Biomedical Scientist (Haematology & Blood Transfusion) in Eastbourne

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Biomedical Scientist (Haematology & Blood Transfusion)

NHS AfC: Band 5

Main area Haematology/Blood Transfusion Grade NHS AfC: Band 5 Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week (contractual 24/7 shift working required on completion of relevant local competencies) Job ref 374-EDCG8626

Site Eastbourne DGH Town Eastbourne Salary £32,073 - £39,043 per annum, pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 09/10/2026 23:59

We are proud to provide ‘Outstanding’ care and be a great place to work.

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust provides safe, compassionate and high quality hospital and community care to the half a million people living in East Sussex and those who visit our local area.

We are one of the largest organisations in East Sussex with an annual income of £700 million and we are the only integrated provider of acute and community care in Sussex.

Our extensive health services are provided by over 8,000+ dedicated members of staff working from two acute hospitals in Hastings and Eastbourne, three community hospitals in Bexhill, Rye and Uckfield, over 100 community sites across East Sussex, and in people’s own homes.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated us as ‘Good’ overall, and ‘Outstanding’ for being Caring and Effective. The Conquest Hospital in Hastings and our Community Services were rated ‘Outstanding’ and Eastbourne DGH was rated ‘Good’ Our two acute hospitals have Emergency Departments and provide 24 hour a day care, offering a comprehensive range of surgical, medical, outpatient and maternity services, supported by a full range of diagnostic and therapy services.

Job overview

(Currently shift working attracts short term recruitment and retention premia of £5K pro rata under review)

The Haematology Laboratory at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust is seeking a well-organised and highly motivated Biomedical Scientist to join our friendly and dedicated Haematology & Blood Transfusion team. Our services are based over two acute hospital sites at Conquest Hospital, Hastings and Eastbourne District General Hospital - you will be based at Eastbourne District General Hospital, although some cross-site working is required.

In return, the Trust is committed to the personal and professional development of its staff at all levels.

The Department is fully automated in its analytical platform for Blood Transfusion (Ortho Vision), Coagulation (Sysmex CN6000), Special Haematology (BioRad Variant II) and Haematology (Sysmex XN1000/2000), and uses the iLab/Apex Laboratory Information system. LIMS is due to be replaced in 2027 with Winpath Enterprise.

Full 24/ hour, 7 days a week acute services are operated at both acute hospital sites. Candidates will be required to participate in the full shift rota, covering weekdays, nights and weekends after suitable training and assessment.

Previous applicants need not apply

Main duties of the job

Qualified Biomedical Scientists, who have (or are close to achieving) HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist with experience in Haematology/Transfusion Science within an NHS setting, or within a laboratory with IBMS training approval, are encouraged to apply.

We have a proud record of successful training and development in our laboratories at both registration and specialist level and access to experienced training officers will be available to you.

You will be required to rotate through Haematology, Coagulation, and Blood Transfusion sections of the department. You must be keen to embrace new ways of working and develop your knowledge and skills. We are moving towards a Blood Sciences structure to take advantage of common skills across Haematology and Biochemistry whilst continuing to recognise specialist discipline requirements. Opportunities for cross-discipline training will be available as we progress this project.

Our laboratories are accredited to UKAS 15189 standards and we promote a quality approach to working with all staff contributing towards maintenance of the Quality Management System.

Working for our organisation

A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation.

In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.

Statement on the Use of AI

We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective.

Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.

We encourage applicants to take the time thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will practise as an HCPC Registered BMS in Haematology/ Blood Transfusion mainly at Eastbourne District General Hospital. They will be required to work at Conquest Hospital as service needs dictate.

They will work closely with the Biomedical Scientists Team Leaders to observe and implement the policies and procedures relevant to the role these include the Blood Transfusion Policy, the departmental Health & Safety Policy and Quality Policy.

The post holder must also comply with practices and procedures as dictated in the departmental Standard Operating Procedures.

Additionally, they will liaise with the Blood Sciences Lead and Deputy Leads, Senior Biomedical Scientists, the Training and Quality Leads and Clinical and Nursing staff to develop and integrate the services provided by the Team.

Participation in the 24/7 shift rota necessitates a flexible approach to working hours.

Person specification

Qualifications

• B.Sc (Hons) in Biomedical Science or equivalent.
• State Registration (Health Professionals Council)
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills achieved through evidence of ongoing continuing professional development and attendance on educational and practical courses
• Familiar with Apex Computer System
• Familiar with automated analysers in Haematology and Blood Transfusion
• Familiar with manual techniques in Haematology and Blood Transfusion

Experience

• Evidence of completing local learning contracts alongside registration
• Experience of working flexibly and within a team.
• Commitment to the ethos of a health care environment.
• Experience of accepting responsibility while recognising limits

Skills

• Haematology/Blood Bank skills and techniques.
• Good scientific numeracy skills.
• Good IT skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of haematological diagnostic techniques
• Good knowledge of health and safety legislation and procedures as applied in pathology
• Good knowledge of laboratory practice.
• Must be prepared to check all work performed
• Ability to work under pressure
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Working on own initiative and managing own workload (work planning with flexibility).
• Capable of working with minimum supervision

Patients come first at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.

Our vision is to be:

• The healthcare provider of first choice for the people of East Sussex.

Our mission is to:

• Deliver better health outcomes and an excellent experience for everyone we provide with healthcare services.

Our strategic objectives are to:

• Improve quality and clinical outcomes by ensuring that safe patient care is our highest priority.
• Play a leading role in local partnerships to meet the needs of our local population and improve and enhance patients’ experiences.
• Use our resources efficiently and effectively for the benefit of our patients and their care to ensure our services are clinically, operationally and financially sustainable.

Our aims are that all services delivered by the Trust are:

• Safe
• Effective
• Caring
• Responsive and
• Well led

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Name Marie Dixon

Job title Deputy Blood Sciences Lead (Haematology)

Email address marie.dixon3@nhs.net

Telephone number 03001314500

Additional information ext no. 774406