Chief Medical Scientist
Job Specification & Terms and Conditions
Job Title and Grade / Chief Medical Scientist – Haematology/Blood Transfusion Department(Grade Code 3876)
Competition Reference / NRS0657
Closing Date / Friday, 27th April 2012 @ 12 noon
Proposed Interview Date (s) / w/c 14th May 2012
Taking up Appointment / A start date will be indicated at job offer stage.
Location of Post / Connolly Hospital, HSE DNE
Organisational Area / HSE DNE
Details of Service / The person appointed to this post will work within the Integrated Services Directorate; working as part of multi-disciplinary teams delivering a coordinated approach to client care.
Connolly Hospital, HSE DNE
· The Haematology/Blood Transfusion Laboratory in Connolly Hospital is highly automated and computerised, providing a comprehensive analytical service to the Hospital and to Primary Care in the catchment area.
· Testing is provided in the areas of Clinical Haematology, Coagulation and Blood Transfusion
· The Chief Medical Scientist in Haematology/Blood Transfusion supervises a team of 2 senior medical scientists and 5 medical scientists.
· The Haematology/Blood Transfusion service has a key role in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of acute and chronic disease states.
Reporting Relationship / Responsible to:
Consultant Head of Department
Reports to:
Laboratory Manager
Purpose of the Post / To effectively lead a team providing a diagnosticHaematology and Blood Transfusion service atConnolly Hospital, Blanchardstown.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities /
Service Management
The Chief Medical Scientist will:· Participate in implementing the laboratory service that supports the clinical needs of the patients and is consistent with the mission, vision, values and strategic plan of the Health Service Executive.
· Participate in leading and training a team of skilled staff, creating and promoting healthy working relationships.
· Participate with the Laboratory Manager and relevant others in identifying and implementing operational processes to the standard of ‘best practice’ in order to optimise use of resources.
· Keep the Laboratory Manager appraised of any significant developments within the Blood Transfusion Service
· Participate in the implementation of a ‘quality management’ programme which is patient centred and which measures and audits performance and user satisfaction.
· Actively participate in and promote continuing education and research activities consistent with the position.
· Lead the professional organisation and management of a comprehensive Haematology/Blood Transfusion service, to reflect the Health Service Executive’s commitment to patient focused care and high quality
· Recruit, train and lead a team of skilled staff, creating and promoting healthy working relationships.
§ Responsible for the overall performance of the Haematology/Blood Transfusion service
§ Responsible for organisation of workload, prioritising tasks to ensure the effective running of the department
§ Responsible for maximising the use of available resources within the Haematology/Blood Transfusion Service and identifying requirements to meet future needs
· Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the values of the Hospital and ethical code
· Maintain and promote a patient focused orientation in the delivery of service
· Be actively involved in the change management process
· Participate in developing and leading the introduction of new ideas and methods according to hospital policy
· Participate in the production of an annual departmental report
· Participate in the determination of departmental policies for improvement of the service and assessing the needs for additional resources
· Lead and co-ordinate the work of scientific staff and/or support staff within the Laboratory. Ensure that the team is allocated according to patient needs and applying maximum delegation compatible with safety
· Identify weaknesses in the Department and promote through consultation, ways of improvement
· Supervise and delegate as appropriate, the registration, custody and stock level of the relevant laboratory reagents, consumables and other materials held in the Laboratory
· Ensure that policy relating to the relevant laboratory record keeping is followed
· Participate on Hospital and/or external committees as required
Quality
The Chief Medical Scientist will:· Ensure appropriate compliance with international and national guidelines and legal and professional standards for the provision of relevant laboratory services and actively participate in internal and external quality assurance.
· Responsible for setting policies, standards and best practice guidelines in conjunction with appropriate clinical and management groups
· Participate in the implementation of quality management programmes which are patient orientated and which measure and audit performance and client satisfaction.
· Oversee the maintenance of a quality management system to ISO15189 accreditation standard (or equivalent)
· Integrate lean, six sigma and other techniques into the lab to improve efficiency and reduce errors.
Financial
The Chief Medical Scientist will:· Ensure the most effective use of available resources and the smooth running to the relevant Laboratory service.
· Provide appropriate statistical and management information.
· Prepare budget estimates including a planned programme for replacing capital equipment.
· Maintain an Asset register of appropriate equipment, in conjunction with the Asset Register of the Hospital.
Information Technology
The Chief Medical Scientist will:· Participate in the commission of and efficient operation of computer systems for the Laboratory.
· Ensure that relevant laboratory Staff make the most effective and efficient use of developments in information technology for both patient care and administrative support in a manner, which integrates well with systems throughout the organisation.
· Collect, interpret and present data and information as appropriate and as required on the relevant Laboratory's activity, staffing and expenditure.
Staff Management
The Chief Medical Scientist will:· Manage the relevant Laboratory Staff resources ensuring that staffing levels and skill mix are appropriate and within the resources allocated.
· Promote a professional, punctual and dedicated team with good open communications.
· Create and promote healthy working relationships and stimulate initiative among relevant Laboratory Staff.
