Senior Biomedical Scientist

To include, but not be restricted to, the following duties: To supervise and coordinate various grades of scientific & support staff and assist in the development of rotas with the Pathology Lead to ensure correct skill mix to support essential daily transfusion services, and to liaise with the other BMS staff to ensure continuous 24/7 cover. To participate in all areas of laboratory bench work, whilst adhering to standard operating procedures and participating in their regular review and update. To participate in multidisciplinary working as required. Techniques and testing that include biochemistry, haematology, coagulation and blood transfusion. Undertake specimen preparation and analysis for a range of sample types and ensure that for each sample the appropriate requested investigations are performed in a timely manner. To interpret clinical information and use scientific knowledge to process specimens for appropriate tests, seeking advice from senior staff and clinicians when necessary. To ensure timely and accurate reporting of manual work results with correct follow-up including input of additional testing requirements, correct report comments, future testing instructions and patient special blood component requirements into the computer system. To check reports for further action by the Clinicians, and to authorise reports as delegated within TDL departmental policy. To communicate patients results and answer enquiries from health care professionals within the hospital and in the community, providing information regarding appropriate investigations required and explanation of results, within departmental guidelines and professional code of conduct, recognising own boundaries. To operate, maintain, supervise and resolve equipment and method troubleshooting (including laboratory instrumentation and remote issue blood fridges), advise the Pathology Lead of situations requiring further action, work with service engineers on fault resolution, reporting and documenting equipment faults and resolutions as per GMP requirements. To evaluate and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures. To liaise with the NHSBT reference laboratories and clinicians for the follow-up of specialist investigations or the provision or compatible blood components for patients with complicated serology. To be proficient in the use and functions of the information technology systems within the department, including some administrative functions as appropriate. To assist in the evaluation of new equipment and advise the head of service, senior scientific colleagues on the need for new equipment and maintenance of existing equipment. To ensure that the department meets all the standards required by UKAS and to participate in the regular review of all the procedures performed in the laboratory including the establishment and monitoring of effective internal and external Quality Control and Quality Assurance schemes. To co-ordinate adequate supplies of laboratory consumables, reagents, blood component and product stocks and co-ordinate their stock control. To inspect documentation and records including but not limited to QC, QA, cleaning, maintenance, temperature monitoring, equipment service and repair, incident reports etc. to ensure compliance with GMP standards. To contribute to audit activities, both scheduled and proactively. To liaise with the Quality Rep, Quality Manager, and Pathology Lead and clinical staff as required regarding investigation of any incident, error, transfusion reaction or other event which may cause a service delivery or quality failure, and to assist in the implementation and documentation of corrective and preventive actions. To supervise and facilitate the maintenance of correct storage of blood components throughout the laboratory and service areas as required, including but not limited to: temperature monitoring (electronic and manual systems) and responding to temperature deviations; arranging and directing stock movement between blood fridges in order to minimise wastage and provide sufficient supplies where needed; initiating blood component recalls as required; correct packing of blood transport containers to GMP standards. Through correct GMP practice and following of departmental SOPs, to contribute to the maintenance of an effective quality system in Blood Transfusion to maintain legal compliance with the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations (BSQR) 2005 as well as a safe and effective transfusion service for patients. To participate in local departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication within the department. Attend and present at TDL/ HSL Transfusion meetings and be an active contributor to the process review and improvement of the TDL/HSL BT Seniors Group. To actively represent at HTC meetings and SLA negotiations, and onsite hospital meetings as required. Through following of departmental SOPs, to contribute to the maintenance of an effective quality system in pathology to maintain UKAS compliance To participate in out of hours rotas are required of the service.