Specialist Biomedical Scientist (Haematology/Blood Transfusion) (Internal Only) in Barnstaple

To ensure provision of the scientific service commitment of the laboratory in line with Trust objectives and commensurate with grade and responsibilities. To provide a high-quality analytical, advisory and interpretive service to clinicians for the processing of pathological specimens in the specialty of Haematology and Blood Transfusion. To ensure departmental quality standards are maintained through adherence to standard operating procedures, implementation of quality control programmes and instrumentation maintenance and troubleshooting. To assist the department in the continual training of staff. Participate in the Departmental Out-of-Hours shift and on-call services as an autonomous practitioner. To provide support, education and troubleshooting for all equipment in use in the department. To contribute to the maintenance of quality standards by actively participating in audit and quality management activities. To play an active role in the coordination of all trial and development work carried out by the laboratory.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust provides core Healthcare services to a population of more than 615,000 people living in North, Mid and East Devon, and the surrounding area. The Trust also provides a range of specialist services, across the UK and Europe. The Trust has transfusion laboratories in the northern (Barnstaple) and eastern (Exeter) sites. The northern site is set in the midst of glorious Devon countryside and close to the northern coastline, with its stunning beaches. The city boasts excellent links by road and rail to the rest of the country, Europe and beyond, whilst being within easy reaches of picturesque Dartmoor and Exmoor scenery. The laboratory has strong links with the University of Exeter Medical School through the eastern site, providing a comprehensive Research and Development analytical service, both supporting trials and translating diagnostic research into clinical practice. The laboratory is at the forefront of some of the most exciting new research, particularly in the areas of diabetes and gastroenterology autoimmunity.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated person to join our team of dedicated professionals at the northern site in Barnstaple in the haematology and transfusion departments. The department is housed in a purpose-built laboratory and the successful candidate will be joining a busy but friendly team. We currently have Horiba Yumizens Full Blood Count analysers, Stago StarMax 2 Coagulation analysers, Immucor ECHO Blood Grouping analysers and a Sebia analyser for Haemoglobinopathy Screening. The Blood Sciences laboratories have accreditation by UKAS under ISO 15189 and MHRA compliance. We have electronic blood tracking vein to vein using the Haemonetics BloodTrack system. Our electronic patient record system (EPIC) works with the laboratory information management system (SafeTrace Tx) to provide an automated process for test, component and blood product orders and results. We are approved by the IBMS as a training laboratory for both the registration portfolio, leading to HCPC registration and specialist portfolios.

Candidates must be HCPC registered with a good level of technical competence and knowledge in Blood Transfusion and Haematology. Candidates are expected to hold an IBMS specialist portfolio in haematology and transfusion science, or demonstrate an equivalent UK recognised qualification and minimum 2 years level of experience and knowledge working in an NHS medical laboratory. The successful applicant will have experience of working as part of a laboratory team and will be highly organised. They will possess good keyboard skills, an excellent telephone manner and should be highly literate and numerate. Excellent communications skills are essential for this post. Following suitable training they will be required to partake in the 24/7 shift service.

Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week. Monday to Friday 09:00-17:30 with out of hours lone working during nights and weekends.

This is an internal vacancy for Royal Devon employees, therefore Bank workers are currently not eligible to apply for this vacancy. As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received. The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

About Us: Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC). Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

Our values are at the heart of everything we do. It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey. Looking after you is important to us. We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies. If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays. You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups. We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team. This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.

Salary is not the only financial benefit. You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:

• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter.
• Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
• Cycle to work scheme.

These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.