Biomedical Scientist in Northampton

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work as part of a team of Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners, and Clinical Scientists delivering a high-quality Pathology service 24/7 based on the effective use of the Quality Management System. The post holder will undertake laboratory investigations as appropriate to their banding and competencies. They will undertake their duties without direct supervision under the guidance of a Senior Biomedical Scientist. At other times the post holder will perform tasks without supervision and will evaluate situations and seek advice from senior members of staff if deemed appropriate. Commit to formally maintaining their skills and knowledge by appropriate training and self-education, thus allowing them to apply skills to the latest techniques and complex procedures. The post holder will take part in the 24/7 shift roster after initial training.

About us

Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.

Our Excellence Values

• Compassion
• Accountability
• Respect
• Integrity
• Courage

We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities. The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals. We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative. We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.

Job responsibilities

General Responsibilities

• To undertake laboratory investigations as appropriate to relevant banding and competencies. As well as carry out complex troubleshooting of equipment and results.
• Prepare specimens for analysis, including blood, urine, fluid and faeces.
• Participate in all quality activities and be expected to attend departmental meetings on a regular basis. Investigate QA issues to successful resolution through the non-conformance process.
• To train/teach staff of all grades within the scope of their competencies as well as undertake responsibilities to comply with national standards e.g. UKAS, MHRA.
• Follow standard operating procedures at all times and work within the limits of their practice.
• Perform biomedical investigations including automated and manual techniques.
• Prepare, store and use reagents according to manufacturers instructions.
• Maintain adequate supplies of reagents and consumables in line with the departments inventory management system.
• Take responsibility for own personal development and take an active part in learning opportunities.
• A portfolio must be maintained to demonstrate how the post holder is applying skills and knowledge in relation to their KSF outline.
• To record that the post holder is keeping up to date with current scientific and technical developments including participation in scientific meetings as appropriate.
• How the post holder is participating in post graduate continuing professional development to comply with the requirements of the Health Professions Council.
• Assist in the training and development of colleagues of any grade in the procedures for which the post holder is responsible.
• Attend an annual personal development review with their manager.
• Complete all mandatory and role specific training.

Service improvement

• Make suggestions how services can be improved for the users and propose service development improvements to the appropriate team manager.
• Maintaining a flexible approach to the post in order to rapidly assimilate changes in workload, patterns and requirements.
• Support other members of the team in implementing change.
• Participate in service evaluation.
• Participate in the introduction of new techniques and equipment into the department.

Communication

• Communicate in a manner that is consistent with legislation policies and procedures.
• Communicate effectively with all members of the Pathology staff, clinicians, and visitors to the department.
• Be aware of possible barriers to communication and how to overcome them. Deal sensitively with patient/ clinician enquiries in stressful situations.
• Ensure confidentiality of all written verbal and electronic information.
• Keep accurate and complete records in line with legislation, policies and procedures.
• Provide approved departmental information and advice to other healthcare professionals, patients and the public, referring on appropriate specialist request for information outside their area of responsibility.
• Be able to use all relevant forms of communication.
• Attend and participate in departmental meetings.
• Maintain and promote the professional image.

Quality Assurance and Monitoring

• Comply with good work practices in accordance with the standards of the departments Quality Management System, UKAS and any other accreditation, regulatory and legislative bodies.
• Store and use reagents according to manufacturer and laboratory procedures.
• Measure and monitor the accuracy and imprecision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.
• Recognise when quality control or assurance procedures indicate loss of performance of the laboratory instruments or methods and inform appropriate senior Biomedical Scientist staff.
• Work within limits of their own competence referring issues beyond those limits to a senior member of staff.
• Participate in audits as required by senior staff of the department.
• Refer to senior biomedical scientist staff in the case of incidents which put health and safety or the quality of specimens at risk.

Person Specification

• Understanding of analytical platforms.
• Understanding of IQC/EQA.
• Knowledge of Pathology and Biochemistry.
• Ability to interpret data.
• Understanding of quality indices.
• Information technology skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Aware of current NHS priorities and challenges facing Pathology.
• Understanding of quality standards.
• Experience in undertaking audits.

Skills

• Communication.
• IT Skills.
• Planning & organisational skills.
• Analytical skills.
• Experience of a Laboratory IT system.

Education, Training and Qualifications

• IBMS approved degree in Biomedical Science.
• HCPC registration.
• 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.

£31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum / pro rata.