About this role
Job summary
PLEASE NOTE - THIS VACANCY IS ONLY OPEN TO KENT AND MEDWAY PATHOLOGY NETWORK STAFF (I.E. THOSE EMPLOYED BY THE FOLLOWING NHS TRUST'S - DARTFORD AND GRAVESHAM, EAST KENT, MAIDSTONE AND TUNBRDIGE WELLS, MEDWAY MARITIME HOSPITAL). ANY APPLICATIONS RECEIVED FROM CANDIDATES WHO ARE NOT EMPLOYED BY THE NETWORK WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
Applications are invited for the post of Healthcare Science Specialist Band 5
We are looking for well-motivated individuals with experience of working in an NHS pathology laboratory (or equivalent) to join our busy Biochemistry Department.
In partnership with Beckman Coulter UK (BCUK) our newly designed and refurbished pathology laboratory houses a range of equipment including Beckman Coulter AU5800, DxI 9000 analysers and DxA 5000 track. We also provide measurement of HbA1c on our Tosoh analysers, electrophoresis samples using Sebia analysers and other esoteric tests.
This position will not be supported for visa sponsorship. All applicants are expected to have valid right to work document to work in the UK when applying for this position.
Please note, this post may close earlier than the given closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
Main duties of the job
Applicants must be fully qualified and registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Biomedical Scientists specialising in Biochemistry and must hold an accredited Degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent.
Successful applicants will be expected to participate in an ongoing quality programme to maintain compliance with the United Kingdom Accreditation Standards (UKAS).
The successful applicant will be expected to fully participate in a 24/7 shift system in accordance with Agenda for Change (AfC) terms and conditions at both sites as required.
Working days and or shift patterns will be agreed by the line manager to meet the needs of the service.
About us
We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.
We are dedicated to using our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach as our shared organisation model of change to enhance our services and ensure excellence in patient care.
If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.
Job description Job responsibilities
Technical Responsibilities:
Perform tests and assays on all samples as necessary, according to established protocols and required standards.
Prioritise samples for processing and results for issuing and to clinically validate and release results.
Follow all protocols regarding the escalation of abnormal results
Achieve departmental quality objectives by maintaining test turnaround times and ensuring samples are dealt with in a timely manner
Have a basic knowledge and understanding of protein electrophoresis
Ensure that documentation e.g. patient records and manual testing worksheets are maintained to both local and Trust standards (including electronic records).
Service and maintain all specialist equipment according to manufacturers instructions and good laboratory practice.
Carry out basic analyser trouble shooting
Deal with telephone and personal enquiries, referring to the relevant department as appropriate.
Accurately maintain records e.g. quality audit reports and performance reports.
Assist with the maintenance of UKAS 15189 accreditation (CPA accreditation).
Support stock management including assisting in receipt of stock, monitor reagents and consumables, ensure efficient use of consumables and notify shortages to senior staff.
Ensure that clinical waste is not allowed to accumulate in the department.
Notify the Healthcare Scientists about safety issues or concerns within the Department.
Undertake appropriate tasks, new techniques or other developmental activities as required by the Healthcare Scientists.
Participate in audits, where required.
Please see attached job description for further information.
Person Specification
Education and Training Essential
Honours degree in biomedical science from one of the UK education centres accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) State registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) specifically as a Biomedical Scientist, Clinical Biochemistry Evidence of CPD
Knowledge and Skills Essential
Basic knowledge and understanding of protein electrophoresis Knowledge of theory and analytical techniques in Biochemistry Knowledge of current trends in Biochemistry Ability to work unsupervised in all sections of the Biochemistry Department Methodical and able to organise own workload Good written and verbal communication skills
Desirable
Knowledge and understanding of more complicated Biochemistry
Experience Essential
Basic understanding and experience in Biochemistry
Desirable
Recent experience within a UK based hospital
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
Address Darent Valley Hospital
Darenth Wood Road
Dartford
DA2 8DA
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.dgt.nhs.uk/working-for-us (Opens in a new tab)