Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical

·   Provides general non-clinical advice, information or guidance to service users, particularly immediate colleagues, theatre staff, mortuary staff and other BMSs.

·  Prepares and advises others on preparation of tissues for specialist neuropathology diagnostic techniques after training.

 Science and Technology

·  Has a detailed knowledge and understanding of technical processes relating to the demonstration of normal and abnormal histology.

·   Has a detailed and knowledge of the appropriate preparation of the different kinds of samples from specimen reception through to case dispatch to the consultants. This requires a high degree of concentration/experience to ensure accuracy, correct sample preparations are made, diagnostic tests controlled appropriately and test runs monitored for quality.. 

·      In rotation with other staff able to deliver the laboratory post mortem service.

·  In rotation with other staff able to deliver the laboratory surgical histology service.

·  Applies accurate and appropriate procedures according to clinical details or request from consultant.

·    Uses and adheres to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and only amends these methods after prior agreement with staff.

·  Ensures SOPs and policies in use within the department remain contemporary and relevant and assists in the development and review of SOPs.

·         Applies appropriate quality control.

·         Interprets the technical quality of results (Quality Assurance).

·  Ensures records are maintained in order to audit quality of performance.

·     Participates in National External Quality Assurance Scheme (NEQAS) tests and are submitted on time and to an appropriately high standard.

·   Develops and maintains skills appropriate to the grade in order to provide the best possible laboratory service to our service users by participating in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities.

·        Undertakes investigations as requested by the Laboratory Lead.

·        Ensures the functioning of, and adequate maintenance of equipment. Informs the Laboratory Lead should remedial action be necessary. 

·         Attends user group meetings when directed by Laboratory Lead.

·      Assists in the implementation of recommended change arising from new legislation.

·        Maintains those levels of professional standards set by the Chief BMS and Lead Consultant.

·     Contributes to the scientific understanding and development of the profession and departmental team. 

Ethical

·   Strictly observes confidentiality of all information concerning patients and adheres to the Data Protection Act.

· Ensures BMSs and Medical Laboratory Assistants understand and comply with requirements of patient confidentiality.

·    Represents the department to a high professional standard in conduct, manner and appearance and upholds Trust Core Values.

·  Ensures that tissue is not used except for purposes consented by patients or next of kin.

·      Maintains standards set by the Chief BMS.

 Appraisal

·  Participates and meets agreed objectives identified in the Trust appraisal scheme.

·  Ensures professional knowledge and skills are maintained by identifying and addressing own training needs. Assists Chief BMS in setting own objectives.

·   Assists Chief BMS and Training Officer in planning objectives and suggesting training.

·     Ensures that records are maintained in order to achieve the highest possible quality of performance and job satisfaction.

 Health and Safety

·    Adheres to all safety legislation with particular regard to the Health and Safety in Work Act, COSHH and the principles of risk assessment and its management.

·       Knowledge of chemical handling, storage and disposal.

·    Assists in the implementation of recommended change arising from new legislation.

·       Observes and adheres to all ORH corporate policies.

·   Adheres to high standards of safety in carrying out duties within laboratory including annual attendance at fire lectures.

·      Raises concerns on health and safety with the Safety officer or BMS 3.

·  Participates in risk management of the department including the reporting of adverse incidents in accordance with Trust policy.  Assists in any investigations.

·  Collaborates with the senior staff to ensure a safe working environment for staff, patients and visitors and ensures that supervised staff comply with laboratory safety procedures.

·    Reports all accidents to the BMS 3 and assists in any investigations in accordance with Trust policy.

·   Performs laboratory housekeeping activities that assist safety in the laboratory.

Managerial / Organisational

·  Provides daily provision of a service of a section of the laboratory service on a rotational basis.

·   Monitors the economical use of consumables within the Department and works with the Chief BMS to ensure that adequate supplies are available.

·     Maintains appropriate records and statistics as directed by the Quality Manager.

·    Assists in the induction, orientation and training of BMS and Medical Laboratory Assistant grades as directed by the Lab Lead.

·   Offers opinions or advises the Chief BMS of new techniques, equipment and systems which could facilitate improved efficiency and quality.

·       Alerts Lab Lead of any maintenance of the estate with special regard to staff safety and new developments.

 Communication

· Communicates with other staff and service users appropriately, effectively and efficiently either verbally, using email, faxes, SOPs, etc. to ensure an efficient service and positive working environment.  

·  Advises service users of appropriate method of preparation and transport of samples.

·      Participates in education programmes. 

  Information Technology

·      Complies fully with legislation relating to data protection.

·     Enters and retrieves data accurately and efficiently from FilemakerPro Neuropathology Surgical Reporting System, Post Mortem Reporting System, Brain Tissue archive System.

·       Good working knowledge of Word, Excel and Outlook.

·       Enters and retrieves data from other laboratory databases.

 Other

·      When agreed with the Laboratory Manager to take part in a voluntary single discipline “out of hours” service.

·        Complies with Working Time Directive.

·        Duties outlined may change from time to time but be consistent with grade and in consultation with the Head of Department and Laboratory Manager.