Biomedical Scientist Haematology/Blood Transfusion
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the NHS East and South East London Pathology Partnerships (ESEL) Haematology Department. We are looking to appoint an experienced Haematology and Blood Transfusion Biomedical Scientist with a positive attitude to working in a flexible manner, strong team player and committed to meeting the needs of our patients by participating in a 24-hour Agenda for Change shift system.
The successful candidate will be primarily based at Queen Elizabeth Hospital site (QEH) but may be expected to cover and support other ESEL sites depending on service demand. The ESEL partnership consists of the following hub and spoke sites: Royal London Hospital (hub), St Bartholomews Hospital, Whipps Cross University Hospital, Newham University Hospital, Homerton Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital (Woolwich) and University Hospital Lewisham.
Main duties of the job
To carry out / supervise technical and scientific work in a section of the laboratory under the direction of Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientist. Flexible hours including weekend and bank holiday working will be required within the minimum 37.5 hours per week in accordance with Agenda for Change (AfC) Terms and Conditions. The post holder will undertake technical and scientific work under the direction of appointed line manager and training leads. The post holder must be able to demonstrate proficiency and competence in designated work area to an agreed expertise level. The post holder must be conversant with the technologies and methodologies specific to the core and specialist sections. The post holder is required to rotate through the various sections of the laboratory and work at different laboratories networked within the ESEL Pathology Partnership. The post holder must participate in the AfC hybrid (day & night) or permanent night shift patterns. Where staff work the latter, hours of work will fluctuate per week as per roster pattern and will attract enhancements. Where the post holder is employed on the Annex 21 contract, they will be sponsored to attain the IBMS Specialist Diploma (Haematology & Blood Transfusion). Advancement to the Specialist Biomedical Scientist (Full Band 6) role is conditional on the verified attainment of the IBMS Specialist Diploma within a designated 2-year time frame.
About us
Between 2021 and 2024 the Partnership undertook a complex transformation programme to establish a single network of laboratories, underpinned by a single Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and single Quality Management System (QMS).
The Partnership has a main hub laboratory at the Royal London Hospital and Essential Service Laboratories (ESL) as a minimum at the six other hospital sites served by the Partnership. The Partnership has three operational divisions: Blood Sciences including Haematology, Blood Transfusion and Biochemistry; Microbiology and Virology; Cellular Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics. The 2024/25 total operating costs across the Partnership were c. £121m per annum with a workforce establishment of circa. 860 WTE. We strive to live by our WeCare values and are committed to promoting inclusion, where every staff member has a sense of belonging. We value our differences and fully advocate, cultivate and support an inclusive working environment. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are underrepresented within the Pathology Partnership and Barts Health at this band.
Job responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents, please view the attachment/s below.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* BSc. Biomedical Science or equivalent
* Holder of the IBMS Certificate of Competence, Registration Portfolio.
* Evidence of continuous professional development.
* Registered as a Biomedical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council
Experience
* At least 3 years post HCPC registration diagnostic experience in Haematology & Blood Transfusion.
* Experience with a computerised laboratory information system.
* Previous experience working in a large medical laboratory.
* Experience of working as a team
* Experience of a variety of diagnostic techniques in Haematology.
* Experienced using the following named IT systems o WinPath Enterprise (Clinisys). o Q-Pulse
* Demonstrate ability to use own initiative when dealing with patients/staff to solve problems
Knowledge
* Advanced scientific knowledge for relevant discipline
* Detailed understanding of UKAS, Quality Management Systems
* Good understanding of Health & Safety Legislation
* Good understanding of Governance Requirements.
* Detailed knowledge of MHRA legislation
* Knowledge of Quality Management System and can demonstrate participation in obligatory activities
Skills
* Competent in basic laboratory techniques and troubleshooting
* Good time management.
* Working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet packages
* Ability to analyse, interpret, and present routine data/results/concepts.
* Able to communicate effectively (written and verbal).
* Polite, helpful and confident manner.
Other
* Able to work as part of a team.
* Able to perform required duties with any appropriate aids or adaptations
* Respects confidentiality.
* Hold no reservations in handling human body fluids, tissue, organs, or infected material in accordance with Health & Safety policies.
* The post holder must be willing to have appropriate vaccinations
* Previous NHS experience.
* Good interpersonal skills.
* Adaptable and flexible.
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.
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Stadium Road, Woolwich
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Stadium Road, Woolwich
J-18808-Ljbffr