Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic and talented scientist to join the Histopathology team at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT). This is a permanent post and will join the existing senior team.
Based in modern laboratories on the Royal Blackburn Hospital site, the department comprises a consultant-led team providing a comprehensive diagnostic service comprising histology and non-gynae cytology to both the Trust and primary care.
The department uses mainly Leica tissue processors, microtomes and stainers, plus Benchmark Ultra IHC processors. The department uses the Vantage system for case tracking and Q-pulse Quality Management software.
The department receives cases from varied clinical specialties including Urology, Breast, Head & Neck, Dermatology, Upper and Lower GI and Hepatobiliary.
We are looking for an experienced and innovative scientist who will become an important member of the senior team within the department. The role will be full time, 37.5 hours per week Mon-Fri.
For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Craig Rogers, Lead BMS, Histopathology on 01254 732438
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will lead on one or more sections of the laboratory (e.g. Quality, IHC/Molecular, Training, Dissection) - to be discussed at interview.
The role includes managing the day to day aspects of those sections (and the wider service), to ensure that the needs of service users and performance targets are consistently met.
The role will provide first line management for Biomedical Scientists and Healthcare Science Support Workers.
The role will ensure that the requirements of ISO 15189 are met and UKAS accreditation is successfully maintained.
The post holder will actively participate in departmental management and quality meetings
Working for our organisation
We are involved in two major projects across Lancashire & South Cumbria to implement a regional LIMS and whole slide imaging Digital Pathology. These projects are already in progress and the post holder will be given the opportunity to be involved in the transformation of histopathology and new ways of working across the region.
Training and developing staff is a key enabler to achieving the Trust's goals. We are an IBMS approved training laboratory.
We are committed to recruiting the best person for the job, based solely on their ability and individual merit as measured against the criteria for the role; through a process that is fair, open, consistent and free from bias and discrimination.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
* To demonstrate politeness, courtesy and sensitivity in dealing with patients/clients, visitors/relatives and colleagues, maintaining good customer / client relations.
* Participate in organisational development plans to transform the department to meet the needs of the future; this will include upholding ELHT shared values.
* To demonstrate constructive and cooperative communication skills that avoid conflict arising between the parties involved.
* To liaise internally with key clinical staff e.g. Consultant medical staff, clinical lead nurses, non-clinical staff and their managers, and operational management staff.
* To represent Cellular Pathology for issues relating to their particular areas of responsibility, this may involve working with outside agencies and partners.
* Foster the development of teamwork and good communication within Cellular Pathology.
* To participate in local management meetings decision making and policy implementation.
* Assist the Lead BMS and Directorate Manager to ensure complaints are responded to, preparing preliminary findings and initial drafts; undertake investigation and route cause analysis.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
* HCPC registration
* FIBMS, appropriate MSc or equivalent experience at Band 7 level
Desirable criteria
* Willingness to undertake further training/qualifications suitable for the role
Experience
Essential criteria
* Knowledge & experience of Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Quality Management Systems and Quality Improvement methodology
* Knowledge and experience of UKAS accreditation and regulatory standards i.e. ISO 15189
* Experience of training and competency assessment of laboratory staff.
* Knowledge and experience of Health and Safety legislation
Desirable criteria
* Experience of Q-Pulse
Skills
Essential criteria
* Extensive knowledge of Cellular Pathology techniques and equipment.
* Excellent interpersonal & communication skills