· Motivate team members on a day-to-day basis by agreeing goals and objectives in keeping with the Hospital anticipated performance system.
· Maintain teamwork and act in accordance with the Hospital's disciplinary policy.
· In consultation with the laboratory management team and National Recruitment Service recruit suitable scientific and support staff.
· In consultation with other senior staff prepare work schedules, assign duties and organise rosters within and across sections to ensure cover for national, routine, specialised, and out of hours work.
· Responsible for the implementation of hospital HR policies
Education & Training
The Chief Medical Scientist will:
· Arrange training for the laboratory team as appropriate
· Actively participate in and promote continuing education and research activities consistent with the position
· Facilitate and co-ordinate relevant courses in the appropriate colleges.
· Facilitate arrangements in the relevant laboratory area for educating and training undergraduates, interns and post-graduate students.
Risk, Health & Safety
The Chief Medical Scientist will:· Participate in the selection of equipment and ensure equipment is fully validated before use.
· Co-ordinate and carry out the Major Emergency Plan according to hospital policy for isolated incidents or multiple trauma
· Participate in ensuring that effective safety procedures are in place to comply not only with the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act, but also within the spirit of the Hospital's mission, vision and values.
· Assist and co-operate with the Laboratory Management Team in developing 'Best Practice' procedures to be followed in preventing and managing accidents occurring in the Laboratory area.
· Develop and co-operate with procedures to reduce and manage accidents occurring in the laboratory area.
· Receive and record details concerning mishaps, complaints and defects in supplies and equipment, investigate the circumstances with appropriate team members and taking the necessary actions and report the findings as required.
· Ensure that staff carry out all their duties in a safe manner, use personal protective equipment when necessary and are familiar with evacuation procedures.
· Provide training, instruction, information and supervision to assist staff in complying with their duties under the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act.
The above Job Description 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 him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.
Eligibility Criteria
Qualifications and/ or experience / Each candidate must have at the latest date of application: -
a)
(i) The Bachelor in Science (Applied Science) Honours degree (Biomedical option) from the University of Dublin/Dublin Institute of Technology, Kevin Street
or
(ii) The Bachelor in Science honours degree in Biomedical Science from the Joint University College Cork - Cork Institute of Technology course
or
(iii) The Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences of the Dublin Institute of Technology, Kevin Street or the Cork Institute of Technology or the Galway/Mayo Institute of Technology (awarded prior to 1994)
or
(iv) A recognised qualification at least equivalent to (i), (ii) or (iii) above
and
b) A post-graduate degree in the field of Medical Laboratory Science, or have attained the fellowship examination of the Institute of Biomedical Science
and
c) The Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Laboratory Science (FAMLS) or be eligible for the fellowship
and
d) Have had at least seven years experience in a medical laboratory since qualifying as a Medical Scientist, two years of which were spent in a promotional post
and
e) The requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and management ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.
Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
Character
Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character
Age
Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation Act, 2004). A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the office occurs.
Post Specific Requirements / Demonstrate depth and breadth of experience in Blood Transfusion and Haematology
Other requirements specific to the post / · n/a
Skills, competencies and/or knowledge / · Demonstrate excellent understanding and have good experience of blood transfusion and haematology
· Demonstrate leadership and team management skills
· Demonstrate good decision making and problem solving skills
· Demonstrate evidence based clinical knowledge in making decisions regarding implementing new techniques and equipment into the laboratory service
· Demonstrate evidence of effective planning and organising skills including awareness of resource management and importance of value for money
· Demonstrate ability to manage deadlines and effectively handle multiple tasks
· Demonstrate the ability to plan and manage change
· Demonstrate an awareness of the laboratory user and the importance of the patient/client at all times
· Demonstrate awareness of the importance of quality in laboratory practice
· Demonstrate good interpersonal skills including the ability to manage conflict and crisis situations
· Demonstrate effective communication skills including the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner and the ability to communicate effectively with other staff
· Demonstrate evidence of good computer skills including a working knowledge of laboratory IT systems
· Demonstrate knowledge of Health & safety requirements in a laboratory setting
Competition Specific Selection Process
Ranking/Shortlisting / Interview / A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.
Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.
Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview in ‘bands’ depending on the service needs of the organisation.
Code of Practice / The Public Appointment Service will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commissioners for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). The Code of Practice sets out how the core principles of probity, merit, equity and fairness might be applied on a principle basis. The Codes also specifies the responsibilities placed on candidates, feedback facilitates for applicants on matters relating to their application when requested, and outlines procedures in relation to requests for a review of the recruitment and selection process and review in relation to allegations of a breach of the Code of Practice. Additional information on the HSE’s review process is available in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, information for candidates.
Codes of practice are published by the CPSA and are available on www.careersinhealthcare.ie in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, information for candidates or on www.cpsa-online.ie.
The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on this role and as structures change the job description may be reviewed.
This job description is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.
Terms and Conditions of Employment
Chief Medical Scientist – Blood Transfusion
Tenure / The appointment is whole-time, permanent and pensionable.A panel will be formed from this recruitment campaign and future permanent or specified purpose vacancies of full time or part time duration will be filled from this panel. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at ‘expression of interest’ stage.