Job summary The LIMS Technical Analyst provides operational and application support for Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) across pathology services. This role focuses on ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of LIMS applications, supporting users, and contributing to the implementation and maintenance of IT systems in line with departmental needs. 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. Main duties of the job 1.Provide day-to-day support for LIMS applications, ensuring that the systems function effectively to meet user needs. Monitor and maintain system performance, addressing issues under supervision. Application Support 2. Assist in monitoring system utilisation and performance, reporting any issues to the Pathology IT team and recommending actions to improve system efficiency. 3. Support the testing and validation of new system developments and enhancements, ensuring that all changes are documented and meet the required standards. 4. Assist in promoting standardised practices across all disciplines using the LIMS applications to ensure consistent and efficient system use. 5. Contribute to the implementation of system changes and enhancements, following established change management processes and ensuring minimal disruption to services. 6. Participate in the Pathology IT out of hours rota to provide 24/7 first line help Operational Support 7. Monitor system performance and work with the IT team to ensure optimal performance for all users. 8. Assist in maintaining a helpline for users to report issues, ensuring that all problems are logged and resolved in a timely manner. 9. Inform users of any maintenance or support activities that may affect their ability to access applications, minimizing the impact on service quality. About us St George's, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey. Our sites include St George's Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC). After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000-strong workforce. Date posted 05 November 2024 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £44,806 to £53,134 a year p.a. pro rata inclusive of HCAS (Inner) Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number SWLP-6738810-STG-713133-DK Job locations St George's University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Blackshaw Road London SW17 0QT Job description Job responsibilities 1. To ensure the ongoing resilient delivery of pathology information management commitments by providing both application and operational support, working within their scope of competence. 2. To ensure operational integration across all IM&T applications in use across SWL Pathology. 3. To ensure data is managed according to statutory requirements such as the Data Protection and Freedom of Information Acts. 4. To support the Head of IT in ensuring that the Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and all other Pathology related applications in use across SWL Pathology remain fit for purpose and meet the needs of users in the clinical setting. This includes all laboratory and related information elements of the Trust Electronic Patient Record (EPR) and the many other ordering and results reporting systems that are integrated with the LIMS. This includes inter-operability with Point of Care Testing solutions). 5. To liaise and work with key service stakeholders including those at the partner Trusts and end users of the service including GPs and other third parties. 6. To provide day to day management of the SWL Pathology IM&T systems ensuring availability, integrity and responsiveness. 7. The post holder must be able to demonstrate proficiency and competence in all of the technical areas into which they input. In addition, they must be conversant with the technologies and methodologies specific to the various sections across all of Pathology. 8.The post holder must act as a technology champion; working with staff across all disciplines on embracing technological changes and ensuring these are implemented in a safe manner. 9.Considering current technologies, best practice and functional service requirements, the post holder will contribute to the delivery of the strategic Pathology IT solution to enable the highest quality service provision to patients that use the services of SWL Pathology, irrespective of their location. This will require the post holder to maintain a good working relationship with both internal and external end users, not only supporting current services but developing and promoting service enhancements and improvements. Job description Job responsibilities 1. To ensure the ongoing resilient delivery of pathology information management commitments by providing both application and operational support, working within their scope of competence. 2. To ensure operational integration across all IM&T applications in use across SWL Pathology. 3. To ensure data is managed according to statutory requirements such as the Data Protection and Freedom of Information Acts. 4. To support the Head of IT in ensuring that the Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and all other Pathology related applications in use across SWL Pathology remain fit for purpose and meet the needs of users in the clinical setting. This includes all laboratory and related information elements of the Trust Electronic Patient Record (EPR) and the many other ordering and results reporting systems that are integrated with the LIMS. This includes inter-operability with Point of Care Testing solutions). 5. To liaise and work with key service stakeholders including those at the partner Trusts and end users of the service including GPs and other third parties. 6. To provide day to day management of the SWL Pathology IM&T systems ensuring availability, integrity and responsiveness. 