trainee biomedical scientists and MLAs Staff Training 22. Participate in the training and teaching of trainee biomedical scientists, Cytoscreeners, newly qualified staff, MLAs and other healthcare professionals Communication 23. Ensure that the exchange of information is accurate at all times, through competent verbal and written skills. 24. Communicate with clinicians, laboratory and nursing staff from North Bristol Trust and other NHS organisations regarding samples required, appropriateness of tests, provision of results etc. 25. As relevant, notify senior staff of all problems encountered in the performance of duties. Professional 26. Be responsible for organising allocated work 27. Deputise for senior staff 28. Participate in staff appraisal / PDP according to Trust policies and procedures 29. Undertake further training 30. Undertake continued professional development 31. Be personally responsible for maintaining State Registration which is a requirement of employment at this grade 32. Work according to the regulations and codes of practice governing aspects of Health and Safety relevant to the department. Maintain a high level of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the section Job description Job responsibilities Scientific and Technical 1. Be competent to work on rotation in Cervical Cytology and Non-gynae Cytology sections of the laboratory 2. Participate in screening of cervical smears including the assessment of smear quality, providing recommendation for recall interval, reporting negative smears and referring abnormal and suspicious cases to appropriate Team Leader / Checker 3. Participate in Quality Control (rapid review) of screened slides 4. Participate in HPV testing and issuing results. 5. Participate in the reception and documentation of specimens for Cytology in accordance with laboratory policies and protocols 6. Participate in the entry of data to laboratory computer systems 7. Participate in specimen processing and the production cytology preparations for microscopic examination. 8. Prepare staining solutions and reagents and to assist in the maintenance of adequate stocks of reagents and consumables. 9. Ensure the efficient and safe use of consumables and equipment within the working area 10. Be responsible for the day to day maintenance and cleanliness of the equipment with which she/he is working 11. Work in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) developed for use in the dept. Participate in their development and review 12. Participate in record keeping processes, including maintenance records, electronic and paper based. 13. Participate in the production of reports and the maintenance of departmental records. QC, EQA, Clinical Governance 14. Participate in internal quality control procedures including taking responsibility for technical authorisation of work 15. Interpret and technically validate all routine and specialist tests 16. Assist in research and development projects 17. Assist in audit 18. Participate in internal and external quality control procedures 19. Participate in quality assurance procedures, and corrective actions 20. Participate in risk management of the department including error reporting and corrective actions Staff supervision 21. Assist in the supervision of trainee biomedical scientists and MLAs Staff Training 22. Participate in the training and teaching of trainee biomedical scientists, Cytoscreeners, newly qualified staff, MLAs and other healthcare professionals Communication 23. Ensure that the exchange of information is accurate at all times, through competent verbal and written skills. 24. Communicate with clinicians, laboratory and nursing staff from North Bristol Trust and other NHS organisations regarding samples required, appropriateness of tests, provision of results etc. 25. As relevant, notify senior staff of all problems encountered in the performance of duties. Professional 26. Be responsible for organising allocated work 27. Deputise for senior staff 28. Participate in staff appraisal / PDP according to Trust policies and procedures 29. Undertake further training 30. Undertake continued professional development 31. Be personally responsible for maintaining State Registration which is a requirement of employment at this grade 32. Work according to the regulations and codes of practice governing aspects of Health and Safety relevant to the department. Maintain a high level of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the section Person Specification Education/Qualification Essential HCPC registration BSC Hons in Biomedical Science Postgraduate level qualification in Cellular Pathology equivalent to Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences or MSc or equivalent experience Substantial experience post registration in an HCPC approved laboratory Desirable Management or supervisory qualification or training Knowledge and skills Essential Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal with ability to communicate complex and sensitive information Able to participate in development of new methods and policies Able to participate in staff training Possess good organisational skills Desirable Knowledge of departmental IT system Person Specification Education/Qualification Essential HCPC registration BSC Hons in Biomedical Science Postgraduate level qualification in Cellular Pathology equivalent to Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences or MSc or equivalent experience Substantial experience post registration in an HCPC approved laboratory Desirable Management or supervisory qualification or training Knowledge and skills Essential Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal with ability to communicate complex and sensitive information Able to participate in development of new methods and policies Able to participate in staff training Possess good organisational skills Desirable Knowledge of departmental IT system 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). 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 North Bristol NHS Trust Address Southmead Cytology lab, Southmead Hospital, Bristol BS10 5NB Bristol BS10 5NB Employer's website https://www.nbt.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)