Job Title: Deputy Pathology Manager

Job Title: Deputy Pathology Manager

Location/Base: Parkside Hospital, 53 Parkside, Wimbledon SW19 5NX

Dept.: Pathology

Reporting to: Pathology Manager

1 JOB PURPOSE:

In conjunction with the Pathology Manager:

·  The operational management of the Pathology Department, promoting the delivery of a high quality, cost effective analytical service

·  Aiding in the establishment and maintenance of UKAS accreditation

·  Initiating, implementing and reviewing strategic development and departmental policy

·  Deputising for the Pathology Manager in their absence

2 KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Technical

·  To supervise and take responsibility for the day to day planning and co-ordination of core work principally ensuring that specimens pass through the laboratory as efficiently as possible.

·  To assist in the recruitment, training and supervision of Pathology staff to ensure that laboratory staff carry out test procedures as described in the procedure manuals with a satisfactory level of care and competence.

·  To ensure adherence to stringent quality control mechanisms and assist in the design and development of new working practices in conjunction with the Pathology and Quality Managers.

·  To assess the clinical relevance, importance and urgency of diagnostic test requests and results which impact of patient care and communicate these effectively to appropriate agencies.

·  To provide and maintain an efficient stock control system in order to ensure that the Hospital resources are used as effectively as possible.

·  To be conversant with all procedures relevant to the post and to develop/review such procedures where and when appropriate.

·  To manage analytical methods, techniques and instrumentation used in the department in liaison with Consultant staff.

·  To ensure test procedures are carried out according to Standard Operating Procedures and that staff are competent.

·  To advise on ad hoc processes not covered by Standard operating Procedures.

·  To undertake technical validation of highly complex results from laboratory investigations and to decide on any further investigations as specified by laboratory protocols.

·  To liaise with equipment service engineers in all aspects of machine support, to be able to identify and rectify problems and ensure continuity of service.

·  To assess, initiate and monitor appropriate action when a situation may cause service delivery failure. To instigate contingency plans in the event of service failure.

·  To assist the Manager in maintaining records, statistics and units of measurement in respect of various Department functions to ensure efficient revenue capture.

·  To undertake work file management to ensure that all results are reported within the agreed turnaround times.

·  To deputise for the Pathology Manager where appropriate.

Training

·  To act as departmental Training Officer in line with IBMS

·  To participate in the day to day supervision and training of Medical Laboratory Assistants, locum staff and Trainee Biomedical Scientists preparing for State Registration.

·  To support junior staff undergoing training in accordance with departmental training policies and signing off training logs and competency records.

·  To act as mentor for trainee Biomedical Scientists and Medical Laboratory Assistants.

·  To attend appropriate seminars, lectures and training sessions as necessary for continuing professional development.

Quality

·  To measure and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations by the interpretation of appropriate quality control procedures including statistical and trend analysis.

·  To review, assess and initiate corrective action when quality control procedures indicate loss of performance with the laboratory instrument methods and monitor results.

·  To ensure analytical accuracy and confidentiality of results observing the Data Protection Act, using the Pathology computer system.

·  To ensure that records are kept up to date and stored safely to ensure compliance with good working practices required for the standards of Clinical Pathology Accreditation (UK) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

·  To write, prepare and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and to have the authority to advise on new procedures.

·  To assist the department in measuring turn-around times for laboratory results and to initiate corrective action if required.

·  To assist and participate in audit and benchmarking as required in collaboration with laboratory management.

·  To ensure the Quality Manager or if absent, the Pathology Manager is immediately informed of any issues which may affect the quality of service within the department.

Health and Safety

·  To comply with all Hospital Standard Operating Procedures including Fire, Security, COSHH, Manual Handling and Health and Safety.

·  To work in a safe and effective manner, knowing correct procedures for handling hazardous substances within the laboratory by observing the Health and Safety at Work Act and the departmental Health and Safety procedures. Work safely with category 3 (e.g. HIV/Hepatitis B/C) samples as required.

·  To report to the Pathology Manager any Health and Safety related problems.

