Job overview

To post holder will serve as a HCPC registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist within the Microbiology department, performing a wide range of specialist and routine laboratory procedures, according to clearly defined policies and procedures. Responsible for the analysis, technical validation, interpretation, and reporting of samples to ensure effective patient care and resource management. 

The role includes rotating through various sections of the laboratory and supervising and training Biomedical Scientists (BMS), Assistant Practitioners (AP) and Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA) staff in accordance with established protocols. The post holder will work independently, seeking advice as necessary, and may serve as a lead specialist for specific tests or projects. This position is part of a 7 day service, which includes on call responsibilities, requiring flexibility and availability to support urgent laboratory needs. Additionally they will implement quality improvements and maintain adherence to the laboratory quality management system.

Main duties of the job

·         To perform routine and specialised diagnostic services on patient and environmental samples which may contain potentially infectious material. Interpret and report routine laboratory tests, using judgment, knowledge and experience to determine the significance of specialist tests microbiological cultures from individual patients and develop reports accordingly.

·         Demonstrate competence in the performance of tests and investigations undertaken, validating and verifying new or existing tests as appropriate in accordance with local agreed policies and procedures.

·         To maintain the laboratory’s quality systems to meet UKAS requirements (ISO 15189 standards)

·         Engage in external and internal quality assurance schemes

·         To contribute to the programme of continued quality improvements initiatives to enhance patients and service user’s needs.

·         To adhere to Trust and Laboratory safety policies, using protective equipment and control measures required.

·         To communicate effectively with all members of the microbiology team, providing and receiving complex or sensitive information regarding investigations and results.

Working for our organisation

Wye Valley NHS Trust is a member of an NHS Foundation Group with South Warwickshire University NHS FT, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and Worcestershire Acute NHS Hospitals Trust.

Located on the border with Wales in the shadow of the Black Mountains, we provide acute and community services across Herefordshire and into parts of Powys and run Hereford County Hospital and the community hospitals in Bromyard, Leominster and Ross-on-Wye.

We are a progressive and forward looking trust with ambitious plans to improve quality and integrate patient pathways through close collaborative working with our partners to deliver the quality of care wed want for our family and friends.

More than 3,000 people work for the Trust they tell us its a great place to work, blending the busyness of a DGH with the benefits of working in a beautiful rural and unspoilt county like Herefordshire.

We can offer a great work-life balance and have a fine tradition of working with staff to help them achieve their full potential.

Russell Hardy, Trust Chairman: “The strength of the Trust is its amazing staff; a great place to work, a great place to develop your career and a great place to reach your potential.”

Our values -Care, Accountability, Respect and Excellence - are at the heart of all we do. We believe in providing the right care in the right place at the right time.