Medical Scientist Senior

Medical Scientist Senior

Job Specification & Terms and Conditions

Job Title and Grade / Medical Scientist Senior (Surveillance Scientist) 0.5 Post
(Grade Code: 3877)
Campaign Reference / NRS0822
Closing Date / 6th March 2013
Proposed Interview Date (s) / Week Commencing 25th March 2013
Taking up Appointment / A start date will be indicated at job offer stage.
Organisational Area / Dublin North East
Location of Post / MicrobiologyLaboratoryDepartmentConnollyHospital Blanchardstown Dublin 15
Details of Service / The person appointed to this post will be attached to the Microbiology Laboratory in ConnollyHospital,working as part of multi-disciplinary team delivering a coordinated approach to client care.
The microbiology laboratory in ConnollyHospital provides a diagnostic service to both the hospital and the General Practitioners in the catchment area. The microbiology lab in ConnollyHospital is a busy lab processing 50,000 samples per annum. It is currently accredited to ISO accreditation Standard 15189 by the Irish National accreditation Board.
The Surveillance Scientist is a crucial part of the microbiology/infection prevention and control team in ConnollyHospital. Duties include maintenance of organism databases, preparation of weekly surveillance data for the Infection Prevention and Control team and preparation of monthly and quarterly surveillance figures for feedback to the wards, consultants and relevant managers both internally and to external bodies.
They are also responsible for notification of infectious diseases to Public Health via CIDR and submission of surveillance data to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre for national and European projects.
The duties of the surveillance scientist are essential in helping to decrease the incidence and spread of healthcare-associated infection in the hospital
Reporting Relationship / Reporting to the Chief Medical Scientist (Microbiology)
Reporting to the Laboratory Director and the Consultant Microbiologists
Purpose of the Post / The purpose of the post is to be a member of the senior laboratory management team, be responsible for the quality of work under their supervision and carry out their duties in accordance with laboratory policy. Key posts within the laboratory, such as quality manager, technical manager and LIMS administrator are usually filled by senior medical scientists.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities / Key Responsibilities
Be a member of the senior laboratory team in developing strategic priorities for fulfilling the service.
Participate in the implementation of a “quality management” programme which is patient/client centred and audited and confidential.
Be responsible for the quality of work under their supervision and carry out their duties in accordance with laboratory policy.
Receive and record details of mishaps, complaints and defects in supplies and equipment, investigate the circumstances with appropriate team members and take the necessary action and report findings as required in accordance with laboratory policy.
Ensure the policy in relation to laboratory record keeping is followed.
Co-operate in evaluating new equipment and consumables.
Ensure, in co-operation with the accreditation team, compliance with the International and National Guidelines and standards of provision of laboratory services.
Participate in own professional development and encourage that of team members through self learning, formal courses and informal on the job training.
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.
Participate in research activities consistent with the position.
Participate in the consistent implementation of operational processes to the standards of “best practice”, while optimising the use of resources.
Demonstrate behaviour consistent with their professional position.
Carry out such other duties as may be required from time to time.
Key tasks
To establish and maintain a computer based data extraction system which would allow transfer of data from the Laboratory Information System (LIS) to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) in keeping with the needs and recommendations of the Strategy for the Control of Antimicrobial Resistance in Ireland (SARI) and the Computerised Infectious Disease Reporting System (CIDR).
To be responsible for the surveillance of hospital-acquired infection, including organism and disease specific surveillance
In association with members of the Infection Prevention and Control Team to expand the surveillance program currently in place in ConnollyHospital
To work with the Infection Prevention and Control team to implement the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections and other relevant national and international guidelines/standards.
To be responsible for all aspects of data transfer between the LIS and CIDR.
To be responsible for all aspects of data transfer between the LIS and the HPSC.
To be responsible for all Laboratory Infectious Disease Notifications from the hospital to the HPSC or the Department of Public Health or other agency.
To be a member of the hospital’s Infection Prevention and Control Team.
To establish and maintain a computer based system to be used for the collection of data required for the surveillance of hospital-acquired infection.
To be responsible for the co-ordination of collection, storage and documentation of appropriate isolates.
To be responsible for the transfer and follow up of appropriate isolates to reference laboratories.
To liaise between the Microbiology Laboratory, the Department of Public Health, the HPSC and other agencies such as regional Quality and Patient Safety office in relation to surveillance.
To contribute to the management of the local LIS.
To ensure that sensitivity testing is standardised in accordance with national recommendations.
Health and safety
Participate in ensuring that effective safety procedures are in place to comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act as within the Public Health Laboratory.
Assist and co-operate with the Laboratory Management Team in developing procedures to be followed in preventing and managing accidents in the Laboratory area.
Note:
The extent and speed of change in the delivery of health care is such that adaptability is essential in this position. The incumbent will be required to maintain and enhance their professional knowledge, skill and aptitudes necessary to respond to a changing environment. The job description must be regarded as an outline of the major areas of accountability, which will be reviewed and amended on an on-going basis.
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: -
1.
a)Possess the Bachelor in Science (Applied Science) Honours degree (Biomedical option) from the University of Dublin/Dublin Institute of Technology, Kevin Street
or
b)Possess the Bachelor in Science Honours degree in Biomedical Science from the joint University College Cork/Institute of Technology Cork course;
or
c)Possess the Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science of the Dublin Institute of Technology, Kevin Street or the Cork Institute of Technology, awarded prior to 1994;
or
d)Possess a recognised qualification at least equivalent to (a), (b) above;
or
e)Possess a recognised qualification at least equivalent to (c) awarded prior to 1994;
and
f)Possess a postgraduate degree in the field of Medical Laboratory Science;
or
g)Have attained the Fellowship Examination of the Institute of Biomedical Science
and
h)Possess Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Laboratory Science (FAMLS) or be eligible for fellowship;
and
i)Possess four years experience in a medical laboratory since qualifying as a Medical Scientist.
2. The requirements (f), (g) and (h) will not come into effect until 1st October 2009 in respect of a candidate who:
(a)holds a qualification set on in 1 (a), (b), (d) or (e)
and
(b)is a member of or is eligible for membership of the Academy of Medical Science (MAMLS) and was employed as a Medical Scientist (Medical Laboratory Technician) in the health service on or before 1st April 2000.
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 / N/A
Other requirements specific to the post / N/A
Skills, competencies and/or knowledge / Demonstrate sufficient clinical knowledge and evidence based practice to carry out duties and responsibilities of the role
Demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge to best practice
Demonstrate an up to date knowledge of disease surveillance and diagnostic clinical microbiology.
Demonstrate evidence of effective planning and organising skills
Demonstrate a commitment to assuring high standards and strive for a user centred service
Demonstrate problem solving skills and the ability to effectively evaluate information and make appropriate decisions
Demonstrate an ability to manage and develop self and others in a busy working environment
Demonstrate ability to manage deadlines
Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills including: the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues; the ability to liaise with the senior medical scientists team; the ability to encourage learning
Demonstrate effective leadership and team skills
Demonstrate awareness and appreciation of the service user
Demonstrate leadership and team management skills
Demonstrate knowledge of ISO15189 accreditation
Demonstrate evidence of computer skills including use of Microsoft Word, Excel, email, and Laboratory Information Management systems
Competition Specific Selection Process
Ranking/Shortlisting / Interview / A ranking and or short listing exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or short listing 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 Health Service Executivewill 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 in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, information for candidates or on
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.

