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Haemovigilance Officer
Senior Medical Scientist or Clinical Nurse Manager 11
Job Title and
Grade
Job Specification, Terms & Conditions
AMENDED
Haemovigilance Officer
This post can be filled by either a Senior Medical Scientist or Clinical Nurse Manager 11.
(Grade Code Senior Medical Scientist 3877)
(Grade Code Clinical Nurse Manager 11 2119)
Campaign
Reference
Closing Date
NRS1122
Proposed
Interview date(s)
Location of Post
Week commencing 16th June 2014
Organisational
Area
Details of Service
HSE South
Thursday 8th May 2014 at 12 Noon
The post is located in Waterford Regional Hospital
Waterford Regional Hospital (WRH) is a Model 4 hospital and provides a broad range of acute
and regional services to the population of the South East. It is one of the 8 National Cancer
Centres, and is a Designated Teaching Hospital of the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland.
Waterford Regional Hospital provides a haemovigilance services for all of the relevant n patient
and outpatient specialities within the hospital.
The following Specialities are provided in Waterford Regional Hospital: Gynaecology and Obstetrics
 Paediatric services including Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
 Colposcopy Screening Unit
 Critical Care
 Emergency Medicine
 General Medicine including Medicine of the Elderly,
 Endocrinology, Cardiology and Nephrology
 Dermatology
 Cancer surgery
 General Surgery, Urology and Vascular Surgery
 Regional ENT and Ophthalmology
 Regional Orthopaedic Trauma Services
 Radiography including MRI and C.T. Scanning Service.
 Designated cancer centre providing Haematology and Oncology inpatient, Day Services
and outpatient services
 Palliative Care
 Sexual Assault Treatment Unit
Candidates may obtain specific details of the individual services from the following Line
Manager (Please contact as relevant to your background qualification, Nursing or Medical
Scientific).
Waterford:
Medical Scientific:
Antoinette Lyons, Chief Medical Scientist, Blood Transfusion Laboratory 051 848000 Ext 2143
Nursing:
Orla Kavanagh, A/Assistant Director of Nursing, Cancer and Medical Services
051 848000 Ext 2944
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Reporting
Relationship
Purpose of the
Post
Principal Duties
and
Responsibilities
Haemovigilance Officer
 Operationally reports to the Chief Medical Scientist, Blood Transfusion Laboratory
 Professionally Accountable to the relevant line Manager
 Clinical issues to the Consultant Haematologist
To act as a resource for colleagues and other health care workers, by offering expert care,
advice and support in Haemovigilance, as needed.
This involves assessing current
treatments, improving the management and clinical outcomes of care, monitoring cost
effectiveness in care provision and supporting practice development and education in the area
of Haemovigilance care in order to facilitate the development of competencies within the
speciality.
Works closely as an integral of the Blood Transfusion/Haemovigilance Quality Team to ensure
a comprehensive Haemovigilance service is provided at Waterford regional Hospital
Clinical Focus
The Haemovigilance Officer will:
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Provide a Transfusion Surveillance Service for Waterford Regional Hospital. The person
employed will work in close co-operation with the Department of Blood Transfusion
Implement guidelines for the usage of blood components developed by the Irish Blood
Transfusion Services Board (IBTSB)/leading national and international bodies ie. BCSH
Promote and facilitate adherence to best practice in all aspects of Transfusion practice in
particular clinical transfusion practice in wards and departments, including identification
and administration of blood and blood products, and proper identification of sample
Liaise with Blood Transfusion Laboratory in investigating all reports of transfusion
reactions/incidents and report adverse blood transfusion reactions to the Transfusion
Consultant Haematologists and the and the National Haemovigilance Office and audit of
same as per the NHO guidelines
Adhere to the responsibilities of directive 2002/98/EC of the European Parliament and of
the Council of 27th January 2003
Carry out post Transfusion look back and product tracing and recalls
Assist in the collection of clinical and laboratory data on transfusions that can be used for
formulation and updating of recommended, maximum blood order schedules (MBOS) and
crossmatch/transfusion ratios
Report accidents, incidents, and complaints relating to ward/clinical activity in relation to
transfusion practices to relevant authorities usually Consultant Haematologist /line
managerin accordance with the laboratory quality management system
Report clinical incidents and ‘Near Miss Incidents’ to Risk Manager and SAEs/SARs to the
National Haemovigilance office as per the national guidelines
Liaise closely with Blood Transfusion Laboratory staff to maintain good interdisciplinary
working relationships with all staff
Develop and review SOPs to meet the requirements of ISO 15189 and the AMLBB
regulations
Assist the multidisciplinary team in ensuring traceability of all blood & blood products laid
down by EU Directives 2002/98/EC and 2004/23/EC
Responsibility for providing reports on Blood Component use to the hospital blood
transfusion committee
Liaise with members of the Hospital Transfusion Committee and organisation of Hospital
Transfusion Committee meetings
Participate in Blood Transfusion departmental meeting and attend managerial and clinical
meetings that require specialist input
Patient Advocate
The Haemovigilance Officer will:
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Seek to facilitate and advocate on behalf of patients/clients, families and communities to
participate in decisions about their transfusion needs
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Education and Training
The Haemovigilance Officer will:
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Act as a positive role model for colleagues and others in relation to professional conduct
and specialised practice in the area of Haemovigilance.
