About this role
## Job summary
We are delighted to invite applications for a Biomedical Support Worker to join the Microbiology team at Bedford Hospital. This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a forward-thinking service that uses modern, state-of-the-art technology to deliver high-quality diagnostic services.
Our laboratory provides a wide range of microbiology investigations for patients across Luton and Bedford and is proud to be UKAS accredited to ISO 15189:2022 and an IBMS-approved training laboratory.
The role offers a varied and rewarding workload, with opportunities to take on responsibility and develop your skills within a supportive and collaborative team. Training, learning, and career progression are central to our approach, and we are committed to helping our staff reach their full potential.
If you are motivated, curious, and passionate about developing a career in microbiology, we would love to hear from you. Join our team and play an important role in delivering high-quality diagnostic services that make a real difference to patients every day.
### Main duties of the job
Specific service and departmental responsibilities, accountabilities, and objectives are detailed within the Role Descriptor document, which accompanies this generic Biomedical Support Worker job description.
The post holder will support the day-to-day operation of the service and undertake a range of appropriate technical duties as required.
Working under the direction of Biomedical Scientists and senior laboratory staff, the post holder will contribute to the delivery of a high-quality, efficient, and effective service within the framework of the Quality Management System (QMS).
The post holder will be required to adhere to all relevant policies, procedures, and protocols, ensuring compliance with current UKAS standards, applicable national and European legislation, and discipline-specific regulatory requirements.
Where required, the post holder may also support the induction, training, and development of other laboratory support staff.
### About us
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.
*Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.*
## Job description
### Job responsibilities
The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and responsibilities.
To assist BMS and laboratory senior BMS in the implementation and delivery of a cohesive service.
To follow the quality policy for the department including the agreed quality objectives.
To follow the UKAS standards for the department using the Pathology Quality Management System as established, to fulfil the quality circles and audit inherent to the ISO 15189 standards of compliance.
To assist in actions required as determined, to resolve nonconformities that are recorded by internal and/or external audits and/or complaints.
To follow the Standard Operating Procedures [SOP] for the department utilising the Document Management Module of the Q-Pulse system.
## Person Specification
### Education
#### Essential
* GCSE's or equivalent in Science or Science related subject * GCSE's or equivalent in English Language
#### Desirable
* A Levels of equivalent in Science or Science related subject * BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
### Experience
#### Essential
* Excellent timekeeping abilities * Ability to quickly grasp new skills and apply them * Flexible and adaptable * Ability to manage own workload
#### Desirable
* Experience within Microbiology * Experience using LIMS (WinPath Enterprise) * Some experience of a Hospital laboratory environment
### Skills
#### Essential
* Standard keyboard skills * Excellent inter-personal skills * Ability to tolerate exposure to highly unpleasant substances and infectious substances * Personal integrity * Flexible approach
#### Desirable
* Data entry skills
### Knowledge
#### Essential
* Fundamental laboratory practice including H&S * Specimen preparation
### 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.
### Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the [UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab)](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. [Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants).
## Employer details
### Employer name
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
### Address
Bedford Hospital South Wing
Kempston Road
Bedford
MK42 9DJ
United Kingdom
### Employer's website
[https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)](https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/)
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