Specified purpose
Temporary - Full time
Hours:
35 hours per week, exclusive of unpaid rest breaks.
Annual Leave:
28 working days per annum.
Grade: Medical Scientist
Department: Microbiology
Report to: Chief Medical Scientist Microbiology
Responsible to: Laboratory Manager and Consultant Microbiologist
Responsibilities & Accountabilities
(in no particular order of priority)
Main purpose of the job
- The post holder will participate in the analytical work of the Microbiology Department, and any work appropriate to the position, and perform all duties to the highest standard as determined by the laboratory management team.
- Along with providing a comprehensive diagnostic laboratory service for all patients attending the National Maternity Hospital, the Microbiology laboratory also provides a full diagnostic microbiology service for all patients attending the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital.
Principal duties and responsibilities
General
- Maintain throughout the Hospital awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all Hospital activities.
- Participate in implementing a clinical laboratory service that supports the clinical needs of the patients
- Participate in the implementation of operational processes to the standards of ‘best practice’, in order to optimise use of resources
- Participate in the implementation of a ‘quality management’ programme which is patient centred and which measures and audits performance and client satisfaction.
- Actively participate in and promote continuing education and research activities consistent with the position
- Comply with relevant procedures, methods and standards.
- Participate in training staff as required.
- Promote open communications throughout the Hospital.
- Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the Values of the Hospital.
Specific
- Perform work to the highest standards, as determined by the Laboratory Management Team.
- Be responsible for the quality of their work and carry out their duties in accordance with Hospital policy.
- Ensure that all samples are processed in accordance with standard operating procedures.
- Observe the strictest confidence when dealing with all aspects of patient or Hospital information.
- In co-operation with the Laboratory Management team, participate in the introduction of new ideas and methods according to hospital policy.
- Participate with the Chief Medical Scientist and other Senior Scientific staff in facilitating the training of students of relevant courses.
- Co-operate in evaluating assays, equipment, consumable items and research projects.
- To participate in continuing education and/or training programmes as required by the Laboratory Management Team.
- Ensure that policy relating to the Microbiology Laboratory record keeping is followed.
- Participate as required in the registration and stock level of laboratory reagents and materials.
- Receive and record details of mishaps, complaints and defects in supplies and equipment, investigate the circumstances with appropriate team members and take the necessary action and report findings as required, and as determined by the Chief Medical Scientist.
- Participate as required in the provision of appropriate statistical and management information.
- Participate as required in developing the laboratory information system for the Department.
- Participation is encouraged in out-of-hours laboratory emergency work according to hospital policy.
Regulation
- Maintain registration with the Medical Scientists Registration Board.
- Adhere to and uphold the code of conduct and ethics of the Medical Scientists Registration Board.
- Act in compliance with GDPR legislation.
Health and Safety
- Participate in ensuring that effective safety procedures are in place to comply with the Safety, Health at Work Act as within hospital policy.
- Assist and co-operate with Laboratory Management Team in following procedures for preventing and managing accidents occurring in the Laboratory area.
Quality
The Department is accredited to ISO 15198.
Operate to the standards laid down in the Quality Manual and associated procedures.
Participate with initiatives involved in the implementation of the ISO 15189 quality management system.
Ensure adherence to all codes of, and guidelines relating to, professional practice including the maintenance of Quality Assurance standards and accreditation.
Participate as required with initiatives involved in the implementation of quality management programmes.
Review
- Achievement of laboratory and personal objectives is facilitated by review.
Any other duties deemed appropriate to the post. Please note that the duties of this post may change over time.
Flexibility:
This post requires a high level of flexibility to ensure the delivery of an effective and efficient service. Therefore the post holder will be required to demonstrate flexibility on occasion as and when required by their manager.
Dignity and Welfare of Patients:
As a health care provider all staff are expected to behave towards patients in a caring, professional and responsible manner. In line with the national/hospital Trust in Care policy it is the duty and responsibility of all employees of the National Maternity Hospital, including this post holder, to report any concerns for the safety and welfare of patients to their line manager or head of department.
Dignity at Work:
All members of staff at the National Maternity Hospitalhave a right to be treated with dignity and respect and to work in a safe environment which is free from all forms of bullying, sexual harassment and harassment. Thus all staff of the National Maternity Hospital, including this post holder, have a responsibility to help maintain such a working environment. All employees must comply with the national/hospital Dignity at Work policy and ensure that their behaviour does not cause offence to fellow workers or any person with whom they come into contact during the course of their work.
Confidentiality:
In the course of his / her employment, the person appointed may have access to or hear information concerning the medical or personnel affairs of patients or staff or other health service business. Such records or information are strictly confidential and unless acting on instructions of an authorised officer on no account must information be divulged or discussed except in the performance of normal duty. In addition records must never be left in such a manner that unauthorised persons can obtain access to them and must be kept in safe custody/destroyed in accordance with policy when no longer required.
Hygiene:
Being a health institution hygiene plays a central role in maintaining a clean and healthy environment for our patients, visitors and staff. All employees of the National Maternity Hospitalmust always be mindful of their responsibility to maintain a high standard of hygiene including personal hygiene and as part of their role within the hospital.
