Clinical Scientist in Haematology

Job overview

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated HCPC-registered Clinical Scientist to join the Haematology department at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. This role is suitable for an individual with experience in Haematology and Haemato-Oncology, including red cell haematology, morphology and immunophenotyping.

The post holder will work closely with Clinical Scientists and Biomedical Scientists across Blood Sciences at UHP, as well as maintaining close working relationships with Clinical Haematology.

***Please note that applications from temporary workers who have been engaged with the Trust for a minimum of 3 months are welcome. ***

Main duties of the job

You will actively contribute to a range of clinical, technical, quality and managerial tasks, which will be (but is not limited to):

• To provide a timely, high-quality, accurate and cost-effective service, in collaboration with Haematology and Flow Cytometry Section leads, Laboratory Managers, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Consultant Haematologists.
• To contribute to the effective operation of the Antenatal Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Screening Programme, ensuring adherence to national screening pathways, quality standards, key performance indicators and audit requirements.
• Provides specialist diagnostic services to UHP and external users (including ~100 GP practices).
• To develop and undertake competency training and assessments for the Haematology and Flow Cytometry team.

3       To undertake evidence-based audit and research projects to further clinical practice. Make recommendations to change team’s practice. Lead implementation of specific changes to practice or contribute to service protocols.

4      In collaboration with laboratory management and Consultant Haematologists, to develop and implement new tests that will contribute to improved patient care, reduced costs and/or reduced turnaround times.

5       To share teaching responsibilities with clinical staff at the medical school.

6       To contribute to Clinical Haematology multidisciplinary team meetings.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical, Professional and Scientific

• Validate and release results from all areas of Haematology and the Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service, including interpretation of morphology, flow cytometry immunophenotyping, and molecular and cytogenetic results where appropriate. To instigate any necessary actions consequent on their release, e.g. discussion with clinical staff, advice, suggestions and the instigation of further investigations.
• Participate in the scientific and clinical oversight of antenatal sickle cell and thalassaemia screening, including the validation, interpretation and authorisation of screening results, referral for confirmatory testing where appropriate, and provision of advice to healthcare professionals
• Provide (with others) a highly specialised advisory service in all aspects of Clinical Haematology, Flow Cytometry and Molecular Biology to the trust, the PCT and other external bodies as appropriate.
• Contribute to an integrated diagnostic reporting service for haematological malignancies in collaboration with Consultant Haematologists and other specialist scientists.
• Support and contribute to diagnostic multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings through the preparation, presentation and discussion of relevant laboratory findings.
• Provide all necessary input to the work of the department to ensure the provision of a rapid, reliable and efficient service, including optimising the service through implementation of demand management.
• Ensure the validity of results produced within areas of activity by monitoring performance of methodologies and available quality control data, and by ensuring provision of protocols for the correction of problems.
• Participate in the investigation of any erroneous or unusual patient test results.
• Help to ensure the timely reporting of patient results in order that patient care is not compromised and introduce demand management for correct test requesting and for repeating testing.
• Assist in determining the best combination of tests included in request profiles, the method of requesting, sample handling and result reporting.

For further information please see attached job description