A Vacancy at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust.
Pathology provides a full microbiology, clinical biochemistry, immunology, haematology, blood transfusion, laboratory haemophilia, and cellular pathology service to the patients of EKUHFT, general practitioners, community healthcare and private hospitals in east Kent. Cellular pathology and mortuary services are based at William Harvey Hospital (WHH), Ashford, with cellular pathology (histology and cytology) exclusively centralised to WHH, including semen analysis. A satellite laboratory within dermatology at Kent and Canterbury Hospital (K&CH) is in operation once a week to support Mohs facial surgery at that location. Full mortuary facilities are also available at Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital (QEQM) in Margate, with additional body storage at K&CH.
Specific role requirement is to work in both the histology and cytology sections of the cellular pathology department, at WHH, as required and undertake duties to support Biomedical Scientists in the preparation and examination of biological samples.
Cellular Pathology services have been integrated across East Kent for several years. Laboratory services are based at the WHH, Ashford. We provide histopathology, non-gynaecological cytology and autopsy services to EKHUFT and general practitioners within the region.
Cellular pathology is known for its strong team spirit and open friendly culture. There is great emphasis on cross communication between the technical and diagnostic teams.
Cellular pathology as a whole, including mortuary staff, incorporates a team of 84 staff. From consultant pathologists, to assistant healthcare scientists. From consultant biomedical scientists reporting alongside the consultants, to admin support and clerical staff. The diversity of staff within the discipline is all incorporated into the management of the quality of service offered, with the aim of putting the patient first.
The cellular pathology service is UKAS accredited to ISO15189 standards and the mortuary service appropriately HTA accredited.
Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.
Please note that if you require a Certificate of Sponsorship to work in the UK you must declare this on your application form, even if you currently have a certificate of sponsorship or a work permit for another role and are already working in the country. Please note we are only able to sponsor candidates on a Skilled Worker Visa applying for roles Band 5 and above.
We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with three acute hospitals and community sites serving a local population of around 700,000. We also provide specialist services for Kent and Medway.
We care about our patients and our people. We are focused on providing outstanding, safe patient care, and a positive working culture that benefits staff and patients alike. With our emphasis on staff training and development, a staff support scheme that’s second to none, and a healthy package of benefits, it’s easy to put down roots in East Kent Hospitals.
· Allocate unique computer generated specimen numbers upon application of strict acceptance criteria stated in the relevant documented procedure. Identify inappropriately labelled request and/or specimens and report to supervisor.
· To accurately enter patient information onto the pathology database in a timely manner
· Assist in the macro dissection of tissue samples to enable pathologist to select diagnostic material.
· Apply good manual dexterity and eye hand coordination in the orientation and embedding of routine tissue samples and in the use of non-automated equipment such as the microtome.
· Produce high quality routine tissue sections
· Ensure unfinished or incomplete work is brought to the attention of the supervisor for reallocation.
· Apply the highest levels of specimen tracking, preparation to meet patient needs and Trust, Directorate and Departmental objectives
· Comment on proposed changes to policies and procedures in own work area as they are reviewed. Contribute to the review of standard operational procedures (SOP’s) for histology
· Take responsibility for the daily use, care and maintenance of basic and highly specialized equipment
· Report deficiencies of supplies in own work area to a supervisor
· Assist in the practical training of inexperienced MLA’s as and when directed by a supervisor
· Input on and retrieve data from the laboratory computer system. Compile spreadsheets for clinical multi-disciplinary meetings as directed by supervisor. Prepare slides and paperwork for multi-disciplinary meetings to ensure that all relevant material is available for the pathologists to conduct the meetings.
· Compile audit spreadsheets for quality audit meetings and retrieve relevant microscope slides and patient histories.
· Update slide filing for Cellular Pathology to maintain departmental archives.
· Retrieve microscope slides, tissue wax blocks and test request forms and related histopathology / cytopathology reports for the lead consultant within rigid time constraints. Contribute to the maintenance of the department slide and block archive
· Participate in equipment testing as directed by a supervisor
· Follow Trust, Directorate and Departmental policies and procedures
· Work under supervision
· Change and maintain reagents for slide staining as part of routine machine maintenance.
· Maintain supply of clean glassware and specimen pots to aid in the smooth running of the department
· Issue of stocks and supplies as requested to all departmental users.
· To perform all duties given under supervision of State Registered BMS’s and Associate Healthcare Scientists. All Laboratory procedures and practices are to be carried out in accordance with the appropriate Standard Operational Procedure and Health and Safety Guideline.
· To maintain laboratory policy for protective clothing to ensure personal safety.
· Follow Trust, Directorate and Departmental policies and procedures
· Participate in the Pathology Directorate individual performance or appraisal schemes
· Conduct oneself in a responsible manner at all times to ensure compliance with Trust Directorate and Departmental Health and Safety policies.
To undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and to work outside of core working hours (including weekends and Bank Holidays) as necessary
To work in high temperature areas as required whilst still maintaining Standard Operating Procedures and Health and Safety Guidelines.
To train in and participate in the preparation of diagnostic materials from non-gynae cytology samples when required.
This advert closes on Tuesday 16 Jul 2024