Go back Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Specialist Biomedical Scientist
The closing date is 03 September 2025
This role is an opportunity for an experienced Biomedical Scientist to join the Great Western Hospitals Haematology and Blood transfusion section within the Blood Sciences department as a fixed-term maternity cover position.
The post holder will join a team of dedicated professionals working to deliver high quality test results and excellent care to patients across Swindon and the surrounding area. The Great Western Hospitals Blood Science department handles over 6 million test requests per year and offers a large repertoire of tests for our patients.
The post holder will be expected to work at a competence level equivalent to the Institute of Biomedical Scientists Specialist Portfolio in Haematology or Blood Transfusion and contribute to the effective running of the department by performing and interpreting a range of scientific procedures on biological specimens using highly complex equipment.The laboratory operates a quality management system (QMS) which all staff members engage with to ensure all processes are followed according to SOPs and documented according to the departmental policies.
Senior Biomedical Scientists support this role and other BMS roles in the department.
There is a requirement for out of hours shift cover, including lates, nights and weekend shifts. This is distributed to all staff via a rota.An MSc in biomedical sciences or laboratory haematology or similar may be an advantage.
Main duties of the job
To act as a State Registered Biomedical Scientist (BMS) who provides a comprehensive range of scientific and diagnostic services throughout the Haematology and Blood Transfusion department.
To perform automated and manual laboratory procedures of varying complexity in accordance with Standard operating procedures (SOPs).
To contribute to the departmental out-of-hours shift rota and have a flexible approach to hours of employment, according to individual contract.
To liaise with a wide range of staff groups, both internal and external to the department.
About us
Our STAR values - Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect - are a golden thread running through everything we do. These values serve as a guiding principle, driving us towards our vision of delivering great joined up services to our local community. Whether at home, in the community, or within the hospital, our goal is to empower individuals to lead independent and healthier lives.
Job responsibilities
Scientific and Clinical Responsibilities
* Analyses of potentially infectious samples using a range of highly specialised laboratory procedures to produce results of a quality consistent with excellent patient care.
* Ensures efficient use and maintenance of resources, is aware of stock levels and rotation, storage conditions, batch numbers and expiry dates, ensuring viability of reagents used.
* Exercises own initiative and works in co-operation with other staff members to ensure that the workload s processed in a timely and efficient manner.
* Is fully conversant with departmental policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) ensuring that personal performance complies with ISO 15189 and other professional standards.
* Carries out troubleshooting and preventative maintenance in highly complex automated system, ensures appropriate records are kept and liaises with service engineers where appropriate.
* Matches samples with request forms and inputs patient and test information into the laboratory computer system, requiring completed accuracy.
Analytical and interpretive skills
* Exercises individual skills through the observation and interpretation of clinical material or data.
* Completes the work process by the validation and verification of results and report generation. This involves the interpretation of clinical data and requires in-depth theoretical knowledge.
Role Responsibilities
* Practices in accordance with the professional, ethical and legal codes of Health and Care Professionals Council and the Trust's protocols and guidelines. Is accountable for own practice and maintenance of State Registration status.
* Develops own skills, taking responsibility for Continual Professional Development (CPD) and performance.
* Complies with requirements of internal and external/national quality assurance schemes.
* Demonstrates proficiency in the assessment, planning and prioritisation of tasks.
* Communicates effectively with other staff groups, both internal and external, to include healthcare professionals, patients and their representatives, external agencies, commercial suppliers, service engineers and visitors to the laboratory.
* Provides and receives complex scientific information to and from colleagues and service users. Is aware of barriers to understanding and is able to present information accordingly.
* Provides and receives sensitive information to an from patients and their representatives where empathic and re-assurance skills are required. Mau include notification of adverse events.
* Displays and maintains a working knowledge of laboratory IT systems.
Teaching and Training
* Participates in the supervision and training of Trainee BMSs, support staff and clinical staff where required.
Person Specification
Education, Qualifications, Training
* HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist
* Specialist portfolio in Haematology or Blood Transfusion
* Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences or related subject (or equivalent)
* Health and Safety training
* Quality management training
Experience
* Experience working and communicating as part of a diverse team
* Experience working in a clinical laboratory in haematology or blood transfusion
* Extensive experience working within an NHS laboratory environment
* Experience managing staff
* Experience working within a quality team or with quality related tasks
* Experience of the GWH Haematology workflow processes
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.
Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
£38,682 to £46,580 a yearCurrently offered with RRP 5% additional uplift.
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