BHSCT Laboratory Services JOB DESCRIPTION

1 BHSCT Laboratory Services JOB DESCRIPTION POST: LOCATION: Point of Care Testing Co-ordinator Belfast Trust Laboratories GRADE: Band 7 HOURS: Full time 37.5 hrs. Per week REPORTS TO: Clinical Biochemistry Discipline Service Manager RESPONSIBLE TO: Blood Sciences Service Manager 1. JOB SUMMARY/ MAIN PURPOSE To be responsible, under the overall direction of the Clinical Lead and Services Manager, for introducing and coordinating a Directorate-led, integrated pathology approach to point of care testing, both within the Trust and in primary care. To ensure that all POCT equipment is purchased, operated, and controlled in a manner that is consistent with the Trust POCT policy. To ensure that all POCT carried out within BHSCT is carried out to the appropriate standards set by expert external bodies. By creating common standards, procedures and approaches, the post holder will help minimise the associated clinical risks across the Trust when introducing and managing POCT. The post holder is responsible for the implementation of policies and procedures pertaining to POCT across the Trust in all disciplines of Pathology and will ensure that these are being adhered to. The post holder is responsible for developing and ensuring that training packages are delivered for all POCT across the Trust. Using developed knowledge and skills to provide expert advice to clinicians and senior managers regarding POCT. Utilising necessary interpersonal skills, to ensure effective liaison with service users to provide the best care for patients. (Note: Point of Care Testing (POCT) is also known as Near Patient Testing and refers to any test which is normally performed in the central laboratory, but is now being performed outside of the Central laboratory e.g. Glucose testing, INR testing, Blood Gas Analysis etc.) 1

2 2. RELATIONSHIPS Internal Relationships To forge close working relationships with all staff at all levels. In particular: Heads of Biomedical Scientists in all disciplines of pathology Consultants in all disciplines of Pathology Clinical Biochemists All grades of Biomedical Scientists in Pathology Medical Laboratory Assistants Clinical Directors/Leads and Managers of Procurement, Information Technology, Clinical Governance, Pharmacy and other Clinical and Nonclinical Units within BHSCT Medical Staff Nursing Staff Clerical Staff Phlebotomists Clinical Skills Education Department External Relationships General Practitioners Nurses Instrument Manufacturers/Company representatives Professional colleagues in other Trusts Technical and Scientific Duties. 1. To manage the technical activities of the Point Of Care Testing Service (POCT) service in accordance with Trust and Departmental policy and to regulatory standards 2. To lead the team of scientific and support staff assigned to the POCT in accordance with Trust and departmental policy and to regulatory standards 3. To be responsible for ensuring that all patient samples referred to POCT for analysis and all peripheral tasks necessary for that purpose are successfully performed within approved laboratory Standard Operating Procedures. This involves work of an interpretive and advisory nature in relation to laboratory aspects of the service. 4. To set and monitor maintenance schedules, and act as a source of expertise for troubleshooting and maintenance, co-ordinating with company engineers and staff to ensure minimal disruption to the service. 2

3 5. Record and manage POCT equipment and service history information 6. To prioritise investigations appropriate to clinical need, arranging work flow to accommodate instrument capability and malfunction to optimise turnaround times for urgent requests. 7. To instigate departmental backup/ contingency procedures in the event of equipment malfunction/disaster/major incident, and ensure that they are correctly implemented. 8. To set and maintain standards that ensure investigations are prioritised appropriately according to clinical need. 9. To have an in depth knowledge of potential analytical errors and ensure that policies and safeguards are in place to prevent incorrect patient results from being transmitted to clinicians. 10. Direct workflow arrangements during instrument malfunction ensuring that the disruption of the service for processing for urgent requests is minimised. 11. To be able to advise on the sources of non-analytical interferences and of appropriate corrective action. For example, sample collection, preservation and storage errors that may detrimentally influence an accurate investigation 12. To have responsibility for implementing departmental policies for the identification of any specimens and/or requests that may cause problems and have a key role in policy development. e.g. health & safety, non-compliance with minimum acceptance criteria and sample quality 13. To initiate/participate in appropriate research and development projects and to encourage and guide the participation of other members of staff. 14. To perform risk assessments on the tasks and environment of the laboratory. Quality control and quality monitoring 1. To confirm the validity and reliability of analytical processes, setting and monitoring satisfactory performance by internal and external quality assessment. 2. To assist in the development and be responsible for the implementation of agreed internal and external quality control procedures ensuring that corrective measures are taken to maintain approved standards. 3

