Job overview

**Please note this vacancy is only open to staff currently working in Kent and Medway Pathology Network (KMPN)**

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

Medway NHS Foundation Trust

Applications from candidates in other NHS trusts will not be considered.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and enthusiastic Senior Assistant Healthcare Scientist to join Pathology Blood Sciences at Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital (QEQM) in Margate, Kent.

This is a full-time Band 3 position (37.5 hours per week) in a supportive and dedicated team of Assistant Healthcare Scientists, Biomedical Scientists and Clinical Scientists. You will play an important role in supporting the delivery of a high-quality Blood Sciences service while contributing to the continued development of pathology services across East Kent.

We are seeking an individual with experience working in an accredited NHS Pathology laboratory who is committed to delivering excellence in patient care. The post holder will contribute to maintaining the department's high quality standards and support compliance with UKAS ISO 15189:2022 accreditation requirements.

The role requires flexibility to work a shift pattern comprising early, late and weekend shifts. Following successful completion of training, the post holder will also participate in the 24-hour CPP rota, which includes nights, weekends and bank holidays.

Main duties of the job

Working within Blood Sciences and Specimen Reception, you will support HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientists by undertaking a range of pre-analytical, technical and scientific duties that are essential to the delivery of a safe, efficient and effective laboratory service.  Key responsibilities include:

·         Receiving, checking and processing patient samples in accordance with laboratory procedures.

·         Performing data entry and maintaining accurate electronic and manual records.

·         Supporting the operation, maintenance and setup of analysers and laboratory equipment within both automated and specialist laboratory areas.

·         Running routine quality control procedures and assisting with quality assurance activities.

·         Undertaking routine stock management and ensuring consumables are available to support service delivery.

·         Assisting with general laboratory housekeeping and operational tasks to maintain an efficient working environment.

·         Working collaboratively with Biomedical Scientists and other laboratory colleagues to ensure timely processing of samples and delivery of results.

The successful candidate will possess strong organisational skills, excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage their own workload effectively. Good communication and IT skills are essential, along with a commitment to teamwork, accuracy and quality.

Working for our organisation

We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is 'great healthcare from great people'. Everything we do is guided by our values: 'People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference’. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 'We care'. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.

Kent and Medway Pathology Network (KMPN) is a formal partnership of seven laboratories across three pathology services in four acute Trusts. Our 1000 colleagues provide services across the health and care sector to a population of nearly 2 million.

We are at an exciting point of our network development with a recommendation to form a joint venture across the four Trusts leading transformation.  Our projects including single IT solutions, procurement and digital projects, to ensure our services are able to meet growing demand for our service users, patients and communities.