·  To ensure that staff keep the workplace and workbenches optimally organised, clean and tidy and maintained in accordance with agreed Health and Safety policies.

·  Use correct lifting and handling techniques to assist in delivery and storage of solvents and other heavy items.

·  Be aware of all COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) information relating to chemicals used. Understand the implications of the COSHH data sheets and risk assessments for the safe working of the laboratory.

·  To participate in COSHH assessment, Risk assessment and Health and Safety audit.

General

·  To maintain Continual Professional Development to meet professional requirements and to maintain HPC registration.

·  To abide by the Code of Professional Conduct and Code of practice for Biomedical Science Laboratories as laid down by the Institute of Biomedical Science and Health Professions Council.

·  To treat everyone with respect and maintain good work relations with all members of staff to promote effective team work.

·  To maintain and promote the professional image of the department and the Hospital.

·  To handle complaints from staff, patients and users in a professional manner and in accordance with Hospital policy.

·  To represent the department when required.

·  To comply with local and national policies for the safe, secure and confidential processing and storage of patient and other laboratory information.

·  To keep appropriate records of all communication.

·  To use the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) according to the authorised protocols.

·  To enter results and those obtained by others into the LIMS.

·  To maintain the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases.

·  To develop systems and processes for recording and storing laboratory information.

·  To ensure compliance with all local and national standards of work practice e.g. Clinical Pathology Accreditation and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

·  To participate in the autonomous multi-discipline out of hours service. All staff participating in this service must be able to demonstrate competency in order to meet the necessary criteria.

·  To participate in an annual staff appraisal in accordance with the Company’s Appraisal Scheme.

·  To agree leave applications in compliance with leave policies where appropriate.

·  To undertake any other duties as may be designated by the Pathology Manager to ensure the efficient running of the department.

3 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Our Values

We are proud to be 'Individually different. Altogether better' and it is only through our people that we will achieve our mission to:

“Provide first-class independent healthcare for the local community in a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment; one in which we would be happy to treat our own families”

We do this by asking you to work within our core values:

Beyond Compliance – Going above and beyond to improve our business

Personalised Attention – Taking time to care for others

Partnership and Teamwork – Inclusive and collaborative

Investing in Excellence – Working to be the best

Always with Integrity – Respected, admired and reliable

Code of conduct

I will make the CARE and SAFETY of our patients my first concern and will always act to protect them from risk.

I will always be respectful to the public, patients, relatives and carers, colleagues and business when representing Aspen Healthcare.

I will always be honest and act with integrity.

I will accept responsibility for my own work and if appropriate the proper performance of the people I manage.

I will show my commitment to working as a team member with all my colleagues and the wider community.

I will take responsibility for my own learning and development.

If a member of a professional body, I will comply with the relevant professional code of ethics and conduct at all times

Equality & Diversity

Aspen Healthcare Limited is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Its policy is to treat everyone in the same way regardless of their race, religion, marital status, physical/mental disability, gender, sexual orientation, and age, responsibilities for dependents, trade union membership or offending background. The Company values the diversity of its work force as a strength and aims to provide a working environment in which people have the opportunity to contribute and develop according to their individual merits and aspirations.

Health & Safety at Work

You are reminded that, in accordance with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended) and other relevant Health and Safety legislation, you have a duty to take responsible care to avoid injury to yourself and to others by your work activities, and to co-operate with the organisation and others in meeting statutory and mandatory requirements.

Statutory & Mandatory Training

You are required to complete mandatory training as required, and if unable to attend ensure this is rectified with your line manager’s support at the earliest opportunity.

Infection Prevention & Control

It is the responsibility of all staff to ensure high quality patient care is based upon principles of best practice in infection prevention and control, either directly through personal contact or indirectly through supervision of practice.

It is the responsibility of all staff to fully co-operate with managers in achieving compliance with Infection Control policies and in adopting safe systems of work when undertaking activities that present a risk of the spread of infection.

Confidentiality

Information about any individual, which includes either some or all details of their identity is personal and is subject to the Data Protection Act (1998), the Human Rights Act (2000) and other Aspen Healthcare requirements such as the Caldicott principles.

