Overview
This is a new position due to retirement and reorganisation of existing job plans. The successful applicant will work closely with the laboratory, infection control and clinical paediatric infectious diseases colleagues (NHS and academic) both within the Trust and outside, to provide high quality infection services to our specialist patient population. We are looking for an enthusiastic Clinical Scientist to join us as we develop our Paediatric Infection Service. The successful applicant will be Head of Department for Microbiology if appointed at band 8d, playing a key role supporting and developing the existing service. We are keen that potential applicants can develop their special interests and fulfil their personal goals as a consultant at Alder Hey. Further microbiology links with neighbouring Trusts may also be possible depending on the background and interests of the successful candidate.
Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Key Responsibilities
* To clinically authorise results generated by the laboratory microbiology team, assess data quality, add interpretative comments, suggest further investigations and ensure prompt communication of urgent results where appropriate.
* To work, in close collaboration with the infectious diseases team, to provide clinical guidance and scientific advice to medical and nursing staff on the selection, performance and interpretation of clinically relevant tests to facilitate diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and understanding of disease in children.
* To work with the infectious diseases team to support the clinical liaison service and resolve highly complex clinical problems as they arise. To attend and participate in clinical MDT meetings, advising on the selection, availability and interpretation of microbiological tests.
* To ensure maintenance of and participate in a rota that provides clinical authorisation of results out-of-hours, including weekends.
* To ensure that validated reference ranges, interpretative comments, and protocols for paediatric microbiological investigations are available at a standard as outlined within UKAS ISO15189.
* To undertake clinical audits of service effectiveness and instigate appropriate changes to service; contribute to audit in other medical specialties and organisations outside the Trust, nationally and locally.
* Management (Head of Department):
o Provide the Clinical Microbiology Service to nationally agreed standards (e.g., UKAS ISO15189 or equivalent).
o Procure major equipment and select appropriate methodologies; recruit and manage staff within the department; manage budgets and establish service planning.
o Ensure investigation and reporting of clinical incidents and complaints in line with Trust policies; chair regular staff meetings and maintain laboratory security and facilities.
o Participate in the Laboratory Medicine senior management team for strategic planning; lead on selection and evaluation of new analytical equipment; support UKAS accreditation maintenance.
o Maximise income generation for the Microbiology service; develop links with commercial sectors for new technologies.
* To contribute to Trust advisory bodies as required.
Clinical, Scientific and Development Focus
* Maintain up-to-date specialist expertise in paediatric microbiology and ensure knowledge is shared with laboratory staff.
* Provide leadership on quality assurance and adopt new diagnostic technologies as needs arise (including emerging molecular techniques).
* Contribute to research activities and clinical trials within the laboratory; coordinate lab methods development and implementation; advise on design of clinical research projects involving microbiological tests.
* Coordinate, implement and evaluate laboratory methods; supervise MSc projects and provide teaching to healthcare professionals.
* Manage liaison with other laboratories, clinical teams, nursing and community staff regarding all aspects of the Clinical Microbiology service.
* Communicate clinically important microbiology results to clinicians with interpretation and advice as appropriate.
Training, Quality and Safety
* Induct and oversee scientific, technical and clinical training of all laboratory staff; provide training to clinical staff in relevant in-vitro diagnostic equipment.
* Lead on quality assurance, Quality Management System maintenance for UKAS accreditation, and development of policies and procedures aligned with UKAS ISO15189.
* Maintain internal quality control and external quality assessment; manage audits to improve service provision.
* Oversee Health and Safety policies within the department and ensure adherence to Trust regulations.
Additional Information
The Department of Microbiology at Alder Hey provides routine and 24-hour emergency services for in-patient and out-patient requests. In-house testing covers routine bacteriology, mycology and parasitology; rapid virology testing for COVID-19, respiratory and CSF samples is available, with other tests referred to Liverpool Clinical Laboratories as appropriate.
We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds. A brand-new award-winning hospital was opened in 2015; the trust serves as a major teaching hospital and tertiary referral centre with around 240 beds and extensive training programs.
Requirements
* Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath) and HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist in Clinical Microbiology. Candidates actively working towards RCPath Part 2 will be considered.
* Ability to lead, develop and deliver high-quality clinical microbiology services, with experience in paediatric settings preferred.
About the Trust
Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust is committed to safeguarding, equal opportunity and diversity, and operates a Zero Tolerance policy to aggression, violence, bullying and harassment. We offer flexible working, lease car and home electronics schemes, generous annual leave and pension, and extensive staff wellbeing programs.
Application Process
We reserve the right to close vacancies without notice when a sufficient number of applications have been received. Please apply promptly. Check your email regularly for updates on shortlisted candidates. Details of contact and recruitment support are provided in the original listing.
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