Specialist Biomedical Scientist

At North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, our main priority is, and always will be, providing safe and high quality care to our patients every day; the kind of care we would want for ourselves and our loved ones.

If you share our passion then apply for this opportunity and help us make our patients\’ experience the best it can possibly be.

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital-based services to the population of Hartlepool, Stockton on Tees and parts of East Durham and Sedgefield as well as community, therapeutic and screening to a wider population across Durham and Teesside.

Job overview

*Advert will close early once sufficient volume of applications is reached*

The pathology departments at NTH and STH are working collaboratively to develop a joint service with services being delivered on both hospital sites. This will require cross site working as appropriate.

An opportunity has arisen for a well-motivated and enthusiastic HCPC Registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join our team in the Biochemistry Department at University Hospital of North Tees. The department provides a comprehensive and high quality service to the acute hospital and General Practitioners in the Stockton, Hartlepool and East Durham areas.

Although the IBMS specialist diploma is a requirement , applications will be welcome from those within 3 months of completion of the qualification.

You will be required to work as part of a team to undertake a full range of Biochemistry tests and will assist the department in maintaining UKAS accreditation.

Good communications skills, teamwork and an aptitude for problem solving are essential, as is a flexible attitude to work and willingness to adapt to changes in working practice.

You will be required to fully participate in a working pattern allowing the laboratory to process specimens 24 hours a day, providing a 7 days a week service.

The Department has UKAS accreditation and IBMS training approval and encourages continues professional development.

Main duties of the job

Under the direction of the Biochemistry Management, the post holder will be required to perform the routine day to day operations within the Biochemistry department, rotating between all sections within the speciality following approved methodologies and procedures. To assist in the training and development of Trainee Biomedical Scientists, Medical Laboratory Assistants and other staff grades according to departmental policy. It is expected that the post holder will have a considerable degree of autonomy and will be able to work unsupervised for significant periods.

Working for our organisation

At North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust our main priority is, and always will be, to provide safe and high quality care to our patients every day; the kind of care we would want for ourselves and our loved ones. We want our organisation to be the best place to work with the right staff, in the right roles, at the right time, to ensure we deliver exceptional patient care and experience.

We will support staff through providing an inclusive and supportive workplace with health and well-being initiatives, staff benefits and opportunities for personal and professional development. Staff recognition is very important to us; as well as performance reviews and appraisals, we recognise staff through Star and Team of the month, colleague recognition – a note of thanks, Managers Awards, Shining Stars and Service Awards.

We recruit for values and \”Together we are North Tees & Hartlepool\”

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Job Purpose

Under the direction of the Biochemistry Management, the post holder will be required to perform the routine day to day operations within the Biochemistry department, rotating between all sections within the speciality following approved methodologies and procedures. To assist in the training and development of Trainee Biomedical Scientists, Medical Laboratory Assistants and other staff grades according to departmental policy. It is expected that the post holder will have a considerable degree of autonomy and will be able to work unsupervised for significant periods.

1. Key Result Areas

Human Resource Management

• In conjunction with line manager produce a personal development plan, ensuring goals are linked to business objectives, identify training requirements and attend mandatory and other training as required
• Assist in the training of Biomedical Scientists and Clinical Support Workers
• Tackle discrimination and harassment and promote equality and diversity in the workplace
• Demonstrate commitment to IWL principles and flexible working patterns to meet the needs of the service and needs of staff
• Take responsibility for the supervision, training and coaching of more junior staff when required
• Maintain ongoing Professional Portfolio and update professional development plan undertaking courses and CPD activities to satisfy HCPC CPD requirements.
• Reduce Sickness absence; work place accidents; and promote zero tolerance on violence against staff
• Take responsibility for personal development and education and the development of a Personal Development Plan

Quality Management and Clinical Governance

• Assist with the production, maintenance and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures using the Q-Pulse Quality Management System
• Perform risk assessments, COSHH assessments and incident reporting (In Phase/Datix)
• Perform audit as directed by Senior BMS
• To promote lean working to ensure a safe, tidy, efficient workplace and to advise on improvements in own area completing quality improvement notes if appropriate
• Ensure accuracy of patient data recorded in the laboratory computer system
• Undertake quality control procedures and examine results to identify poor performance instigating appropriate action
• Participate in laboratory departmental staff and quality meetings providing information as requested by Scientific/Operational Leads
• To comply with all statutory and departmental safety regulations to reduce work place accidents
• Be aware of and adhere to trust policies including those related to discipline, grievance, attendance management, and health and safety.
• Maintain standards of laboratory policies and procedures to ensure that the department meets ISO 15189 standards.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory and legislative requirements including patient confidentiality and the Data Protection Act

