Biomedical Scientist, Multiskilled - Ramsay Rivers Hospital

TDL has held the Pathology Services Contract for several private hospital groups across the UK since 2011. Our laboratories are based within the respective private hospitals, adopting a hub and spoke arrangement to service other hospitals and clinics within an appropriate geographical range. We support our clients' outpatient, surgical and oncology needs, with regular interaction with the hospital staff. The TDL Rivers Laboratory is based within the Ramsay Rivers Hospital in leafy Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, and supports local services and six other remote hospitals, two sites with additional blood transfusion. The laboratory is staffed 24/7 by a cohort of 15 staff, ranging from apprentices, MLAs, trainee BMSs, multi-skilled, Senior BMS and the Pathology Lead. Core hours are weekdays between 8am to 7pm, with participation of all staff to out of hours and weekend shifts at additional remuneration.

The laboratory receives samples and rotates blood stocks via an efficient network of couriers to and from the spoke hospital sites and refers tracked samples to the Halo Laboratory in London.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for a suitably experienced Multiskilled BMS (Nights) to join the team at the Rivers Laboratory. The requirement is for significant experience in one or all of these disciplines, with appropriate qualifications, and demonstrated responsibility and reliability in lone working. The role will require at minimum booking and processing of samples, IQC, EQA, troubleshooting, operational reporting, authorisation of results and reporting and investigation of incidents. All staff are required to participate in internal training and competency programmes, CPDs and local housekeeping activities like stock control / reagent ordering. For permanent night roles, regular scheduled rotation onto day shifts is mandated to ensure continued contact and communication with peers and senior staff for training and competency.

About us

At TDL we offer a variety of excellent staff benefits including:

• Training and development opportunities supporting professional development
• Annual salary review; salary and progression are aligned to our internal transparent pay structure
• Progression Plus, supporting career development and structured annual salary reviews
• Discounted gym membership; we have a corporate gym membership scheme with Better Gyms
• Cash healthcare plan; cash back on a variety of healthcare costs including dentist and opticians
• Sick Pay Entitlement; one month's full pay and one month's half pay after probation
• Permanent Health Insurance and Death in Service Cover
• Life Assurance providing salary continuation for long term illness
• Employee Assistance Programme supporting staff wellbeing
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme; interest free loan for the cost of annual travel ticket
• Perkbox; access to additional staff perks and benefits such as high street discounts
• Company Pension Scheme; company and staff contributions which increase with service
• Competitive annual leave allowance; 29 days
• Flexible working hours; we support and offer flexibility around shift patterns and working schedule

Job responsibilities

Overall Job Purpose: To help in the smooth and efficient running of a section within the Pathology Department to ensure safe, rapid, timely and accurate reporting of results. Investigation and analysis of samples by the application of techniques and testing that include: Haematology, Coagulation, Biochemistry and Blood Transfusion. The post holder will be required to work within any section of the department including core and unsocial hours as required.

Main Duties:

To include, but not be restricted to, the following duties:

• Participate in all areas of laboratory bench work, whilst adhering to standard operating procedures and participating in their regular review and update.
• Multidisciplinary working as required.
• Techniques and testing that include Haematology and morphology, Coagulation, Biochemistry and Immunoassays, and Blood Transfusion (grouping, antibody investigations and compatible unit and product issue).
• Communicate patients' results and answer enquiries from health care professionals providing information regarding appropriate investigations required and explanation of results, within departmental guidelines and professional code of conduct.
• Interpret clinical information and use scientific knowledge to process specimens for appropriate tests, seeking advice from senior staff and clinicians when necessary.
• Undertake specimen preparation and analysis for a range of sample types.
• Operate and maintain analytical equipment in the department.
• Evaluate and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.
• Interpret complex scientific data and enter test results on pathology computer system.
• Check reports for further action by clinical staff.
• Authorise reports as delegated within departmental policy.
• Replace stocks of consumables and reagents when required and inform the Section Leader if back-up stocks are low.
• Assist when required in the preparation of documentation for UKAS (ISO) accreditation.
• Able to solve complex problems within work area, but advise both clinicians and senior staff of any clinical and managerial issues.

Training and Education

• Multidisciplinary Training as required.
• Maintain own personal development and attend departmental meetings as required.
• Maintain registration with the HCPC, including a personal development portfolio as proof of competence to practice.
• Take an active interest in and keep abreast of developments in the discipline.
• Further develop junior colleagues by assisting in the training of MLA and BMS staff, and to undertake, complete, and sign off all competencies associated with these grades.

Person Specification

• Qualifications: Registration with HCPC as Biomedical Scientist, IBMS Accredited BSc (hons) Biomedical Science or equivalent, Participation in a relevant CPD Scheme e.g. IBMS.
• Experience: Theoretical and practical knowledge in discipline of pathology relevant to role. Previous experience in a relevant laboratory, and proficiency in techniques appropriate to the discipline.
• Skills and Abilities: Good organisational skills. Work accurately, neatly and efficiently. Attention to detail is very important. Work as part of a team. Keyboard skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite. Maintain patient confidentiality at all times. Work on own initiative. Communicate efficiently with other members of the laboratory in English - both verbally and in writing. Use of laboratory equipment relevant to the specialty. Demonstrate experience of working to a laboratory Quality Management System.
• Personal Qualities: Able to communicate effectively with people at all levels. Well presented and will abide by dress codes. Demonstrate professionalism and a customer-focused attitude. Calm under pressure. Punctual and reliable. Helpful, friendly and polite. Flexible and adaptable. Committed to the corporate quality objectives.

Depending on experience, up to £54,171.39 pa DOE inclusive of all allowances.