Medical Scientist Senior

Terms and Conditions of Employment

Tenure / The initial vacancy forthis post is 0.5 and is permanent. This post is pensionable. A panel will be formed from this recruitment campaign and future permanent or specific 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
Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointment) Act 2004.
Remuneration / The Salary scale (as at 01/01/10) for the post is:
(a)without FAMLS – (formerly Senior Medical Laboratory Technician): Euro 47,979 - 50,189 – 52,150 – 54,156- 56,222 (pro rata)
(b)with FAMLS – (formerly Senior Medical Laboratory Technician):
Euro 47,979 – 50,189 – 52,150 – 54,156 – 56,222 – 58,253 –
60,344 – 62,414 - 64,500 (pro rata)
Working Week / The standard working week applying to the post is to be confirmed at Job Offer stage.
HSE Circular 003-2009 “Matching Working Patterns to Service Needs (Extended Working Day / Week Arrangements); Framework for Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016” applies. Under the terms of this circular, all new entrants and staff appointed to promotional posts from Dec 16th 2008 will be required to work agreed roster / on call arrangements as advised by their line manager. Contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8am-8pm over seven days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement (Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016).
Annual Leave / The annual leave associated with this post is: 29 days (pro rata)
Superannuation / Membership of the HSE Employee Superannuation Scheme applies to this appointment.
Existing Members who transferred to the HSE on 1st January 2005 pursuant to Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to superannuation benefit terms under the HSE Scheme which are no less favourable to those to which they were entitled at 31st December 2004.
Appointees to posts in the Mental Health Services which formerly attracted fast accrual of service should note that the terms of Section 65 of the Mental Treatment Act 1945 do not apply to New Entrant Public Servants as defined by Section 12 of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.
Probation / Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of the Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of 12 months as stipulated in the Department of Health Circular No.10/71.
Protection of Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 / As this post is one of those designated under the Protection of Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998, appointment to this post appoints one as a designated officer in accordance with Section 2 of the Act. You will remain a designated officer for the duration of your appointment to your current post or for the duration of your appointment to such other post as is included in the categories specified in the Ministerial Direction. You will receive full information on your responsibilities under the Act on appointment.
Infection Control / Have a working knowledge of Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc.

NRS0822 Job Spec Medical Scientist Senior : Page 1