Patient information, in any form is confidential. This means that information should only be shared or accessed by someone with a legitimate reason, related to the care of the patient.

Information about members of staff or others in relation to sensitive issues, such as appraisals, investigations, complaints or payroll details is also confidential.

All staff must always maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive material and information of this nature and immediately report any potential confidentiality issues that may arise.

Information Security

All staff are required to read and comply with all Aspen communications and policies that are issued relating to the electronic security of Aspen and patient information particularly in relation to:

Saving data and information

Password management and responsibilities

Transfer of data and data sharing

Whistleblowing - Raising Concerns

It is the responsibility of all staff to raise any concerns to their line manager or the HR department if they reasonably believe that one or more of the following concerns is either happening, has taken place, or is likely to happen in the future relating to the company’s business:

A criminal offence

The breach of a legal obligation

A miscarriage of justice

A danger to the health and safety of any individual

Damage to the environment

Deliberate attempt to conceal any of the above.

any other legitimate concerns

Data Protection

All staff must be aware of the Caldicott principles, the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Human Rights Act 1998. The protection of data about individuals is a requirement of the law and if any employee is found to have permitted unauthorised disclosure, Aspen Healthcare and the individual may be prosecuted. Disciplinary action will be taken for any breach.

Mobility/Flexibility

Your normal place of work will be as stated above, but as a term of your employment you may be required to work from any of the companies’ facilities.

Safeguarding the Welfare of Children and Vulnerable Adults

Post holders have a general responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in the course of their daily duties and for ensuring that they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role. The expectation is that the post holder is familiar with the relevant procedures and guidelines relevant to their job role

For all posts requiring professional registration

You are required by law to maintain professional registration for the duration of your employment and cannot be lawfully employed should registration lapse. Lapsing may render you subject to disciplinary action. You are also required to abide by the codes of professional practice as detailed by the professional body (Nursing and Midwifery Council, General Medical Council, Health and Care Professions Council etc.)

Other responsibilities

You will be required to be aware of and adhere to all relevant Company Policies and Guidelines.

This job description is neither exclusive nor exhaustive and the duties and responsibilities may vary from time to time and where possible be in consultation with the post holder.

Review

The post-holder must act in such a way to promote a positive image of Aspen Healthcare UK Ltd at all times. This job description is not conclusive and will be regularly reviewed with the post-holder.

Person Specification

Job Title: Deputy Pathology Manager

Location/Base: Parkside Hospital, 53 Parkside, Wimbledon SW19 5NX

Dept.: Pathology

Reporting to: Pathology Manager

ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLE
Educational qualifications / BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science Degree or equivalent
MSc Biomedical Science (or related subject) or equivalent
Minimum 2 years post MSc and extensive relevant laboratory experience
HCPC Registration
Evidence of continuing professional development / Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Science
Management Qualification
IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma in Management
Experience / Training of staff
Recruitment, management and retention of staff
Monitoring performance of staff (appraisal)
Problem Solving
Assessing and implementing techniques systems and processes / Development of risk (Heath and Safety) Management Systems
Specific training/skills /knowledge required / Advanced communication skills in all media
Proven leadership skills
Ability to communicate appropriately and professionally to staff/people at different levels
Ability to work autonomously and under pressure in a busy environment
Ability to analyses, prioritise, problem solve and project manage
Ability to work independently setting priorities for self and team
Leadership (motivation, teamwork, delegation, manage change)
High level of manual dexterity
Accuracy and attention to detail
In depth knowledge of discipline specific issues
Standards required by CPA (UK) Ltd
Health and Safety policies /legislation
Understanding of Customer Care
An awareness of the importance of the role to patient care
Awareness of current legislation and codes of practice / Certified trainer or equivalent practical experience
Financial Management
General / Accountability – takes responsibility for own actions and promotes good team working
Openness – shares information and good practice appropriately
Mutual Respect – treats others with courtesy and respect at all times
Out Of Hours – participation in the provision of an out of hours service

Deputy Pathology Manager