Encourage best transfusion practice, by providing formal and informal training and
instruction to peers and others, on all necessary aspects of transfusion
Plan, develop, implement and evaluate the continuing education programmes for clinical
staff relating to blood transfusion practice
Maintain records of attendance at all education programmes, with objectives and contents
for evaluation purposes
Develop and facilitate education programmes and support literature for patients/clients and
their families that informs patients and staff on best practices in transfusion
Take personal responsibility for own professional development and updating and to
maintain professional expertise by participation in educational courses, reading and
research activities as appropriate
Undertake appropriate further training to enable you to practice within this specialised field,
develop the required skills and knowledge to support the service needs within the scope of
professional practice
Consultant
The Haemovigilance Officer will:
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Act as and be available as a clinical resource and consultant, inter and intra disciplinary, in
the area of Haemovigilance, to those within and outside the service in order to promote
improved patient management and quality of care in the acute hospital setting
Audit and Research
The Haemovigilance Officer will:
 Be committed to evidence based practice. Maintain awareness of current developments in
clinical care within the speciality. Use scientific, relevant research findings to influence
both own practice and practice of others within the speciality
 Take every reasonable action to ensure practice in the field of Blood Product
Administration and Haemovigilance is evidence based and up to date
 Incorporate and disseminate relevant, up to date research findings in transfusion practice
 Initiate and participate in quality assurance activities. Take an active role in the audit of
clinical practice and standards of care relating to transfusion and haemovigilance
 Identify, plan, and participate in audit programmes and other evaluations of the service, in
line with local and regional developments; to include audit of current and audit of the
quality of patient care received in the delivery of the service (e.g. to monitor and evaluate
care against evidence-based standards, outcomes of interventions and/or to evaluate
patient satisfaction with service as relevant)
 Provide management reports and data as required to the hospital blood transfusion
committee/Consultant Haematologist/hospital management/Line manager
 Provide blood product usage statistics to blood users on an annual or quarterly basis
 Contribute to an annual evaluation of the service. Assist in formulation of quarterly
progress report in relation to the service and review performance with line manager
 Ensure that accurate documentation and record keeping is maintained and documents are
controlled and managed according to hospital policy
 Evaluate and adapt as part of a multidisciplinary team national/international guidelines in
Blood Transfusion for local use.
Health & Safety
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The Haemovigilance Officer will:
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Contribute to the development of policies, procedures, guidelines and safe professional
practice
Adhere to, and ensure adherence to relevant legislation, regulations and standards in the
delivery of service
Ensure that effective safety procedures are developed and managed to comply with
statutory obligations, in conjunction with relevant staff e.g. health and safety procedures,
emergency procedures
Observe, report and take appropriate action on any matter which may be detrimental to
staff and/or service user care or well being / may be inhibiting the efficient provision of care
Assist in observing and ensuring implementation and adherence to established policies
and procedures e.g. health and safety, infection control
Ensure completion of incident / near miss forms / clinical risk reporting
Adhere to department policies in relation to the care and safety of any equipment supplied
for the fulfilment of duty
Management
The Haemovigilance Officer will:
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Provide an efficient, effective, and high quality service, respecting the needs of each
patient / client
Effectively manage time and caseload in order to meet the needs of a changing and
developing service
Be aware of budgetary issues and resource allocation – all the time striving for value for
money
Continually monitor the service to ensure it reflects current needs
Implement and manage identified changes including changed in systems and IT
Maintain accurate and up to date statistics of the service provided, including audit of
patient / client contacts
Ensure that confidentiality in relation to patient /client records is maintained
Represent the specialist service at local, national and international meetings as required
Maintain accurate and contemporaneous records / data on all matters pertaining to the
planning, management, delivery and evaluation of this service in line with HSE
requirements
The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties
involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as
appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to
contribute to the development of the post while in office.
