Site Lead / DPS Section Manager (or trainee)Virology&Molecular Pathology

A Vacancy at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust.

We are an innovative employer, undertaking significant transformation of our service. This role offers great career opportunities for anyone looking to have more strategic influence and involvement in the ongoing progression of our MSC partnership. The department is largely split across two sites with provision of serology services at our Blood sciences hub, based at George Eliot Hospital and the molecular service based at University Hospital of Coventry & Warwickshire; although virology testing is performed at all CWPS Trust sites.

As the Virology & Molecular Pathology Site/IDPS Lead, you will work collaboratively alongside a team of section managers who each hold a lead responsibility (Performance, Quality, IT, Training, R&D) in ensuring service delivery. You will also work closely with the Department Operational Network Manager and senior colleagues from across CWPS, to provide a pan pathology approach to development and improvement.

Training and guidance will be given to ensure you are supported within your role. We will accept applications from both Biomedical Scientists and Clinical Scientists who are keen to embark on an operational role.

We can also offer a Band 6 Trainee Section Manager post for the right candidate, who may not have an MSc or equivalent qualification. Completion of the IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma over 12 months whilst in this role, would then progress to Band 7 Section Manager.

This role includes oversight on all aspects of service delivery for the serology and Covid testing service, based at the hub site. You will work closely with senior colleagues to ensure operational performance and progression of the Blood Science collaboration. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to firmly establish, enhance and develop their role under the guidance of the Network manager, as the department is part way through transition of the service - enabling improved cross discipline working and harmonisation of CWPS as the hub site within a larger regional network. The role will also involve being the Virology & Molecular Pathology IDPS laboratory lead.

The successful candidate must be able to work well as part of the V&MP Management Team, be innovative, seek constant service improvement and support their pathology management colleagues in service provision. They must be adaptable and self-motivated, resilient and with proven capacity to manage a wide range of tasks, alongside a broad group of staff grades and abilities. Enthusiasm and creativity are essential, as is confidence to both lead and support within a demanding modern environment., a) Daily manage and monitor staff in the performance of routine and specialised diagnostic services on patient and environmental samples containing potentially infectious material including blood, urine, faeces, sputum and tissue specimens using complex and highly specialised techniques to exacting medical and scientific standards according to standard operating procedures. Perform such diagnostic tests when necessary.

b) Design and plan departmental rotas, allocate and reallocate work schedules for themselves and the team and determine work priorities to meet service needs.

c) Support the Department Management in the planning, development, co-ordination and evaluation of the pathology service, and deputise for the Pathology Department Manager as required.

d) Coordinate with MSC and third-party suppliers to ensure service is optimised

e) Work with other department site leads and CWPS Liaison Officers to ensure site specific service delivery.

f) Record and validate results when required. Interpret complex results and authorise individual reports from the team in electronic form and / or verbally to persons authorised to receive them e.g. Medical, nursing and non-medical staff.

g) Is proficient in the use of the Quality Management system, ensuring the effective development and/or management of all controlled documentation, non-conformities and audit reports within the system.

h) Ensures quality assurance procedures are adhered to and all necessary internal records are maintained. Collates data for and leads departmental meetings and proposes and implements change as appropriate, ensuring clear lines of communication at all times.

i) Leads the investigation of laboratory errors, incidents, and complaints from a site perspective. Documents, actions and reports IDPS related incidents.

j) Co-ordinates external and internal quality assurance schemes and supervises compliance with the departmental audit schedules, reviews findings, and implements service changes and improvements where necessary.

k) Ensures internal records are maintained. Collates data for and leads departmental meetings and proposes and implements change as appropriate; maintaining clear lines of communication at all times.

l) Manages the propagation and maintenance of all laboratory aspects of the ISO/UKAS and MHRA requirements, HTA regulations, HSE requirements and any other statutory regulations, and ensure the delivery of services in line with the principles of these standards and requirements throughout CWPS.

m) Ensures documented standard operating procedures for laboratory processes relating to the IDPS Screening Programme are monitored and managed, including failsafe arrangements.

n) Manages and monitors maintenance on routine and complex equipment to ensure accuracy and precision of results. Provides specialist support for staff to troubleshoot faults and take appropriate action to maintain the patient service.

o) Takes responsibility within the laboratory for achieving and maintaining all local and national performance targets. Management of KPIs (key performance indicators) including prioritising work to achieve turnaround times, managing staff attendance, and attaining and sustaining PDR and mandatory training compliance.

p) Collect, interpret and collate in an agreed format, information when required for presentation e.g. for departmental Operational Board, IDPS screening programme, Governance and quality meeting reports, staff presentations.

q) Propose, oversee, and develop the implementation of new techniques, equipment and working practices including supporting any management of change processes which require implementation.

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.

We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.

Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.

We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence®designated organisation - please click the link for further details about this prestigious award.Pathway To Excellence ® - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)

By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.

The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.