Job overview
The post holder will be a practicing Healthcare Scientist Associate (HCSA) with specialist knowledge in Blood Sciences Discipline (Haematology/Clinical Biochemistry). Post holder will work under supervision of Healthcare Professionals Council (HCPC) registered Biomedical Scientist (BMS), utilising knowledge and skills gained through foundation degree or equivalent.
·Managing telephone enquiries from service users.
·Issue results via telephone, including obtaining results from reference laboratories on referred work, as directed by senior biomedical scientists.
·Knowledge of laboratory operation, dealing with unloading and loading of samples on laboratory equipment and centrifugation of samples.
·Wide knowledge of codes and tests carried out in laboratory.
·To assist in maintaining the departmental quality management system, under the guidance of senior members of staff.
·Contribute to changes to laboratory documentation, as deemed necessary, and have responsibility for documenting and implementing these changes in Blood Sciences Discipline (Haematology/ Clinical Biochemistry).
Main duties of the job
PROFESSIONAL ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
·To work to approved standards, standard operating procedures, and protocols, in a safe and efficient manner so that all work is performed efficiently, accurately and on time.
·To receive large volumes of samples, examine the electronic and paper requests, accurately select test profiles according to specimen type, collection conditions and clinical details and transfer specimen/request data from request forms into the laboratory computer system.
·To participate in the pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical processing of specimens.
·To perform range of manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations, in a safe, efficient and timely manner, following standard operating procedures. This may include initial preparation, accurate pipetting of very small volumes (<5 µL) of fluid, or fine manipulation of laboratory equipment or performing time critical procedures.
·To prepare and pack samples for dispatch to other laboratories ensuring packaging meets current regulations.
·To be aware of the policies and guidelines surrounding tests to be performed and know when to refer to specialist biomedical scientist.
·Responsible for stock management in the department for all sections, including receipt of goods, rotation of stock, maintenance of records, and informing the biomedical scientists of any short-dated products and short supplies so they can be ordered.
·Responsible for orderly filing of all documents in the department in accordance with the departmental policy and procedure for retention and storage of records.
·To ensure the reagents are prepared, stored and used in the manner suitable for patient investigation.
·To assist the BMS in maintaining the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using appropriate maintenance and troubleshooting of analysers, quality control procedures as defined in scope of practice. To inform HCPC registered BMS of any unresolvable poor performance issues as they arise.
·To assist in the evaluation of new methodologies and laboratory technology and participate in research and development projects as required by the Laboratory Manager.
·To ensure compliance with good working practices those fulfil all relevant mandatory and statutory requirements.
·To undertake general laboratory house-keeping as specified in the SOPs and monitoring of the temperature of refrigerators, freezers and incubators.
·To assist in the co-ordination of the work of laboratory support staff and trainee Biomedical Scientists as required by Senior Laboratory staff.
·To participate in 24/7 shift system for support staff as required by the laboratory manager to ensure efficient delivery of Blood Sciences (Haematology/Clinical Biochemistry) service to all users.
·Other tasks as deemed necessary by the Laboratory Managers those are commensurate with grade and status.
ACOUNTABILITY
·Ensure maintenance of CPD folder and awareness of scientific and technical developments applicable to own role.
·To be responsible for own workload, within department to ensure compliance with agreed turn-around-times for reporting of results.
·To report to an appropriate senior member of staff when there is a situation which may cause a service delivery failure (e.g. equipment failure).
·To take responsibility to report all clinical and non-clinical accidents or incidents promptly and, when requested to senior members of staff, to co-operate with any investigation undertaken.
·To maintain a professional image of oneself and the department whenever representing the department or receiving visitors into the department.
COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
·To participate regularly in appropriate departmental staff meetings, team briefings, or any briefing/ consultation arrangements within the department.
·To liaise with all colleagues including the other site in MTW, to ensure efficient stock management.
·To maintain good work relations with all members of staff and to promote effective teamwork.
·To treat everyone associated with Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust with courtesy and respect.
·Effectively communicate and liaise with all colleagues including senior managers in the department and users of the service on one to one or at more formal meetings
·Liaise with other Pathology departments (both internal and external), and other service users regarding non-analytical problems with samples.
·To communicate with clinical and scientific colleagues regarding investigations required, whenever required, utilising various modes of communication.
·To act as a representative for Haematology/ Clinical Biochemistry/ Blood Sciences, and/or Pathology, as required by the Laboratory Manager.
PLANNING AND ORGANISATIONAL
·The post holder will be required to plan their own workflow within the restrictions of the departmental requirements.
·To plan and co-ordinate training of staff working in their section, as required by senior members of the team.
·To represent Haematology/ Clinical Biochemistry/ Blood Sciences in Pathology, in Division of Diagnostics & Clinical Support Services, across the Trust and where appropriate externally, as and whenever directed by Laboratory Manager.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR POLICY/SERVICE DEVELOPMENT, CLINICAL GOVERNANCE & QUALITY
·Identify opportunities for innovative changes/ service developments, and quality improvement, and actively lead on implementing agreed changes, under the direction of laboratory manager.
·To assist in maintaining the departmental quality management system, under the guidance of senior members of staff.
·To take part in performing audits and other quality assurance-related activities as required by the Senior members of staff, adopting the ‘Best Practice’ principles in line with UKAS standards and other relevant regulations and guidelines.
·To participate in administration of National External Quality Assessment Schemes (NEQAS) schemes and assist Biomedical Scientists in performance of NEQAS in Blood Sciences.
MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
·To undertake appraisals of departments Band 2 and Band 3 staff, and their personal development plans.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
·Assist in the research and development activities in the laboratory in liaison with the Trust R&D department.
·Help in co-ordinating research and technical development within Blood Sciences as required by the Laboratory Manager.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
·To be aware of and understand the application of relevant health & safety regulations and guidelines.
·To ensure individual compliance of departmental safety rules and to ensure that adequate safety standards are maintained in the section where they are working.
·To ensure that workplace and work sections are kept clean, and optimally organized and maintained in accordance with agreed Health and Safety policies in the laboratory.
·To take appropriate action if there is a spillage of body fluids or hazardous chemicals in order to minimise the risk to staff and the public.
·To bring to the attention of the Health and Safety Lead/Officer any laboratory practices or equipment which appear unsafe.
Working for our organisation
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey.
We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Looking for flexible working?
We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
to hear what our staff say.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
1. At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
2. Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits
3. Blue Light card eligibility
4. And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We’ve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service Check at Standard Level.
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications. Please note this role may close earlier than the original closing date so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
5. Minimum of 5 CGSE’s including English Language, Mathematics and a science subject
6. NVQ level 3 or A Levels
Desirable criteria
7. Higher qualification e.g. ordinary science degree, foundation degree
Experience/Knowledge
Essential criteria
8. Proven ability to organise workload
9. Working as a member of a team
Desirable criteria
10. Previous laboratory experience
Skills
Essential criteria
11. Good Communication Skills
12. Basic use of Microsoft Word and Excel
13. Knowledge of relevant guidelines
14. Health & Safety legislation and procedures