Scientific and Diagnostic

• Participate in allocated work rotas, carrying out laboratory techniques in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.
• Perform maintenance procedures and advanced troubleshooting on highly complex equipment requiring high levels of concentration and record all procedures undertaken
• Prioritise workflows so that timely and accurate results are produced in order to achieve a high standard of diagnostic work which will contribute to optimal patient care
• Monitor quality control to ensure accurate results, taking appropriate remedial action.
• Participate in the critical evaluation of new equipment / procedures and investigate poorly performing laboratory methods reporting findings to the line manager
• To perform good stock control ensuring resources are used efficiently and order new stock in accordance with Trust Standing Financial Orders
• In conjunction with senior BMS / Manager notify equipment / general building / fitting failures to the estates & facilities department

Training and Education

• To undertake a mentoring role for relevant staff especially in the completion of registration and specialist portfolios
• To deliver training in new equipment and methodologies
• To deliver presentations to laboratory staff to fulfil CPD requirements
• Maintain up to date knowledge in area of expertise and to share this knowledge with other staff

Departmental specific

• Participate in the 24-hr shift rota including overnight, weekend, extended working day and Bank Holidays.
• To maintain an up to date knowledge base of methods in use within Biochemistry and to be aware of scientific and technological advances within the department.
• To be responsible for the validation and release of normal and abnormal laboratory results for the clinical care of patients according to protocols agreed with the Clinical Head of Department.
• Recognise potential problems with sample and quality control results through result patterns and take appropriate corrective action.
• Be the named person for at least one area of the department (specific duties supported by an addendum to this job description)
• Ensure all records, evaluations and data are recorded and maintained in compliance with standards set by UKAS.

1. Financial

• Ensure efficient use of equipment and reagents to maintain an accurate, cost effective service.

1. Control of Infection

To be aware of, and comply with, all Trust infection prevention and control policies, to include hand hygiene, personal hygiene, environmental and food hygiene.

To undertake annual training/updates in infection prevention and control.

1. Communication and Working Relationships

• Liaise with all members of the laboratory team and across the Pathology Directorate
• Communication of patients` results to service users including acute trust and primary care trust staff.
• Maintain regular communication with Departmental Manager and Senior Biomedical Scientists in relation to training and work-related matters.
• Participate in laboratory meetings to ensure effective dissemination of information and discussion of problems relating to area of expertise.
• Providing training as required to laboratory staff in area of expertise.
• Treating all colleagues and laboratory users with courtesy and respect at all times as stated in Trust Personal Responsibility Framework.

1. The most challenging part of the job

• To maintain the agreed quality of personal performance within the discipline with specific reference to accuracy of specimen handling, analytical performance, data transcription and throughput of work.
• Prioritising work to ensure timely, accurate results for all laboratory users

1. Disclosure and Barring Check

This post is NOT deemed to require a Disclosure and Barring Check

Further information on the Disclosure and Barring Service is available from https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service

This job description is intended as a guide to the duties and responsibilities of the post and should not be regarded as a complete list of those required to be fulfilled under the \’written statement of the main terms and conditions of employment\’.

The contents may be amended from time to time subject to developing service needs although such amendment would occur following appropriate consultation with the post-holder.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• HCPC registration
• IBMS Specialist portfolio

Desirable criteria

• MSc Biomedical Science
• Leadership qualification

Experience

Essential criteria

• Minimum of 2 years\’ experience post registration working in a Clinical Blood Transfusion and Haematology Laboratory.
• Out of Hours Shift experience.
• Experience of training staff

Desirable criteria

• Lead role in a specialist area of blood Transfusion or Haematology

Skills

Essential criteria

• Able to communicate and maintain good relations with all levels of staff
• Willing to attend courses and conferences to keep up to date and disseminate knowledge

Desirable criteria

• Negotiation and problem solving skills
• Familiar with principles of LEAN

Skills

Essential criteria

• Excellent interpersonal skills

Desirable criteria

• Calm when under pressure
• Positive attitude
• Focused on best interests of patients

Please be aware: Once sufficient applications have been received this vacancy may close early.

