Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical:

• Provides general advice, information or guidance to service users, particularly immediate colleagues, Theatre staff, Mortuary staff and other Biomedical Scientists. 
• Prepares and advises other on preparation of tissue for specialist neuropathology diagnostic techniques after training.

Science and Technology:

• Has detailed knowledge and understanding of technical processes relating to the demonstration of normal and abnormal histology.
• Has detailed knowledge of the appropriate preparation of 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 the clinical details or request from a 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 the Laboratory Lead.
• Assists in the implementation of recommended change arising from new legislation.
• Maintains those levels of professional standards sent by the Laboratory Lead 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 Laboratory Lead.

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 the Laboratory Lead in setting own objectives.
• Assists the Laboratory Lead 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 at 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 OUH corporate policies.
• Adheres to high standards of safety in carrying out duties within the laboratory including annual attendance at fire lectures.
• Raises concerns on health and safety with the Health and Safety Officer or Laboratory Lead. 
• 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 Laboratory Lead 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 Laboratory Lead 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 grade staff as directed by the Laboratory Lead.
• Offers opinions or advices the Laboratory Lead of new techniques, equipment and systems which could facilitate improved efficiency and quality.
• Alerts Laboratory 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, SOPs, etc. to ensure an efficient service and positive working environment. 
• Advises service users of appropriate methods of preparation and transport for samples.
•  Participates in educational programmes. 

Information technology:

• Complies fully with legislation relating to data protection.
• Enters and retrieves data accurately and efficiently from FileMaker Pro 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 agrees with the Laboratory Lead to take part in an 'out of hours' service.
• Complies with the Working Time Directive.
• Duties outlined many change from time to time but be consistent with grade and in consultation with the Laboratory Lead.