Biomedical Scientist Oxford, England
Job description
Biomedical Scientist Band 5 - John Radcliffe Hospital
A vacancy has arisen in the Cellular Pathology department. Applications are invited from enthusiastic, self-motivated people who are keen to further develop their career in histology.
The Cellular Pathology department provides a diagnostic service to the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and surrounding GPs. Additionally, it is a referral centre in the Thames Valley region. Cellular Pathology has two laboratories and covers all specialities except for neuropathology. The histopathology laboratory on the John Radcliffe site is fully digitised and supporting research into digital AI. The histopathology laboratory at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre specialises in bone and soft tissue tumours and is being digitised.
To be successful as a biomedical scientist it is essential that you hold professional registration as a Biomedical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), those applicants with an IBMS approved biomedical science degree may be considered for a trainee biomedical scientist role. All qualified staff are expected to undertake the specialist portfolio and on attainment will be eligible for progression to band 6 under Annex 20
Whilst the core hours of the department are 08:30 - 17:00 Monday to Friday, with an early shift starting at 07:00. There are flexible working opportunities.
As a biomedical scientist in Histopathology you will be involved in the preparation of tissue for microscopical analysis - tissue dissection (there is a biomedical scientist dissection team), embedding, microtomy, special stains, immunohistochemistry, frozen section work.
There is a well established training pathway for specialist diploma and we support all band 5 biomedical scientists to progress to specialist level and develop their team leading skills, once completed staff become specialist biomedical scientists / team leads at band 6. Further professional development is encouraged after the specialist portfolio - specimen dissection, teaching/training, quality management, management, Master's degree.
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trustis one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research. Find out more here www.ouh.nhs.uk
The Trust comprises four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.
Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community. We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence. These values put patients at the heart of what we do and underpin the quality healthcare we would like for ourselves or a member of our family. Watch how we set out to deliver compassionate excellence via the OUH YouTube channel.
PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES
The post holder will be expected to carry out the following duties according to the appropriate Standard Operating Procedures and ensuring Health and Safety guidance is followed:
Scientific and Clinical Responsibilities
- Analyses potentially infectious samples using a range of highly specialised laboratory procedures, by either manual or automated techniques, to produce results of a quality consistent with excellent patient care. Undertakes these duties in all areas of the Department.
- Ensures efficient use and maintenance of resources, is aware of stock levels and rotation, storage conditions, batch numbers and expiry dates, thus ensuring the viability of the reagents.
- Exercises own initiative and works in co-operation with other staff members to ensure that the workload is processed in a timely and efficient manner.
- Is fully conversant with departmental policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), within area of competence, ensuring that personal performance complies with United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) and other professional standards.
- Carries out troubleshooting and preventative maintenance on highly complex automated systems. Ensures appropriate records are kept and liaises with senior staff and service engineers where appropriate.
- Matches samples with request forms and inputs patient and test information into the laboratory computer system, requiring complete accuracy.
- Exercises individual skills through the observation and interpretation of clinical material or data.
- Practices in accordance with the professional, ethical and legal codes of the Health Professions Council and the Trust’s protocols and guidelines. Is accountable for own practice and maintenance of Registration status.
- Develops own skills, taking responsibility for Continuing Professional Development and performance.
- Complies with the requirements of internal and external/national quality assurance schemes.
- Demonstrates proficiency in the assessment, planning and prioritisation of tasks.
- Communicates effectively with other staff groups, both internal and external. To include healthcare professionals, patients and their representatives, external agencies, commercial suppliers, service engineers and visitors to the laboratory.
- Provides and receives complex scientific and clinical information to and from colleagues and service users. Is aware of barriers to understanding and is able to present information accordingly.
- Provides and receives sensitive information to and from patients and their representatives where empathic and re-assurance skills are required. May include notification of adverse events.
- Displays and maintains an appropriate level of IT skills.
- Assist in the completion and maintenance of records (electronic and printed) according to agreed protocols
- Assist in routine information gathering such as audits (internal and external) in accordance with policy and procedure
- Participate in the supervision and training of Trainee BMSs, support staff and clinical staff where required.
- Under guidance participate in the introduction and evaluation of new histological techniques as appropriate assisting in the maintenance of comprehensive records of trials via the appropriate mechanisms.
- Participate in any research in which the department may be involved.
- Works towards gaining competence and ability to work individually and unsupervised to a level required for lone working as required for ‘shift’ working and / or on call
- Works to ensure that performance targets and sample turnaround timesare met by continually assessing quality and priority of work.
- Has awareness of the requirements of Clinical Governance, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and local Health and Safety Policies, reporting problems, errors or breaches via the appropriate mechanisms.
- To attend regular appraisal in accordance with the Trust Policy.
- To maintain good work relations with all members of staff and to promote effective team working.
- To treat everyone associated with the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with courtesy and respect.
