Senior Medical Scientist

Job Title: Senior Medical Scientist Haematology

Grade: Senior Medical Scientist

Department: Haematology

Report to: Chief Medical scientist.

Responsible to: Laboratory Manager, Consultant Haematologist

Responsibilities & Accountabilities (in no particular order of priority)

Main purpose of the job

The post holder, in co-operation with the Consultant Haematologist and the Laboratory Manager, participates in:

· Assist in the planning, organising and co-ordinating of the Haematology Laboratory service in accordance with the mission, vision, values and strategic plan of the organisation.

· Ensuring the delivery of a high quality service to the patient that is adherent to and compliant with all applicable standards and statutes.

· Assist in training and leading a team of skilled staff and creating and promoting healthy working relationships.

· Assist in identifying and implementing operational procedures up to “best practice” standard in order to optimise use of resources.

· Assist in the implementation of a quality management programme which is patient centred and which measures and audits performance and client satisfaction.

Principal duties and responsibilities

Service Delivery

• Perform scientific work to the highest standards, as determined by the Pathology Management Team
• Lead and co-ordinate scientific staff within the Haematology laboratory in cooperation with the Chief Medical Scientist, Laboratory Manager and Consultant Haematologist
• Arrange for the timely and proper processing of all specimens received in the laboratory ensuring the delivery of a high quality pathology service in an efficient and cost effective manner.
• Participate in the authorisation and release of results in a timely manner by the Medical Scientists working in Haematology in accordance with agreed policies.
• Participate in provision of appropriate advice and result interpretation in accordance with agreed policies.
• Participate if required in the Departmental ‘on-call’ rota.
• Co-operate with the relevant staff in developing and leading the introduction of new ideas, work practices and technologies according to Hospital policy.
• Participate as required in the registration and custody of Laboratory stocks in accordance with policy.
• Co-operate with the relevant staff in developing and leading the introduction of new ideas, work practices and technologies according to Hospital policy. .
• Receive and record details concerning mishaps, complaints and defects in supplies and equipment, investigate the circumstances as required, and report findings to laboratory management
• Ensure that policy in relation to the retention and control of quality and process records is followed.
• Co-operate as required with medical and scientific staff in evaluating drugs, equipment, consumable items and research projects.
• Facilitate and participate with medical and scientific staff in evaluating drugs, equipment, consumable items and research projects.
• Facilitate arrangements, where appropriate, to introduce professional visitors to the laboratory.
• Develop with the laboratory management procedures to be followed in preventing and managing accidents occurring in the laboratory area.
• Facilitate arrangements in the haematology laboratory for educating and training undergraduates, house staff and post-graduate students.
• Participate in professional development of team members, through promoting self-learning and formal courses or informal on the job training.
• Encourage professional development of team members, through promoting self-learning and formal courses or informal on the job training.
• Participate on Pathology / external committees as required.

Financial

Together with the Chief Medical Scientist, and the Laboratory Manager,

• Facilitate management of departmental budgets to ensure the most effective use of available resources.
• Assist as required in the preparation of annual budget estimates including a planned programme for replacing capital equipment.
• Maintain an assets register of appropriate equipment.
• Participate as required in the provision of appropriate statistical and management information.
• Facilitate the production of a departmental report for the annual Hospital’s Reports.

Staff Management

· Participate as required in the recruitment, selection and training of the Haematology laboratory team.

· Lead by example a professional, punctual and dedicated team promoting good open communications.

• Participate in the clinical placement of students undertaking CORU approved programmes for registration as a Medical Scientist.

· Create and promote healthy working relationships and stimulate initiative among laboratory staff.

• Actively promote, participate in and facilitate Continuous Professional Development.
• Together with the Chief Medical Scientist ensure that all staff participating in ‘out of hours’ services have been trained to provide agreed service.

Health and Safety

• Participate in ensuring that effective safety procedures are in place to comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act as within hospital policy.
• Assist and co-operate with laboratory Management Team in developing procedures to be followed in preventing and managing accidents occurring in the Laboratory area.

Quality

• The Department is accredited to ISO 15189.
• Operate to the standards laid down in the Quality Manual and associated procedures.
• Participate with initiatives involved in the implementation of the ISO 15189 quality management system.
• Actively participate in and monitor internal and external quality control and assurance programmes.
• Participate in the verification of laboratory methods and processes
• Ensure adherence to all codes of, and guidelines relating to, professional practice including the maintenance of Quality Assurance standards and accreditation.

Information Technology

· Participate as required in developing the laboratory information system for the department.

· Facilitate the collection, interpretation and presentation of data and information on Department activity, staffing and expenditure according to the Hospital’s reporting needs.

Review

· Achievement of laboratory and personal objectives is facilitated by review.

· Participate in review process as outlined by the Laboratory Management team.

· Maintain a portfolio of Continuous Professional Development.

Any other duties deemed appropriate to the post. Please note that the duties of this post may change over time.