7. The post holder must be able to demonstrate proficiency and competence in all of the technical areas into which they input. In addition, they must be conversant with the technologies and methodologies specific to the various sections across all of Pathology. 8.The post holder must act as a technology champion; working with staff across all disciplines on embracing technological changes and ensuring these are implemented in a safe manner. 9.Considering current technologies, best practice and functional service requirements, the post holder will contribute to the delivery of the strategic Pathology IT solution to enable the highest quality service provision to patients that use the services of SWL Pathology, irrespective of their location. This will require the post holder to maintain a good working relationship with both internal and external end users, not only supporting current services but developing and promoting service enhancements and improvements. Person Specification Qualifications and Training Essential BSc. in Information Technology or equivalent Qualification Evidence of participation in mandatory courses and CPD Desirable MSc. Biomedical Science or Equivalent Registration with Health Care and professional Council Management qualification Project Management qualification (Prince2; APMP) Knowledge and Experience Essential Familiar with desktop applications and communication protocols such as TCP/IP Experience of pathology IT applications and networked applications - Specifically order communications and resulting Experience in using Dedalus Apex/Clinysis Winpath/ Cerner Pathnet Experience of using Sunquest or Indigo4 TQuest/Review Experience of pathology reporting solutions Experience of large-scale IT and change projects Extensive knowledge and experience of information provision of a large complex pathology service, its' application and use Desirable Post registration experience in at least one pathology discipline Knowledge & experience of hub/spoke operating models Experience of LIMS upgrade/roll out Experience of writing IT Business continuity/disaster recovery plans Skills and Abilities Essential Competent in complex lab IT systems and related interfaces Good understanding of the various component parts of a pathology IT service In depth understanding of how LIMS and associated systems support the needs of a pathology service Ability to analyse, interpret and present complex data/results/concepts Advanced IT skills including spread sheets and databases Able to communicate effectively with staff (written and verbal) Able to effectively communicate technical IT principles to junior staff Ability to think strategically, coping with a wide range of complex issues Ability to engage and communicate with key stakeholders ensuring buy-in Desirable Strong influencing and indirect management skills Change management skills Database management skills Report building and development skills Team building skills Other relevant requirements Essential Reliable, responsible, organised individual Self motivated and self managing Able to work across teams Excellent communication and presentation skills Capable of intense periods of concentration Able to perform light physical work Desirable Awareness of developments in healthcare IT Person Specification Qualifications and Training Essential BSc. in Information Technology or equivalent Qualification Evidence of participation in mandatory courses and CPD Desirable MSc. Biomedical Science or Equivalent Registration with Health Care and professional Council Management qualification Project Management qualification (Prince2; APMP) Knowledge and Experience Essential Familiar with desktop applications and communication protocols such as TCP/IP Experience of pathology IT applications and networked applications - Specifically order communications and resulting Experience in using Dedalus Apex/Clinysis Winpath/ Cerner Pathnet Experience of using Sunquest or Indigo4 TQuest/Review Experience of pathology reporting solutions Experience of large-scale IT and change projects Extensive knowledge and experience of information provision of a large complex pathology service, its' application and use Desirable Post registration experience in at least one pathology discipline Knowledge & experience of hub/spoke operating models Experience of LIMS upgrade/roll out Experience of writing IT Business continuity/disaster recovery plans Skills and Abilities Essential Competent in complex lab IT systems and related interfaces Good understanding of the various component parts of a pathology IT service In depth understanding of how LIMS and associated systems support the needs of a pathology service Ability to analyse, interpret and present complex data/results/concepts Advanced IT skills including spread sheets and databases Able to communicate effectively with staff (written and verbal) Able to effectively communicate technical IT principles to junior staff Ability to think strategically, coping with a wide range of complex issues Ability to engage and communicate with key stakeholders ensuring buy-in Desirable Strong influencing and indirect management skills Change management skills Database management skills Report building and development skills Team building skills Other relevant requirements Essential Reliable, responsible, organised individual Self motivated and self managing Able to work across teams Excellent communication and presentation skills Capable of intense periods of concentration Able to perform light physical work Desirable Awareness of developments in healthcare IT 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 St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Address St George's University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Blackshaw Road London SW17 0QT Employer's website https://www.stgeorges.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)