Biomedical Scientist - Microbiology

We are seeking a Biomedical Scientist to join the Microbiology department at Bedford Hospital for a 12 month fixed term contract. The laboratory is equipped with a variety of equipment including the BioMerieux BacT/Alert Virtuo, BD MGIT, Hologic Panther, DS2, the BioMerieux Vidas and Biofire, Roche Cobas 6800, Cepheid GeneXpert and Maldi-TOF.

The laboratory has merged with the Luton Microbiology department and delivers a range of investigations to Bedford Hospital, Luton and Dunstable Hospital and the surrounding GPs. The department is UKAS accredited to ISO 15189:2021 and is an IBMS approved training laboratory.

You will work as part of the Microbiology team to provide a high level of microbiological analysis to provide patients with the highest level of diagnosis and treatment.

The post holder will work as a Biomedical Scientists performing a range of microbiological techniques to assist in the clinical diagnosis of microbiological disease.

Following training the post holder would be expected to participate in the shift pattern which will including working weekends and bank holidays and on call. The department is moving towards 24/7 shift patterns.

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.
We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.

• To perform as a HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist [BMS] assisting in the delivery of the department services.
• To assist the specialist BMS and laboratory senior BMS in the implementation and delivery of a cohesive service, in conjunction the clinical lead of the department.
• To implement the quality policy for the department including the agreed quality objectives.
• To contribute to the implementation of UKAS standards for the department using the Pathology Quality Management System as established, to fulfil the quality circles and audit inherent to the ISO 15189 standards of compliance.
• To assist in the action plans required resolving nonconformities that are recorded by internal and/or external audits or complaints and to ensure the completion of corrective and preventative actions that have been identified.
• To follow the Standard Operating Procedures [SOP] for the department utilising the Document Management Module of the Q-Pulse system.
• Where appropriately assigned to assist in the delivery of training in conjunction with the departmental laboratory senior and training officer, providing one to one training and competency assessments in accordance with ISO 15189. This includes completion of the training and competency assessment documents and assisting in the gathering of evidence for staff.
• To comply with Policies and Procedures commensurate to role.