Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Haematology & Blood Transfusion

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279); Haywards Heath, Brighton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Sussex is seeking a Specialist Biomedical Scientist in Haematology and Blood Transfusion. Candidates must be HCPC-registered and have significant NHS experience. The role involves working across multiple sites with a full 24-hour shift system, including nights and weekends. Ideal candidates will have strong knowledge of diagnostic tests and excellent communication skills. Competitive compensation includes shift enhancements.

Qualifications

• HCPC Registration is essential.
• Experience in NHS Haematology required.
• Understanding of diagnostic test relevance.

Responsibilities

• Work across all sections of the Haematology department.
• Participate in a 24-hour shift system.
• Communicate with clinicians on test suitability.

Skills

Extensive knowledge of disease processes

Communication skills with physicians

Result validation and interpretation

Sample handling and quality control

Ability to handle complex results

Education

HCPC Registration

BSc Biomedical Sciences or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Haematology & Blood Transfusion. Applications are invited from HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientists for the Registered Biomedical Scientist role within the Haematology laboratory at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. The successful candidate will work across all sections of the Haematology department, rotating through the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton and the Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath sites.

The department provides Haematology, Coagulation, Immunohaematology and Blood Transfusion services to University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, General Practitioners through Primary Care Trusts, and a specialist service to other NHS Trusts in Sussex, Surrey, and Kent. It holds ISO accreditation 15189 and is approved by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences as a training laboratory.

Candidates who are working towards their IBMS Specialist Portfolio are eligible to apply. The full band 6 post will only be awarded once this has been completed.

Previous applicants need not apply.

Main duties of the job

The Haematology department operates 4 sections across 2 sites: Haematology, Coagulation, Immunohaematology and Blood Transfusion. The successful candidate will work across all sections of the department. The department runs a full 24 hour shift system; the successful candidates will be expected to fully participate in all aspects of this (including nights, weekends and bank holidays) subject to competency assessment. This attracts additional pay above Agenda for Change rates.

Job responsibilities

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria.

Local agreements are in place for payment to cover working patterns outside of the Agenda for Change hours with both significant shift enhancements and the potential for additional hours. The post holder will be required to work out of hours weekday and weekends after satisfying competency assessment.

• Has an extensive knowledge of the disease process and the clinical relevance and appropriateness of diagnostic tests requested. Understands why certain tests (including abbreviations and medical terminology) are requested in specific pathological situations.
• Communicates with the requesting physician to discuss the suitability of tests requested and possible additional tests which might contribute to diagnosis/patient management. Also discuss with a senior member of staff if appropriate/available.
• Validates results according to the SOP. Interprets results in conjunction with previous results (delta checks). Requests further work according to SOP, refers to senior staff upon completion of further work.
• Handles unsuitable samples (e.g., taken from drip arm, too old, incorrectly labelled, insufficient volume) to ensure reliability and validity of samples; will request repeat bloods where necessary.
• Phones highly complex and potentially sensitive results to clinicians, ensuring results are understood and transcribed correctly. Acts on or refers phone calls received to the appropriate area of lab.

Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• HCPC Registration
• BSc Biomedical Sciences or Degree accredited by IBMS as suitable for HCPC registration

Experience

• 2 years NHS Haematology lab experience
• Experience of more specialist techniques
• 1 year NHS Haematology lab experience

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Evidence of championing diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
• Evidence of undertaking own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address

Royal Sussex County Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital

Royal Sussex County Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital