Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Haematology and Blood Transfusion

Overview

The post holder will work as part of a team of Biomedical Scientists and Associate Practitioners to deliver a high-quality Pathology service 24/7 based on the effective use of the Quality Management System. They must be HCPC registered, hold an IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Haematology/Transfusion and have experience of all aspects of Blood Transfusion, Haematology, and Coagulation diagnostic testing, as well as blood component service provision and blood film morphology competence.

The aim of the Specialist Biomedical Scientist post is to assist senior staff with the effective flow of work across the laboratory and intervene where necessary to ensure that samples are processed in a timely manner. The post holder should demonstrate good judgement and common sense to resolve operational problems in the absence of senior staff and know when to seek support.

They deputise for Senior staff in their absence and commit to maintaining skills and knowledge through appropriate training and self-education to apply skills to the latest techniques and complex procedures.

• Hold and maintain professional registration with the Health Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist (BMS).
• Work autonomously within professional and managerial boundaries and verify and validate completed work.
• Maintain an efficient workflow through prioritisation, organisation, and problem solving.
• Undertake laboratory investigations appropriate to banding and competencies.
• Participate in all quality activities and attend departmental meetings regularly.
• Train/teach staff of all grades within the scope of their competencies.
• Comply with national standards (e.g., UKAS, MHRA) and lead new processes through change control.
• Deputise for senior BMS when required and carry out complex troubleshooting of equipment and results.
• Manage staff rosters and mentor/supervise staff undertaking their IBMS specialist portfolio.
• Investigate QA issues to successful resolution through the non-conformance process.
• Authorise Sickle Cell and Thalassemia screening results, in line with competencies, and escalate abnormal results to the Antenatal screening team.

• HCPC registration as Biomedical Scientist (BMS).
• IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Haematology/Transfusion (or equivalent).
• Experience of Blood Transfusion, Haematology, and Coagulation diagnostic testing, and blood component service provision, including blood film morphology competence.
• Ability to work within a 24/7 Pathology service and to use the Quality Management System effectively.

Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area. The organisation operates a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and is part of University Hospitals of Northamptonshire. Our Excellence Values are:
Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Integrity, and Courage. We are a Defence positive trust supporting reservists, veterans, spouses and partners. We are committed to recruiting from diverse communities and ensuring an inclusive and collaborative environment. We have active Networks to support colleagues from all backgrounds to promote a sense of belonging.

The post holder will be part of a team delivering a high-quality Pathology service 24/7 based on the Quality Management System, undertake laboratory investigations appropriate to their banding and competencies, participate in quality activities, and attend departmental meetings. The post holder will be required to train/teach staff of all grades, comply with national standards, lead change control for new processes, deputise for senior BMS, perform complex troubleshooting, manage rosters, mentor IBMS portfolio staff, investigate QA issues, and authorise screening results as described above.