Overview
Section Lead Healthcare Scientist- Cut-up and Specimen Reception – Join to apply for the Section Lead Healthcare Scientist- Cut-up and Specimen Reception role at University Hospital Southampton NHS FT.
Job Overview: University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. Please see below for detailed job description of the role.
Main duties of the job
Cellular Pathology invites applications for the post of Section Lead Healthcare Scientist- Cut-up and Specimen Reception to join their friendly, forward-thinking team within a busy and continually developing department. This post carries responsibility for supporting the full range of services and therefore opportunity to rotate and work in several areas within Cellular Pathology. Applicants are expected to have excellent technical knowledge and experience in histological techniques, and preferably a Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology.
This post is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and suitably experienced individual to contribute to a rapidly developing service. The post also presents an opportunity for personal development, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is actively supported. The laboratory is IBMS approved for training and education and is UKAS accredited.
What you’ll do
The main responsibilities include:
* Oversee the receipt, and preparation of histopathology specimens, ensuring compliance with chain-of-custody, consent, and specimen integrity protocols, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality service that meets the needs of the patients and service users.
* Prioritise and organise daily workflow in specimen reception, referrals and cut up areas.
* Advise clinical and laboratory colleagues on specimen collection, transport, and suitability for analysis.
* Interpret clinical request forms, applying judgement to determine urgency and appropriate handling.
* Process specimens for diagnostic purposes in accordance with laboratory protocols.
* Assess specimen and data quality, resolving routine issues and escalating complex problems to senior staff.
Quality & Safety
* Ensure all work complies with ISO 15189, HTA, and Trust safety requirements.
* Participate in departmental audits, EQA, IQC, and quality improvement initiatives.
* Report incidents, non-conformances, and near-misses, suggesting corrective and preventive actions.
* Handle biological, chemical, and potentially hazardous materials safely, following COSHH, HTA, and infection control procedures.
Training & Supervision
* Deliver induction and competency-based training for staff and students in cut-up and specimen reception.
* Monitor and assess competence, maintaining training records and escalating concerns where appropriate.
* Provide effective handover and communication between shifts.
IT & Data Management
* Oversee the accurate entry of specimen and patient data into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
* Maintain working knowledge of LIMS, remote monitoring, and quality management software.
Service & Professional Development
* Maintain HCPC registration and evidence of CPD.
* Participate in R&D, method validation, and service development projects as directed.
* Contribute to the implementation of new technology and procedures in the section.
Person specification
Trust Values
Essential criteria
* Patient First
* Always Improving
* Working Together
Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience
Essential criteria
* HCPC approved Biomedical Science degree (BSc) or other HCPC approved degree/top ups
* HCPC registered
* Evidence of current CPD activities
* Significant previous experience in a medical laboratory
* IBMS specialist portfolio (in relevant discipline) or equivalent
Desirable criteria
* IT competency (hospital IT systems, Outlook, Microsoft)
* Experience in a large acute hospital laboratory
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
* Industries: Hospitals and Health Care
Note: This description is for refinement purposes. Some content present in the original has been reorganized for clarity and to remove non-essential boilerplate.
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