4 3. To organise vertical and horizontal audits of departmental activities as directed. 4. To manage POCT section meetings, particularly in relation to assessment of performance, development of the service and organisational changes. 5. To write and review SOP s to ensure that POCT section complies with regulatory standards. 6. To investigate incidents and identify trends and recommend changes to practice if indicated. 7. Ensure that the quality management policies and systems in place within the service to meet with current regulatory and legislative requirements are maintained. 9. Participate in regular Quality Management meeting to ensure that effective risk management and quality assurance policies and systems are adhered to. To ensure regular review of quality control by taking a lead role in the quality group. 10. As directed by the Discipline Specific Service Manager contribute to the maintenance of and actions arising out of the Departmental Risk Register for the service in line with Trust policy and procedure 11. Assist the Discipline Specific Service Manager to investigate and respond to complaints, incidents and claims within the service in line with Trust policy and procedures. 12. Lead quality initiatives within the service. Financial and Resource Management: 1. Be responsible for stock control for their section and ensure all goods and services are ordered within the Trust Financial Governance Policy. 2. To be responsible for ordering stocks of reagents, chemicals, consumables and any non-capital equipment. 3. To monitor consumable spending and to alert the Discipline Specific Service Manager of actual or potential budgetary deviations. Ensure effective and efficient use of resources in their area of responsibility. Identify cost pressures to the Discipline Specific Service Manager. Assist in the achievement of meeting Departmental financial targets. 4. To discuss the financial trends as part of the Departmental Operational Management team. 4

5 5. To assist the Discipline Specific Service Manager to ensure that best economic use is made of resources 6. To contribute to the development of a business planning process. 7. To assist in the commissioning and procuring procedure for equipment and consumables for all relevant tendering processes. 8. To contribute to the procurement process for setting up contractual terms and conditions when procuring new analytical services 9. Assist the Discipline Specific Service Manager to maintain, monitor and update the Departmental Asset Register and act as a Departmental Equipment Controller Service Management Responsibilities. 1. To organise and record section meetings, particularly in relation to assessment of performance, Investors in People Policy and development of the service and organisational changes, referring outcomes to the management Operational Team for action as necessary. 2. To manage and resolve complex situations outside the remit of SOP s 3. To manage workflow and problem solving within the section understanding the impact on other sections and alerting the Discipline Specific Service Manager if service delivery may be compromised. 4. To take responsibility for organising staff involved in transporting specimens in order to optimise urgent response times particularly in times of service breakdown. 5. Liaising with Operational Leads, other departments and clinicians, service users and technical suppliers to resolve operational problems. 6. To assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures that ensure that staff are fully conversant and comply with these policies. Management Duties 1. To be a participant on the Departmental Management Operational Team 5