Eligibility Criteria
Qualifications
and/ or
experience
Applicants for the post of Haemovigilence Officer must meet the Eligibility Criteria in
either A or B as outlined below:
A. Medical Scientific
Each candidate must, on the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the office:
(a)
(b)
Possess the Bachelor in Science (Applied Science) Honours Degree (Biomedical
option) from the University of Dublin/Dublin Institute of Technology, Kevin Street.
Or
Possess the Bachelor in Science Honours Degree in Biomedical Science from the
Joint University College Cork-Cork Institute of Technology course;
Or
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(c)
Possess the Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences of the Dublin Institute of
Technology, Kevin Street, or the Cork Institute of Technology awarded prior to 1994;
Or
(d)
Possess a recognised qualification at least equivalent to (a) or (b) above;
(e)
Or
Possess a recognised qualification at least equivalent to (c) awarded prior to 1994;
And
(f)
(g)
Possess a postgraduate degree in the field of Medical Laboratory Science;
Or
Have attained the Fellowship Examination of the Institute of Biomedical Science;
And
(h)
Possess fellowship of the Academy of Medical Laboratory Science (FAMLS) or be
eligible for fellowship;
And
(i)
Possess four years’ experience in a medical laboratory since qualifying as a Medical
Scientist.
B. Nursing
Candidates must:
Be registered in the General Division of the Register of Nurses kept by An Bord Altranais or be
entitled to be so registered*
And
Have at least 5 years post registration experience of which 2 must be in the specialty or related
area
And
Have the clinical, managerial and administrative capacity to properly discharge the functions of
the role
And
Demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development at the appropriate level
*Note: Post holders must maintain annual registration with Bord Altranais agus
Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann (Nursing Midwifery Board Ireland)
Age
Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant
(within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation Act, 2004). A candidate who is not
classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age.
Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of
undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate
a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
Character
Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character
Post Specific
Senior Medical Scientist Only:
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Requirements,
additional
qualifications
and/or experience
required
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Skills,
competencies
and/or knowledge
Candidates must demonstrate:
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Campaign
Specific Selection
Process
Shortlisting /
Interview
Must demonstrate depth and breadth of experience in Blood Transfusion, as relevant to the
post
Participation in the provision of a dual discipline out of hours service for Haematology and
Blood Transfusion
practitioner competence and professional credibility – demonstrates a high level of clinical
knowledge to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities of the Haemovigilance role
including:
knowledge of quality assurance practices and their application to Blood Transfusion
procedures
the ability to identify non conformances and carry out root cause analysis
awareness of relevant legislation and policy e.g. legislation relevant to the service area,
health and safety, infection control etc.
awareness of current and emerging haemovigilance strategies and policies in relation to
the Blood Transfusion practice
the ability to lead on clinical practice and service quality
promotion of evidence-based decision making; evidence-based clinical knowledge in
making decisions regarding patient / client care
the ability to plan and manage resources effectively
effective analytical, problem solving and decision making skills
strong interpersonal skills including the ability to build and maintain relationships,
empathise and treat others with dignity and respect
effective communication and influencing skills
initiative and innovation in the delivery of service and a commitment to providing a quality
service.
resilience and composure
openness to change
integrity and an ethical stance
a commitment to continuing professional development
the ability to relate clinical research to clinical practice
awareness of the Health Service Transformation Programme
a willingness to develop IT skills relevant to the role
Demonstrate a focus on quality and knowledge of the Accreditation process.
Short listing may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form.
The criteria for short listing are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the
eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification.
Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those
requirements.
Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called
forward to the next stage of the selection process.
Those successful at the shortlisting stage of this process (where applied) will be called forward
to interview.
Code of Practice
The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice
prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). The Code of Practice
sets out how the core principles of probity, merit, equity and fairness might be applied on a
principle basis. The Codes also specifies the responsibilities placed on candidates, feedback
facilities for candidates on matters relating to their application, when requested, and outlines
procedures in relation to requests for a review of the recruitment and selection process, and
review in relation to allegations of a breach of the Code of Practice. Additional information on
the HSE’s review process is available in the document posted with each vacancy entitled
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“Code Of Practice, Information For Candidates”.
Codes of Practice are published by the CPSA and are available on www.careersinhealthcare.ie
in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, Information For
Candidates” or on www.cpsa-online.ie.
The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on this role and as structures change the job
description may be reviewed.
