We are proud to provide 'Outstanding' care and be a great place to work.
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust provides safe, compassionate and high quality hospital and community care to the half a million people living in East Sussex and those who visit our local area.
We are one of the largest organisations in East Sussex with an annual income of £568 million and we are the only integrated provider of acute and community care in Sussex.
Our extensive health services are provided by over 7,000 dedicated members of staff working from two acute hospitals in Hastings and Eastbourne, three community hospitals in Bexhill, Rye and Uckfield, over 100 community sites across East Sussex, and in people's own homes.
In 2020 the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated us as 'Good' overall, and 'Outstanding' for being Caring and Effective. The Conquest Hospital in Hastings and our Community Services were rated 'Outstanding' and Eastbourne DGH was rated 'Good'. Our two acute hospitals have Emergency Departments and provide 24 hour a day care, offering a comprehensive range of surgical, medical, outpatient and maternity services, supported by a full range of diagnostic and therapy services.
In the summer of 2020, the Trust launched its ambitious 'Building for our Future' (BFF) programme. This once in a lifetime programme aims to redevelop and expand our hospitals at Eastbourne, Hastings and Bexhill, transforming the environment in which we provide care for generations to come.
Job overview
(Currently shift working attracts short term recruitment and retention premia of £5K pro rata under review)
The Haematology Laboratory at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust is seeking a well-organised and highly motivated Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join our friendly and dedicated Haematology & Blood Transfusion team. Our services are based over two acute hospital sites at Conquest Hospital, Hastings and Eastbourne District General Hospital - you will be based at Conquest, Hastings although some cross-site working is required.
In return, the Trust is committed to the personal and professional development of its staff at all levels.
The Department is fully automated in its analytical platform for Blood Transfusion (Ortho Vision), Coagulation (Sysmex CN6000), Special Haematology (BioRad Variant II) and Haematology (Sysmex XN1000/2000), and uses the iLab/Apex Laboratory Information system. LIMS is due to be replaced in 2026 with Winpath Enterprise.
Full 24/ hour, 7 days a week acute services are operated at both acute hospital sites. Candidates will be required to participate in the full shift rota, covering weekdays, nights and weekends after suitable training and assessment.
Main duties of the job
Qualified Biomedical Scientists, who have HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist with a Specialist Portfolio in Haematology/Transfusion Science and/or suitable experience in Haematology/Blood Transfusion within an NHS setting, or within a laboratory with IBMS training approval, are encouraged to apply.
Staff currently established at AFC Band 5 level within a laboratory registered with the IBMS for training seeking promotion are welcome to apply. We have a proud record of successful training and development in our laboratories at both registration and specialist level and access to experienced training officers will be available to you.
You will be required to rotate through Haematology, Coagulation, and Blood Transfusion sections of the department. You must be keen to embrace new ways of working and develop your knowledge and skills. We are moving towards a Blood Sciences structure to take advantage of common skills across Haematology and Biochemistry whilst continuing to recognise specialist discipline requirements. Opportunities for cross-discipline training will be available as we progress this project.
Our laboratories are accredited to UKAS 15189 standards and we promote a quality approach to working with all staff contributing towards maintenance of the Quality Management System.
Working for our organisation
A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to nurseries at Conquest Hospital and Eastbourne District General Hospital, staff restaurants and on-site staff accommodation.
In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme which is available to staff 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Onsite parking is available for a small administration fee.
There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post holder will practise as an HCPC Registered BMS in Haematology/ Blood Transfusion mainly at Conquest Hospital. They will be required to work at Eastbourne District Hospital as service needs dictate.
They will work closely with the Biomedical Scientists Team Leaders to observe and implement the policies and procedures relevant to the role these include the Blood Transfusion Policy, the departmental Health & Safety Policy and Quality Policy.
The post holder must also comply with practices and procedures as dictated in the departmental Standard Operating Procedures.
Additionally, they will liaise with the Blood Sciences Lead and Deputy Leads, Senior Biomedical Scientists, the Training and Quality Leads and Clinical and Nursing staff to develop and integrate the services provided by the Team.
Participation in the 24/7 shift rota necessitates a flexible approach to working hours.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
* B.Sc (Hons) in Biomedical Science or equivalent.
* State Registration (Health Professionals Council)
* Post graduate specialist training evidenced by completion of IBMS portfolio or equivalent.
* Demonstrate knowledge and skills achieved through evidence of ongoing continuing professional development and attendance on educational and practical courses
Desirable criteria
* Familiar with Apex Computer System
* Familiar with automated analysers in Haematology and Blood Transfusion
* Familiar with manual techniques in Haematology and Blood Transfusion
Experience
Essential criteria
* Two years relevant laboratory experience, post HCPC registration
* Experience of working flexibly and within a team.
* Commitment to the ethos of a health care environment.
* Experience of accepting responsibility while recognising limits
Skills
Essential criteria
* Highly developed Haematology/Blood Bank skills and techniques.
* Good scientific numeracy skills.
* Good IT skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office
* Advanced haematological diagnostic techniques
* Good knowledge of health and safety legislation and procedures as applied in pathology
* Good knowledge of laboratory practice.
* Must be prepared to check all work performed
* Ability to work under pressure
* Good communication and interpersonal skills
* Working on own initiative and managing own workload (work planning with flexibility).
* Capable of working with minimum supervision
Patients come first at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.
Our vision is to be:
* The healthcare provider of first choice for the people of East Sussex.
Our mission is to:
* Deliver better health outcomes and an excellent experience for everyone we provide with healthcare services.
Our strategic objectives are to:
* Improve quality and clinical outcomes by ensuring that safe patient care is our highest priority.
* Play a leading role in local partnerships to meet the needs of our local population and improve and enhance patients' experiences.
* Use our resources efficiently and effectively for the benefit of our patients and their care to ensure our services are clinically, operationally and financially sustainable.
Our aims are that all services delivered by the Trust are:
* Safe
* Effective
* Caring
* Responsive and
* Well led
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Application numbers
This vacancy may close early if it receives a high number of applications. Please complete and submit your application in good time to avoid disappointment.
Documents to download
* Specialist BMS Haem B6 (PDF, 256.6KB)
* Guidance for Applicants - AFC (PDF, 152.4KB)
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