Disclosure and Barring Checks (DBS)

It is the policy of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, that all successful candidates who are new to the Trust who require DBS clearance for the post they have been offered, are required to pay the cost for their DBS certificate. The method of payment for this is via salary deduction from your first month\’s pay on commencement with the Trust. The DBs check will be undertaken during the pre-employment check screening.

Qualifications
Please note the essential qualifications required for the post are outlined within the Person Specification. You are required to provide original evidence of the necessary qualifications for the post at interview should you be shortlisted. You will also be required to provide original copies as part of the pre-employment check screening.

New Starters – Probationary Period

For any new employees commencing employment with North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, you will be subject to satisfactory completion of a 6 month probationary period. Please note that internal applications and individuals that are appointed to fixed term appointments of less than 6 months duration are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or a bank member of staff).

Employment References

As part of our pre-employment screening process, all applicants are required to provide references covering their last three years employment history including any gaps. Applicants are requested to ensure e-mail addresses for all referees are included on their application form. Personal references are not acceptable.

Working Hours

If the hours advertised for the post are up to full time (37.5 hours per week), applications are still welcomed from individuals who may be seeking to work less than full-time hours and all requests will be considered in line with the post being appointed to for the successful applicant.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The details in the Monitoring Information section of your application will be used for monitoring our recruitment process and will not be seen by the interview panel. The information you give will be treated in the strictest confidence. To meet its commitment to promoting equality of opportunity, the Trust\’s policy is that individuals will be recruited, trained and promoted according to ability and job requirements only. As such we welcome your application irrespective of your gender, race, disability, colour, ethnic or national origin, and nationality, and marital status, responsibility for dependants, religion, trade union activity and age.

Right to Work in the UK

The Trust welcomes applications from all candidates who meet the criteria for the role. Please note that from January 2021, to work in the UK all candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) nationals require sponsorship unless they have permission to work via another route. Non UK/RoI candidates wishing to apply can self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship here: Work in the UK – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Please provide full and accurate details of your current immigration status on the application form. Your current immigration status will not be considered as part of the shortlisting or interview process.

Please note that not everyone needs a \’Skilled Worker\’ visa. If you are applying for health or adult social care, you may be eligible to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa instead.

We are able to offer sponsorship for a Health and Care Worker or Skilled Worker visa, subject to candidate and position eligibility. Please review the job eligibility guidance for skilled workers here:Skilled Worker visa: Your job – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

and for the Health and Care Worker visa here: Skilled Worker visa: eligible healthcare and education jobs – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Please note: if the job you are applying for does not meet the eligibility criteria above, we will be unable to offer you sponsorship and you will need to explore whether you may be eligible to apply for an alternative immigration route which will secure your right to work in the UK before you apply. If you are in the UK already on a visa, please ensure you have no restrictions that would prevent you from taking this post.

Disability

The Trust gives full and fair consideration to applications for employment received from disabled people. We are a \”Positive about Disabled People\” employer, and we hold the \’two ticks\’ Disability Symbol, which is a recognition given by Jobcentre Plus to employers who have agreed to meet five commitments regarding the recruitment, employment, retention and career development of disabled people. If you have a disability, which makes it difficult for you to complete our application form, please do not hesitate to contact the recruitment team on 01642 383200.

Armed Forces Covenant

As a supporter of the Armed Forces and an employer of Reservists, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust are proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, which is a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or who have served in the UK Armed Forces (and their families) are treated fairly.

We recognise that reservists and veterans bring a variety of transferable skills and qualities to our workplace, developed through their military careers. Our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces Community has been recognised through the Armed Forces Covenant as a Silver Employer.

Further Important Information

Please check your email on a regular basis for updates on your application. If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be invited to email via this method.

Please ensure you read the \’Guidance Notes for Applicants\’ document attached to this advert before completing and submitting your application.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

Documents to download

• Job Description / Personal Specification (PDF, 932.6KB)
• Staff Network Job Advert Feb 2025 (PDF, 428.4KB)
• NTHFT Employment and Application Information (PDF, 594.1KB)
• NTHFT Customer Care Charter Overview (PDF, 155.8KB)
• Privacy Notice (PDF, 717.8KB)

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