JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Biomedical Scientist

Band: Band 5

Department: Generic

Employed by: St Georges Healthcare NHS Trust (The host of the South West
London (SWL) Pathology Service)

Reports to: Technical Lead

Accountable to: Discipline Manager

Liaises with: All groups of staff to provide an effective diagnostic service

Base: St Georges Healthcare NHS Trust but the post holder may be
required to work at any of the SWL Pathology sites as and when
necessary.

Aim of Role:

To be an efficient and flexible member of the SWL Pathology team providing a consistently high
quality and professional service to all users of the service.

Key Result Areas:

1. Able to perform all core scientific and interpretive work, which corresponds to the training
and qualifications of a Registered Biomedical Scientist.

2. Contributes to providing a professional clinical laboratory service, working effectively as a

team member as part of the overall department.

3. Provides clinical technical services to patients that may include research and audit samples.
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Values:

We expect all our staff at SWL Pathology to share the values that are important to us and that
our service users have a right to expect to be excellent, kind, responsible and respectful,
delivering the best possible standard of service at all times and to behave in a way that reflects
these values.

SWL Pathology Vision:

To deliver the high quality, cost effective, accessible, innovative pathology services that
commissioners, customers, clinical users, staff and patients demand and to be recognised as a
leading provider in the market. As part of its commitment to high quality and sustainability SW
London Pathology will offer attractive development opportunities for highly skilled staff and will
be at the forefront of innovation in pathology services.

January 2014
Department Structure Chart

Advanced Biomedical Scientist

Specialist Biomedical Scientist

Biomedical Scientist

Associate Practitioner (where applicable)

Advanced Biomedical Support Worker

Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

Scientific and Technical Duties

1. To be proficient in designated areas of diagnostic work within the department and to provide
a comprehensive and appropriate laboratory service to patients and staff.

2. To undertake a range of diagnostic tests and screening procedures through to initial

interpretation.

3. Take part in duties at a level of autonomy requiring decision-making but can refer to more
senior or medical staff for support.

4. To perform work in accordance with the standard operational policies using intermediate
theoretical knowledge.

5. Ensure that documentation is maintained to the SWL Pathology standard (including

electronic records).

6. Identify and report clinical risks so that appropriate action can be taken in accordance with
the Trust risk management policy.

7. To contribute towards a culture of quality in the department and to comply and promote the
quality initiatives within the department consistent with maintaining laboratory accreditation.

8. To assist in maintaining appropriate internal and external quality assurance and meeting
standards required by external assessment.

9. To support all diagnostic procedures provided by the department.

January 2014
10. To measure and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using
appropriate quality control procedures.

11. To carry out corrective action when quality control and assurance procedures indicate loss
of performance.

Working Relationships/Communications

12. To demonstrate politeness, courtesy and sensitivity in dealing with patients/clients,

visitors/relatives and colleagues, maintaining good customer relations.

13. To contribute towards sharing good practice within the department and Trust wide.

14. To promote a positive image of the Trust at all times.

15. To work cohesively with all members of the department team in ensuring that the very best
services to patients are provided at all times.

16. To communicate any difficulties, problems, accidents or incidents affecting the department
to a section leader/manager promptly.

17. To provide and receive complex or sensitive information orally to inform work colleagues or
external contacts e.g. other departments, G.Ps or visitors to the department.

18. To participate in departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication within the
department.

Policy and Service

19. To be involved actively in the implementation of policies and procedures at department level,
reinforcing their use.

20. To participate in the regular review and update of Standard Operating Procedures. To be
able to make recommendations for change where applicable

21. Record and report all incidents/complaints involving staff, patients and visitors in accordance
with Trust policies and assist in any investigations as required.

Financial and Physical

22. Replace stocks of consumables and reagents when required and inform the section leader if
back up stocks are low.

23. Responsible for the use of highly complex equipment and be able to undertake general
maintenance and to trouble shoot issues accordingly.

Staff/ HR/Leadership, & Training

24. To assist in the training and supervision of unqualified staff.

25. Maintain, update and develop personal and professional knowledge and skills.

26. Participate fully as a team member, sharing knowledge and information and supporting
colleagues, including support staff to promote a cohesive laboratory team and the
achievement of team objectives.

January 2014
27. Be familiar with all core Trust policies such as sickness reporting, annual leave requesting,
health and safety.

28. Be familiar with the Health and Safety policies of the Trust and the department and ensure that
they are followed to maintain a safe working environment for all employees and visitors.

Information Resources

29. Undertakes data entry and inputting/recording of scientific information.

30. Undertake relevant training for electronic information systems in place & under
development.

31. To have an active e-mail account.

Freedom to Act

32. Required to use initiative and deal with matters independently where they can, for example a
post holder may be required to deal with enquiries which are generally routine, but would
refer non-routine enquiries to supervisor/line manager.

