UHWAH Medical Scientist, Specialist

*******PLEASE COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM FULLY, CV'S ARE NOT ACCEPTED*********

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The Medical Scientist, Specialist will:

Scientific / Professional

• Maintain awareness of the primacyof the patient in relation to all hospital activities.
• Prepare the Biochemistry Dept for ISO 15189 accreditation
• Manage the quality system within Biochemistry
• Assist in the development of a quality system in the common areas of the laboratory e.g. Specimen Reception
• Provide training in implementation of the quality system to relevant personnel
• Co ordinate the review of all existing SOPs and assist in the preparation of new SOPs to comply with accreditation requirements
• Establish recording systems using IT and other systems which will provide the data required for accreditation assessments
• Co ordinate the maintenance of the quality manual and other manuals, and implementation of proper document control systems in the laboratory
• Co ordinate an ongoing validated training system for all staff who work in Biochemistry
• Perform to the highest professional standards and participate in implementing a service that supports the clinical needs of patients and is consistent with the mission, vision, values, and strategic plan of the HSE.
• Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the values of the profession of Medical Scientist, Specialist.
• Perform assigned work to the highest professional standard in accordance with ISO 15189 and laboratory SOPs.
• Participate in the implementation of operational processes to standards of best practice to optimise the use of resources.
• Design and implement structured policies and systems for the management of service delivery in consultation with key stakeholders to ensure clear role accountability for service levels, quality and decision making.
• Actively participate in the improvement and development of services in liaison with the Laboratory Directorate and Hospital Management Team.
• In co-operation with the Consultant Heads of Department, Laboratory Manager, Chief Medical Scientist, and other designated senior staff, participate in the introduction of new ideas and methods according to HSE policy.
• Participate in the work of the department taking day to day responsibility for planning, prioritising and supervising the work of a section or subsection of the department in accordance with departmental policy.
• Be responsible for performance, maintenance, condition, quality control and record keeping of all instruments within assigned areas of the laboratory. Ensure all equipment malfunctions are investigated, reported and repaired accordingly.
• Perform analytical testing appropriate to a multi-disciplinary laboratory.
• Perform all activities related to the receipt, analysis and reporting of laboratory specimens.
• Be responsible for managing consumables and reagent stocks supplies associated with assigned areas of the laboratory.
• Contribute to the evaluation, procurement, validation and implementation of new analytical equipment, methods and software.
• Ensure that procedures are carried out in compliance with international and national guidelines and actively participate in internal and external quality control and quality assurance.
• Actively participate in Quality Management programs which are patient centred and which measure / audit performance and client satisfaction.
• Co-operate with other laboratory departments to ensure a holistic laboratory service is provided for all patients.
• Facilitate open communication within the laboratory and with other hospital and user sectors.
• Be able to work to tight deadlines and re-prioritise work proactively as required.
• Participate in the reporting of non-conformances, complaints, incidents and near misses and perform corrective actions as required.
• Identifies and resolves system failures and anomalies.
• Observe strict confidentiality when dealing with all aspects of patient or hospital information.
• Be familiar with and implement the Major Emergency Plan.

Maintaining the Quality System

• Prepare the Biochemistry Dept for ISO 15189 accreditation
• Manage the quality system within Biochemistry
• Assist in the development of a quality system in the common areas of the laboratory e.g. Specimen Reception
• Provide training in implementation of the quality system to relevant personnel
• Co ordinate the review of all existing SOPs and assist in the preparation of new SOPs to comply with accreditation requirements
• Establish recording systems using IT and other systems which will provide the data required for accreditation assessments
• Co ordinate the maintenance of the quality manual and other manuals, and implementation of proper document control systems in the laboratory
• Co ordinate an ongoing validated training system for all staff who work in Biochemistry
• Supervise and ensure competence of designated staff as required
• Organise programs for internal audits and perform audits as required within the laboratory
• Establish a system for dealing with non conformances and complaints
• Implement designated programs for internal and external quality control to comply with accreditation requirements
• Participate in and prepare reports for the annual review meetings
• Provide regular reports to management of all corrective actions following audits or non conformances
• Ensure all corrective actions as result of audits or review are fully implemented
• Report to management all issues that might adversely the quality system
• Participate as a member of the laboratory quality team
• Liase with external assessors for during inspections
• Participate and assist with continuing professional development activities
• Participate in routine workload as required
• Any other duties as may be required to implement and maintain the quality system in Biochemistry or other defined areas of the laboratory

Staff Management

• Manage, supervise, and encourage development of staff grade, support staff and trainees within the department in line with the goals of management and overall laboratory management.
• Maintain attendance / absence records and duty rosters as required.
• Contribute to effective communication within the department.
• Foster healthy working relationships, promoting a professional, punctual and dedicated team.
• Participate fully as a team member, sharing knowledge and information and supporting colleagues to promote a cohesive laboratory team and the achievement of team objectives.

Quality and Risk, Health and Safety Management

• Implement agreed policies, procedures and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.
• Ensure that the laboratory standard operating procedures and health and safety policies are understood and carried out by all staff.
• Work in a safe manner with due care and attention to the safety of self, patient and others.
• Adequately identify, assess, manage and monitor risks within area of responsibility and take appropriate action; report any adverse incidents or near misses.
• Assist and cooperate with senior staff in procedures aimed at accident prevention in the laboratory.
• Adhere to department policies in relation to the care and safety of equipment supplied for the fulfilment of duty.
• Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses, and take the necessary corrective action.
• Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.
• Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

Education & Training

• Promote a culture of learning (for self and others); participate in mandatory training programmes and other training as required to keep up to date with current practice and continuing professional development.
• Design and deliver training to staff within the laboratory to support the training of new and existing Medical Scientists, student Medical Scientists and Laboratory Aides working in their section.
• Facilitate arrangements in the laboratory area for educating and training scientific, medical personnel and others as appropriate.
• Maintain an up-to-date personal training/ retraining record in accordance with department / laboratory policy and CORU requirements.
• Engage in the HSE performance achievement process in conjunction with your Line Manager and staff as appropriate.

Administrative

• Assist in costing activities within the laboratory.
• Participate in the provision of appropriate statistical and management information.
• Participate in laboratory meetings particularly in relation to assessment of performance, development of the service and organisational changes.
• Make the most effective use of information technology for both patient care and administrative support.
• Represent the department at meetings and conferences as designated.
• Promote a culture that values diversity and respect in the workplace, create and promote positive working relationships.
• To act as spokesperson for the Organisation as required.
• Demonstrate pro-active commitment to all communications with internal and external stakeholders.
• Co-operate fully with the implementation of new procedures, technologies and IT systems.
• Keep up to date with organisational developments within the Irish Health Service.

The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.