This job description is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither
definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.
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HEALTH SERVICES EXECUTIVE
Terms and Conditions of Employment
A. Senior Medical Scientist
Tenure
The appointment is whole-time, permanent and pensionable.
A panel will be formed from which current and future permanent or
temporary vacancies of whole time or part time duration will be filled.
Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is
governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management
(Recruitment and Appointment) Act 2004.
Remuneration
The Salary scale for the post is:
€47,979 - €56,222
4 x points on the Salary Scale
Working Week
Normal working hours are 37 worked over 5 days.
The appointee may be required to attend at such other times as are
required for the proper discharge of the duties of the office. This
may require attendance outside normal working hours and
participating in out of hours duty.
HSE Circular 003-2009 “Matching Working Patterns to Service
Needs (Extended Working Day / Week Arrangements); Framework
for Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016” applies. Under
the terms of this circular, all new entrants and staff appointed to
promotional posts from Dec 16th 2008 will be required to work
agreed roster / on call arrangements as advised by their line
manager. Contracted hours of work are liable to change between
the hours of 8am-8pm over seven days to meet the requirements for
extended day services in accordance with the terms of the
Framework Agreement (Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards
2016).
Annual Leave
The annual leave associated with the post is: 29 days pro rata
Superannuation
This is a pensionable position with the HSE. The successful
candidate will upon appointment become a member of the
appropriate pension scheme. Pension scheme membership will be
notified within the contract of employment. Members of pre-existing
pension schemes who transferred to the HSE on the 01st January
2005 pursuant to Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to
superannuation benefit terms under the HSE Scheme which are no
less favourable to those which they were entitled to at 31st
December 2004
Probation
Every permanent appointment of a person who is not already a
permanent officer of the Health Service Executive or of a Local
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Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of 12 months as
stipulated in the Department of Health Circular No.10/71.
Protection
of
Persons Reporting
Child
Abuse
Act
1998
Infection Control
As this post is one of those designated under the Protection of
Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998, appointment to this post
appoints one as a designated officer in accordance with Section 2 of
the Act. You will remain a designated officer for the duration of your
appointment to your current post or for the duration of your
appointment to such other post as is included in the categories
specified in the Ministerial Direction. You will receive full information
on your responsibilities under the Act on appointment.
All HSE Employees must have a working knowledge of HIQA
Standards as they apply to the role, for example, Standards for
Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of
Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc.
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Terms and Conditions of Employment
B. Clinical Nurse Manager 11
Tenure
The appointment is wholetime, permanent and pensionable.
A panel will be formed from which current and future permanent or temporary
vacancies of whole time or part time duration will be filled.
Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the
Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and
Appointment) Act 2004.
Remuneration
The Salary scale for the post is: €47,089 - €55,852 (as at 01/01/2010)
9 points in the Salary Scale
Working Week
The standard working week applying to the post is: 39 hours.
HSE Circular 003-2009 “Matching Working Patterns to Service Needs
(Extended Working Day / Week Arrangements); Framework for Implementation
of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016” applies. Under the terms of this circular, all
new entrants and staff appointed to promotional posts from Dec 16th 2008 will
be required to work agreed roster / on call arrangements as advised by their
line manager. Contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours
of 8am-8pm over seven days to meet the requirements for extended day
services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement
(Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016).
Annual Leave
The annual leave associated with the post is: To be confirmed at job offer
stage
Superannuation
Membership of the HSE Employee Superannuation Scheme applies to this
appointment.
Existing Members who transferred to the HSE on 1st January 2005 pursuant to
Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to superannuation benefit terms
under the HSE Scheme which are no less favourable to those to which they
were entitled at 31st December 2004.
Appointees to posts in the Mental Health Services which formerly attracted fast
accrual of service should note that the terms of Section 65 of the Mental
Treatment Act 1945 do not apply to New Entrant Public Servants as defined by
Section 12 of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions)
Act 2004
Probation
Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of the
Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary
period of 12 months.
Protection of Persons
Reporting Child Abuse Act
1998
This post is one of those designated in accordance with Section 2 of the
Protection of Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act, 1998. You will remain a
designated officer for the duration of your appointment in this post or for the
duration of your appointment to such other post as is included in the categories
specified in the Ministerial Direction. Such officers will, on receiving a report of
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child abuse, formally notify the Senior Social Worker in the community care area
in which the child is living.
Infection Control
All HSE Employees must have a working knowledge of HIQA Standards as
they apply to the role, for example, Standards for Healthcare, National
Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections,
Hygiene Standards etc.
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