6 2. To lead the POCT team of technical and support staff. 3. To deputise for the Discipline Specific Service Manager when required 4. To ensure Departmental Safety and Security Policies are being practised. 5. To draw up staff rotas which allow staff to experience a wide range of analytical activities 6. To monitor staffing levels in each area and to re-assign staff if necessary 7. To collate information for the Discipline Specific Service Manager regarding staff attendance and overtime/ out of hours payments 8. To review vacant posts taking into account planned service reform and modernisation 9. To participate in the staff recruitment and selection process adhering to Trust procedures. 10. Delegate appropriate responsibility and authority to the level of staff within his/her control consistent with effective decision making whilst retaining responsibility and accountability for results within their area of responsibility. 11. Participate in the Trusts Personal Contribution Framework (PCF) process. To review the performance of direct reports on a regular basis, and to provide direction on personal development requirements and appropriate action. 12. Maintain good staff relationships and morale amongst the staff reporting to him/her. 13. Promote the Trust s policies on equality of opportunity, and the promotion of good relations through his/her own actions, and ensure that these policies are adhered to by staff for which he/she has responsibility. 14. As directed by the Discipline Specific Manager, assist the development and implementation of modernisation initiatives within the Laboratory service. Communication and Information Management: 1. To maintain and participate in the internal communications systems, which include team briefing and regular meetings with staff. 2. To represent the service and the Trust as required communicating effectively with colleagues both internal and external to the Trust. 6

7 Collaborative Working: 1. To work in partnership with Trade Union colleagues as appropriate across the Trusts laboratory service. 2. To maintain productive working relationships with other scientific, clinical, nursing staff and support staff within the service. 3. To liaise closely with the department Quality Manager and the Health and Safety and Training Leads. Teaching, training and competency assessment responsibilities 1. To develop and carry out technical competency assessments and evaluate and record outcomes making training recommendations as appropriate. 2. To ensure that all staff are trained and updated on any new techniques or processes. Personal training responsibilities 1. To undertake to complete training identified through PCF. 2. Participate in CPD activities to satisfy professional licensing requirements (e.g. HCPC). General Responsibilities: Employees of the Trust are required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and: 1. At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner. 2. Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them. 3. Comply with the Trust s No Smoking Policy. 4. Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with health and safety policy and statutory regulations. 5. Adhere to equality and good relations duties throughout the course of their employment. 6. Contribute to the Trust s overall corporate governance processes to ensure its compliance with public sector values and codes of conduct, operations and accountability. 7

8 7. Maintain high standards of personal account abiltiy 8. Lead by example in practising the highest standards of conduct in accordance with the Code of Conduct for HPSS Managers. Environmental Cleaning Strategy. The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognizes the key principle that Cleanliness matters is everyone s responsibility, not just the cleaners Whilst there are staff employed who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a clean, comfortable, safe environment for patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff and members of the general public. Records Management Used as part of their business within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004 and Data Protection Act 1998. Employees are required to be conversant with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust policy and procedure on records management and to seek advice if in doubt This job description is not meant to be definitive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. 8

9 JOB SPECIFICATION POST: Point of care testing Co-ordinator LOCATION: Clinical Biochemistry Department BHSCT ESSENTIAL CRITERIA Current registration as a Biomedical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Extensive post registration, minimum of three years experience at BMS Band 6 level in a Laboratory Discipline Possess a relevant higher degree or equivalent e.g. MSc in a relevant subject, FIBMS, Higher Specialist Portfolio. Post holder will participate as directed in a 24 hr. service which will include extended working day, overnight, weekend and Bank/Public holidays work as part of the conditioned 37.5 hr. week. Participates in CPD DESIRABLE CRITERIA POCT experience A wide knowledge of regulatory and licensing standards Basic computer skills IBMS Specialist Diploma in a Laboratory Discipline NOTE: Where educational/professional qualifications form part of the criteria you will be required, if short listed for interview, to produce original certificates, and one photocopy of same, issued by the appropriate authority. Only those certificates relevant to the short listing criteria should be produced. If educational certificates are not available an original letter and photocopy of same detailing examination results from your school or college will be accepted as an alternative. If successful you will be required to produce documentary evidence that you are legally entitled to live and work in the United Kingdom. This documentation can be a P45, payslip, National Insurance Card or a birth certificate confirming birth in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland. Failure to produce evidence will result in a non-appointment. 9