Education Training and Personal Development

33. May be expected to undertake specialist training in the relevant discipline leading to the
attainment of the IBMS Specialist Diploma.

34. Maintain your registration with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) through
evidence of CPD.

35. Continually develop and improve scientific expertise, which may be via CPD within an
appraisal programme. Maintain a portfolio of relevant developments achieved.

36. Maintain a portfolio of relevant developments achieved.

37. Participate in an annual appraisal process where objectives will be agreed, performance
monitored and personal development needs discussed.

38. To attend all statutory and mandatory training as and when required to do so.

Research and Development

39. Participate in the collection of audit and research data as required.

General

40. To participate as required in all rotas for the provision of a 24hr, 7-day a week service.

41. To undertake such duties as may be required from time to time as are consistent with the
responsibilities of the grade and the needs of the service.

42. Expected to work within SWL Pathology Quality Management Systems.

January 2014
The following responsibilities are common to all posts within the SWL Pathology
Service:

NHS Employment Checks

This appointment is subject to NHS employment checks.

Equal Opportunities
To work in accordance with the Trusts Equal Opportunities policy to eliminate unlawful
discrimination in relation to employment and service delivery.

Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults

The Trust is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and expects that all staff
will share in this commitment. The Trust is clear that all staff have a responsibility to be aware of
children and adult safeguarding policies and procedures and that each member of staff, clinical
and non-clinical, will undertake child or adult safeguarding training that is provided at an
appropriate level to suit their role. The Trust has the additional expectation that all staff will be
able to identify concerns and know what action to take.

No Smoking
Smoking by staff, patients and visitors, will not be permitted anywhere on Trust premises.

Infection Control
The Trust is committed to the prevention and control of infection, and operates an infection
control policy. It is the responsibility of all employees to be aware of the infection control policy
and procedures and the importance of protecting themselves, patients and visitors.

Codes of conduct and professional standards

All staff should adhere to any codes of conduct or professional standards set by the regulatory
bodies with whom they are registered or by professional bodies of which they are a member.
Managers should observe the Code of Conduct for NHS Managers.

Acceptance of Gifts and Hospitality

The conduct of staff in the public service should be scrupulously impartial and honest and in this
context any offers of gifts or hospitality should be discussed with your manager, prior to
acceptance.

Health and Safety

All staff are advised that, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and associated
legislation, it is the duty of every employee to take reasonable care for their own health and
safety and that of other people who may be affected by their activities at work, and also to co-
operate fully with the Trust and others in connection with any arrangements to satisfy the
statutory duties and responsibilities under the Act, including undertaking appropriate mandatory
and health and safety training.

Confidentiality and Disclosure of Information

In the course of your normal employment you may come into the possession of confidential
information relating to patients, staff and the Trusts business and commercial information. All
employees have a responsibility to ensure the security of information and to comply with the
Data Protection Acts, Access to Health Records and Computer Misuse Act. Disclosure of
medical, commercial or personal information, systems passwords or other confidential
information to any unauthorised person or persons will be considered at gross misconduct and
may lead to disciplinary action, which may include dismissal.

Raising concerns
Staff may on occasion have genuine concerns about healthcare matters and consequently the
Trust endorses the principle that these must be raised in a responsible and appropriate manner,
and if necessary using the Trusts Whistle blowing policy Raising Concerns at Work.

January 2014
This job description is not an exhaustive document, but is a reflection of the current position.
The post holder may from time to time be asked to undertake other reasonable duties. Any
change will be made in discussion with the post holder in light of service needs.

Post Holder Signed Date..................................................

Manager Signed.. Date.

January 2014
 PERSON SPECIFICATION

Job Title: Biomedical Scientist

Criteria for Essential Desirable Method of Assessment

Selection

Qualifications An honours degree or CV/Application form

and Training equivalent in a biological Original certificates/diplomas
science
HCPC Registration

Knowledge Proven experience of Application form

and working in a diagnostic Interview/test references
Experience pathology department
Practical experience of a
range of diagnostic
pathology techniques
Proven practical
experience using
diagnostic pathology
laboratory equipment
Experience of working
with a laboratory
computer system
Experience of quality
management systems
Knowledge of health and
safety issues
Evidence of continuing
professional development

Skills and Practical analytical skills Application form

Abilities associated with diagnostic Interview/test/references
laboratory work
Accuracy and attention to
detail
Able to follow written
methodologies or
protocols
Able to work as part of a
team
Ability to work under
pressure
Ability to plan and
prioritise allocated work
Intermediate level of
computer skills
Excellent communication
and presentation skills
Use of pathology
computer systems
Other relevant Good hand eye Application form
requirements co-ordination

January 2014
 Able to perform light Interview/references
physical work.
Capable of intense
periods of concentration

January 2014