Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will:

•  Act in a way that promotes patient care and maintains the integrity of the Department
• Maintain and promote the professional image of the department, Clinical Pathology Services and Gateshead Health NHS Trust.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times in line with the Trust Information Management and Technology (IM&T) Information Security Policy.
• Supervise the screening officer team in compliance with the Standard Operating Procedures and departmental Health and Safety Policies.
• Follow good practice in line with professional guidelines and UKAS standards.
• Work within the Terms and Conditions of Employment.
• Report incidents, accidents and defects according to Trust and Divisional guidelines.
• Contribute to the provision of materials, advice and support for the Clinical Users of the service
• To primary screen cervical samples within NHSCSP and laboratory guidelines, reporting those that are negative or unsatisfactory and referring those that are abnormal to senior colleagues.
• The post holder will be expected to communicate authorised test results to clinicians and give advice regarding the suitability of sample type and collection methods for these tests.
• To monitor stocks of reagents and consumables associated with the designated section.
• To check and give opinion and advice when requested by colleagues concerning the evaluation and interpretation of any suspect cells in cervical samples. This may involve leading multi-header microscope discussions.
• To take part in rapid review QC systems, approaching colleague’s screening work in a sensitive and tactful manner with view to identifying and interpreting any false negative reports and referring any detected to senior colleagues.
• To assist the Departmental Manager to collect, collate and interpret statistical information relating to the performance of screening staff and the laboratory as a whole.
• To assist the Departmental Manager in all aspects of Clinical Governance and quality management including incident reporting and analysis.
• To take part in quality control and assessment programs operating within the department. This includes the participation in external quality assessment, including proficiency testing.
• To lead the QC seeding process thus ensuring the laboratory maintains a high degree of quality.
• To lead on process and lean management thus ensuring the laboratory maintains key performance indicators.
• To attend and contribute to departmental quality and governance meetings, and to oversee non-clinical SIAFs
• To take part in audit, double screening and quality assurance reviews of cervical samples and screening histories and managing the implementation of action and correction plans.
• To deputise for the line manager as required and within the needs of the service.
• To work autonomously during periods of on-call and in departments away from the
• laboratory when required.
• To undertake the supervision of all grades of scientific and support staff within the designated section, planning and prioritising their work on a day to day basis to ensure service needs are met.
• To support with the recruitment, selection and appointment of NEY Cervical Screening staff, ensuring new appointees receive the appropriate Trust and Departmental (local) induction.
• To be responsible for recording and authorising staff leave and monitoring and managing sickness absence in accordance with Trust policy for staff within designated section.
• To be responsible for the implementation of the Trust Disciplinary Procedure where necessary.
• To appraise NEYCSP staff within designated section and produce personal development plans.