Pathology Digital & Informatics Lead

Job overview

As we embark on the next stages of our Pathology Digital Transformation Programme an opportunity has arisen for an experienced Biomedical Scientist to join our Digital Pathology team on a permanent basis.

The post holder will practice as a specialist registered Biomedical Scientist and act as the dedicated Pathology Digital Lead for the day to day support and development of Pathology IT systems such as; Winpath Enterprise LIMS, specialist middleware systems, ICE and NPEX.

Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the closing date once the required number of suitable applications have been received.

Main duties of the job

• The post holder will act as the dedicated Pathology lead for Pathology clinical applications and wider Pathology requirements including analyser and middleware etc •    Act as a technology champion; working with staff across all disciplines on embracing technological changes and ensuring these are implemented in a safe manner. Role in encouraging pathology staff to upskill with IT. •    Responsible for the coordination and implementation of change, including large scale Pathology IT change programmes •    Ensure Pathology staff across all roles and disciplines are aware of and up to date with business continuity procedures in the event of downtime whether planned or unplanned •    Liaison with 3rd party companies on, issues, risks, implementations and updates •    Auditing of users, and ensuring appropriate access to systems is maintained alongside Applications Management •    Ensure appropriate SOPs for all Pathology staff on the use of IT systems exist and are up to date in line with Pathology Quality Management Standards. •    Ensure IT enables lab to maintain ISO/MHRA standards. •    Undertake IT related corrective actions and flag risks as appropriate •    The post holder will be responsible for the maintenance of equipment in relation to Pathology systems across the department and lead on  the implementation of new technology, procedures and policies.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• The post holder will practice as a specialist registered Biomedical Scientist in the Pathology Department, working as part of a team in the provision of a high-quality diagnostic service to Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust and General Practitioners.  •    Working as the lead for Pathology IT alongside regional colleagues on strategic developments as part of the ePath Programme •    Post holder will be responsible for the management and co-ordination of the technical activities of the Digital & Informatics speciality area, working alongside senior colleagues on the strategic management of Pathology systems such as LIMS, NPEX, Middleware and ICE across the whole department •    The post holder will take the lead role in resolving any technical failures or managerial non-conformities that arise through the improper or incorrect use of Pathology systems, which may impact on service delivery.  This will include the investigation of relevant incidents according to the trust incident management policy and in conjunction with Pathology Quality Manager, introducing service change as required and monitoring impact of change.  •    To ensure the resilient delivery of pathology information management by providing both application and operational support, working within scope of competence to ensure day to day delivery of pathology IT solutions, and ensuring system inputs and outputs satisfy the needs of the users.  •    Post holder will be responsible for identifying and planning for the modification of pathology systems to meet the changing requirements of service users •    To keep abreast of developments in laboratory informatics that may benefit the quality of services provided by the NHCT Pathology Service •    Acting as the dedicated Pathology lead for Pathology clinical applications and wider Pathology requirements including analyser and middleware etc •    Ensures operational integration across all IM&T applications in use across the NHCT Pathology service •    Ensuring staff across the trust and wider community including Primary Care, Community and regional colleagues are aware of changes to Pathology IT systems and processes •    They will also participate in the supervision, training and development of Trainee/Newly Qualified and specialist Biomedical Scientists (BMS), Associate Practitioners (AP) and Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA) on the safe and proper use of Pathology IT systems.