Point of Care Testing Section Lead

• To take responsibility for the management and coordination of a defined section of the department with specific reference to the implementation and maintenance of Health & Safety issues, Quality Systems, including all accreditation standards and Personnel matters.
• To undertake scientific duties in POCT as required in order to facilitate the smooth running of the service.
• Deliver the Pathology POCT strategy across UHP sites and community based point of care activities.
• To provide a clinical technical service by performing routine and specialist analytical testing on a range of biological samples.
• Takes the practical lead in the development and implementation of the UHP Point of Care policies.
• To maintain and run specialist equipment of the section.
• To possess the skills required to provide the necessary training and supervision of state registered Biomedical Scientists (BMS), Trainee BMS and support staff within their section of the department.
• To assist the Laboratory Manager & Lead BMS in the management of the laboratory.

Main duties of the job

• The post holder will directly manage a group of Biomedical Scientists and support staff, typically up to 10.
• The post holder in collaboration with the Lead BMS, Lab Manager and Consultant Clinical staff will provide a timely, high quality, accurate and cost effective service.
• Take a lead role in the provision of Point of Care Testing within the Trust within the constraints of clinical need and cost and based on best national practice.
• To provide highly visible, effective leadership and management of Point of Care services.
• Facilitate to undertake research projects, quality improvement projects and clinical audit, both independently and in collaboration with Regional and National programs.
• Ensure cost effective use of Trust resources. Advise on the acquisition, procurement and implementation of medical devices and Point of Care devices with support from the Senior Management Team.
• To work with colleagues from across DCL to provide efficient, multidisciplinary support to local Teams, the Trust and the wider health care community.
• The post holder will ensure continued provision and access to key POCT services by community teams and ward staff.

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Job responsibilities

Managerial Responsibilities

Lead and manage POCT technical services, ensuring scientific and technical excellence. Maintain high professional standards and ensure staff meet speed, quality, and accuracy requirements. Oversee induction, training, and competency records for all staff. Manage staffing levels to allow mandatory training while maintaining safe service. Support training for junior medical staff and Clinical Scientists. Collaborate and supervise staff, working with senior management as needed. Develop and maintain continuous service review and quality improvement programmes. Ensure compliance with UKAS ISO15189 and MHRA standards. Establish and audit procedures and protocols within your section. Manage stock control and ordering, ensuring safe and tidy storage. Promote efficiency measures and share best practices. Produce and maintain SOPs, protocols, and policies. Implement procedural changes and communicate updates. Maintain security and confidentiality of documents and records. Ensure accurate record keeping and equipment maintenance. Provide statistical and workload data as required. Ensure adherence to internal and external quality control procedures. Establish flexible working systems to optimise equipment use. Promote health and safety compliance and investigate incidents.

Ensure value for money in purchasing and maximise supplier discounts. Support income generation initiatives. Conduct monthly budget checks and monitor contract spend. Maintain and provide financial data for management and charging purposes.

Human Resources

Complete annual appraisals, set objectives, and monitor progress. Manage annual leave and ensure adequate staffing. Recruit staff and manage sickness in line with policy. Promote teamwork and uphold Trust values. Monitor staff conduct, time keeping, and safety. Support change management initiatives.

Communication

Respond to complaints and report to senior management. Communicate meeting content and operational updates to all staff. Maintain clear communication lines and attend relevant meetings. Liaise with clinical staff and suppliers to ensure service quality. Act as mentor during staff induction and ensure daily handovers. Verify and validate POCT methods for patient safety.

Scientific & Professional

Evaluate new equipment, methods, and techniques. Plan and prioritise workload, perform urgent analyses, and troubleshoot complex equipment. Oversee POCT equipment use and maintenance across Trust and Primary Care. Ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations. Maintain instruments, quality control, and service logs. Deliver POCT training and support healthcare professionals. Process biological samples and authorise results for diagnosis and treatment. Perform complex analytical techniques and report sensitive results. Understand pathology and clinical significance of results. Identify abnormal results and request additional tests as needed. Operate and maintain analytical equipment and prepare calibration materials. Ensure quality control procedures and corrective actions. Participate in CPD, audits, research, and teaching programmes. Implement new technology and working practices. Prepare Clinical Governance reports and support income generation.

Working Relationships

. Collaborate with clinical teams, NHS colleagues, and POCT suppliers. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

Other Requirements

Adhere to Trust policies, confidentiality, and governance standards. Attend mandatory training and maintain professional development. Comply with safeguarding, infection control, and risk management policies. Participate in 24/7 rotas if applicable.

Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.

Person Specification Knowledge & Experience

• Ability to demonstrate and apply proven knowledge of the Pathology of disease in one or more disciplines within DCL
• Specialist proven knowledge and demonstrable experience in the technical field of a Pathology discipline
• Proven experience in staff supervision, development, and competency based training.
• Demonstrable experience of collaborative working between distinct health care teams to deliver gains for the wider health care community
• Proven knowledge and experience of POCT
• Ability to interpret POCT results and elevate clinical concerns appropriately.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a Biomedical Science or other relevant scientific discipline aligned to pathology or POCT, or significant equivalent demonstrable experience.
• Proven evidence of compliance with HCPC standards of proficiency and commitment to ongoing Continuing Professional Development
• Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist
• Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (FIBMS) by examination
• Completion of a Specialist Biomedical Scientist portfolio in any relevant discipline
• Trust recognised trained risk assessor

APTITUDE & ABILITIES

• Proven ability to lead service improvement and change initiatives, engaging stakeholders across multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences
• Excellent time management and organisational skills

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.