Job overview

We are inviting applications from committed, proactive, and suitably qualified HCPC‑registered Specialist Biomedical Scientists with experience in Haematology for the position of Haematology Section Manager within the Blood Sciences Department at Withybush General Hospital, Haverfordwest.

Applicants should be educated to MSc level or possess equivalent experience, hold an IBMS Specialist Diploma in Haematology, and demonstrate up‑to‑date knowledge of developments within the discipline. Evidence of relevant CPD in line with HCPC requirements is essential. Candidates must also have post‑registration clinical and technical experience at Specialist Biomedical Scientist level, together with in‑depth knowledge of complex laboratory instrumentation, analytical techniques, and QA/QC procedures.

The modernised Blood Sciences Laboratory delivers a comprehensive acute and routine service in Haematology, Coagulation, Blood Transfusion, Biochemistry, and an extensive POCT service. Effective communication skills are vital, and the successful candidate will be expected to work efficiently within the team while providing strong leadership and management. As a registered training laboratory, we actively promote a culture of learning, development, and professional progression, offering an environment where staff are supported to grow and excel.

Main duties of the job

The appointed candidate will take a leading role in managing the Haematology and Coagulation sections of the Blood Sciences Laboratory, overseeing the day‑to‑day operational delivery of these essential services. They will provide expert advice to service users, evaluate new methodologies, and actively contribute to the development, growth, and optimisation of the service in collaboration with the Health Board Service Manager and Consultant Clinical staff.

The Haematology Section benefits from a modern equipment portfolio, including Siemens Advia 2120i Haematology analysers, the Cellavision Digital Morphology System, Werfen TOPS Coagulation analysers, and associated Haematology systems. The individual appointed to this role will play a pivotal part in ensuring the service remains robust, responsive, and aligned with the evolving needs of its users.

They will deliver professional, technical, and managerial leadership to all Haematology staff, taking responsibility for training, competency assessment, and the monitoring of work practices in accordance with United Kingdom Accreditation Services (UKAS) Limited standards. The successful candidate will also share responsibility for managing staff absence and annual leave.

The department operates a contractual shift pattern supporting Round‑the‑Clock Services, and participation in the out‑of‑hours rota for Haematology, Coagulation, and Blood Transfusion will form part of the role.

Working for our organisation

Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.

We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.

We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.

Our services are provided in:

• Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
• Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
• Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
• 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
• Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services