August 2015
This Position Description is a guide and will vary from time to time and
between services and/or units to meet changing service needs
The Canterbury District Health Board is committed to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and the overarching objectives of the New Zealand health and disability strategies.Organisational Vision
The CDHB’s vision is to improve the health and well being of the people living in Canterbury.Organisational Values
· Care & respect for others· Integrity in all we do
· Responsibility for outcomes
POSITION TITLE: / Medical Laboratory Scientist
REPORTS TO (Title): / Section Head, Specialist Chemistry
REPORTS ON A DAILY BASIS TO: / Section Head, Specialist Chemistry
PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVES:
To perform routine and specialist testing and associated duties in the Specialist Chemistry Laboratory.
To provide and efficient, high quality Specialist Chemistry service to the CDHB and CHL external clients.
FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:
(Who are the customer/consumers/patients)
INTERNALLY:
1 / Section Head, Specialist Chemistry
2 / Cluster Manager, Specialist Cluster
3 / Operations Manager
4 / Medical Director, Biochemistry
5 / Staff of the Specialist Chemistry laboratory
6 / Staff and SMO’s of Canterbury Health Laboratories
7 / Staff of the Canterbury District Health Board
EXTERNALLY:
1 / Clients of Canterbury Health Laboratories
2 / Patients of Canterbury Health Laboratories
3
4
5
KEY PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES:
Task / The Medical Laboratory Scientist, Specialist Chemistry is responsible for adhering to laboratory quality assurance procedure requirements.
Expected Result / · Assists in preparation of documentation for Laboratory procedures according to the NZS/ISO 15189:2012 standards.
· Ensure compliance against above standards for all procedures undertaken.
· All tasks are carried out to standard laboratory procedures and policies.
· Procedures ‘out of control’ are recognised and notified to the Section Head.
· There is contribution to and participation in departmental QC Programmes.
Task / The Medical Laboratory Scientist is responsible for adhering to safety programmes and procedures.
Expected Result / · All procedures carried out follow the safety guidelines and procedures of the Unit.
· Unsafe procedures are recognised, documented and notified to the Safety Officer at the earliest opportunity.
· Documented procedures in the case of an accident are complied with.
· Work in a safe and healthy manner to prevent harm to themselves or others.
· Be pro-active in identifying and controlling hazards through staff meetings.
· OSH accidents are reported directly to clinical leader, manager or supervisor.
Task / The Medical Laboratory Scientist is responsible for maintaining and developing his/her own areas of skill and professional development.
Expected Result / · Adhere to, and practice within the Code of Competencies and Standards set by the Medical Laboratory Science Board.
· Mastery of acquired skills is maintained.
· New skills are developed as required.
· Teaching sessions are attended.
· If appropriate, goals and objectives are set and agreed to.
· Participate in the review of core processes and initiatives for the Section.
· Participate in continuing professional education schemes and QA programmes implemented in the section.
· A professional development programme is developed (if appropriate).
· Contributions are made to educational meetings.
· Follows documented process in the Section.
Task / The Medical Laboratory Scientist is responsible for providing a high quality service to clients.
Expected Result / · Clients receive polite, courteous and prompt responses to their requests or enquiries.
· Client feedback is documented and the Section Head notified at the earliest opportunity.
· Accurate transmission of requests and information from both internal and external clients.
Task / The Medical Laboratory Scientist is conversant with and responsible for his/her own operation and use of the laboratory information system to register patients, input data and access results.
Expected Result / · Patients are correctly and accurately registered.
· Data input and information retrieval is accurate and efficient.
· Overdue lists are reviewed and actioned weekly.
Task / The Medical Laboratory Scientist is responsible for performing a variety of duties in the Specialist Chemistry laboratory, including basic troubleshooting of tests and equipment relevant to the laboratory’s operation.
Expected Result / · Techniques are efficiently performed according to the laboratory protocol.
· Reagents are used correctly as described in the laboratory methods manual.
· Methods are complied with.
· Normal and abnormal results are identified and actioned.
· Machine and technical irregularities are recognised and corrected where appropriate and the Section Head notified.
· Output meets the demands of daily workload and workflow patterns.
· Basic training is provided for new staff members as required by the Section Head and their deputy.
· Special duties assigned from time to time are carried out in a manner consistent with quality standards of the laboratory.
Task / The Medical Laboratory Scientist is responsible for carrying out general duties.
Expected Result / · Advice on specimen requirements for the laboratory is provided as required.
· Reagents are prepared according to prescribed standards.
· Laboratory consumables are restocked to allow all procedures to be carried out without disruption.
· Daily laboratory maintenance and cleaning duties are carried out and rubbish disposed of according to protocols.
· Reagents are prepared accurately.
· Specimens are registered according to laboratory procedure.
· Reports are files according to laboratory guidelines.
· Work environs are maintained to an acceptable clean, tidy and safe standard.
Task / The Medical Laboratory Scientist is responsible for
· Assisting in the training of laboratory Technicians, Medical Laboratory Scientists and students.
· Keeping abreast of new developments by regular reading of journals, textbooks etc. and attendance at seminars and conferences.
Task / The Medical Laboratory Scientist may be asked to participate in publishing original or developmental project papers.
Expected results / · Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing education and awareness of new deployments and methodologies.
· Participation in developmental procedures and protocols
Task / The Medical Laboratory Scientist is responsible for the communication of accurate and timely information to the Section Head or Cluster Manager.
Expected result / · The Section Head or Cluster Manager are kept informed of current operational technical and other issues that might have an impact on the section.
Task / The Medical Laboratory Scientist will undertake any other duties as reasonably directed by the Section Head or Cluster Manager from time to time.
Expected results / · Attend and actively participate in departmental meetings and take on meeting responsibility as requested.
· All duties required are performed in the best interest of Canterbury Health Laboratories and done so in a competent and efficient manner.
HEALTH & SAFETY:
· Observe all Canterbury DHB safe work procedures and instructions
· Ensure your own safety and that of others
· Report any hazards or potential hazard immediately
· Use all protective equipment and wear protective clothing provided
· Make unsafe work situations safe or, if they cannot, inform your supervisor or manager
· Co-operate with the monitoring of workplace hazards and employees health
· Ensure that all accidents or incidents are promptly reported to your manager
· Report early any pain or discomfort
· Take an active role in the Canterbury DHB’s rehabilitation plan, to ensure an early and durable return to work
· Seek advice from your manager if you are unsure of any work practice
QUALITY:
Every staff member within CDHB is responsible for ensuring a quality service is provided in their area of expertise. All staff are to be involved in quality activities and should identify areas of improvement. All staff are to be familiar with and apply the appropriate organisational and divisional policies and procedures.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
Essential:
· Must be a registered Medical Laboratory Scientist
· Has demonstrated team leadership skills.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:
Mandatory:
· Be client and patient focused and committed to providing a high quality service.
· Possess effective interpersonal skills and be able to work as part of a team.
· Have effective written and oral communication skills.
· Be able to work effectively, efficiently and unsupervised.
· Be adaptable and able to relate well to a wide range of people.
· Be disciplined, self-motivated and maintain a positive approach to work.
· Be punctual.
· Be able to display initiative and have the ability to take and make decisions.
· Be aware of, and exercise discretion in all patient related and departmental matters (in accordance with the Privacy Act).
The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by staff in this job classification. Staff members may be requested to perform job related tasks other than those specified.
H:\2SpecialistCluster\JobDescriptions\Position-Description-MLS MSS TechLead.doc