Medical Scientist Senior
Job Specification & Terms and Conditions
Job Title and Grade
Medical Scientist Senior (Surveillance Scientist) 0.5 Post
(Grade Code: 3877)
Campaign Reference
NRS0822
Closing Date
6th March 2013
Proposed
Interview
Date (s)
Taking
up
Appointment
Organisational Area
Week Commencing 25th March 2013
A start date will be indicated at job offer stage.
Dublin North East
Location of Post
Details of Service
Microbiology Laboratory Department Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown Dublin 15
The person appointed to this post will be attached to the Microbiology Laboratory in
Connolly Hospital, working as part of multi-disciplinary team delivering a coordinated
approach to client care.
The microbiology laboratory in Connolly Hospital provides a diagnostic service to both the
hospital and the General Practitioners in the catchment area. The microbiology lab in
Connolly Hospital is a busy lab processing 50,000 samples per annum. It is currently
accredited to ISO accreditation Standard 15189 by the Irish National accreditation Board.
The Surveillance Scientist is a crucial part of the microbiology/infection prevention and
control team in Connolly Hospital. Duties include maintenance of organism databases,
preparation of weekly surveillance data for the Infection Prevention and Control team and
preparation of monthly and quarterly surveillance figures for feedback to the wards,
consultants and relevant managers both internally and to external bodies.
They are also responsible for notification of infectious diseases to Public Health via CIDR
and submission of surveillance data to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre for
national and European projects.
The duties of the surveillance scientist are essential in helping to decrease the incidence
and spread of healthcare-associated infection in the hospital
Reporting
Relationship
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Reporting to the Chief Medical Scientist (Microbiology)
Reporting to the Laboratory Director and the Consultant Microbiologists
Purpose of the Post
The purpose of the post is to be a member of the senior laboratory management team, be
responsible for the quality of work under their supervision and carry out their duties in
accordance with laboratory policy. Key posts within the laboratory, such as quality
manager, technical manager and LIMS administrator are usually filled by senior medical
scientists.
Principal Duties and
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
 Be a member of the senior laboratory team in developing strategic priorities for
fulfilling the service.
 Participate in the implementation of a “quality management” programme which is
patient/client centred and audited and confidential.
 Be responsible for the quality of work under their supervision and carry out their
duties in accordance with laboratory policy.
 Receive and record details of mishaps, complaints and defects in supplies and
equipment, investigate the circumstances with appropriate team members and
take the necessary action and report findings as required in accordance with
laboratory policy.
NRS0822 Job Spec Medical Scientist Senior : Page 1
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Ensure the policy in relation to laboratory record keeping is followed.
Co-operate in evaluating new equipment and consumables.
Ensure, in co-operation with the accreditation team, compliance with the
International and National Guidelines and standards of provision of laboratory
services.
Participate in own professional development and encourage that of team members
through self learning, formal courses and informal on the job training.
Make the most effective and efficient use of developments in information
technology for both patient care and administrative support in a manner which
integrates well with systems throughout the organisation.
Participate in research activities consistent with the position.
Participate in the consistent implementation of operational processes to the
standards of “best practice”, while optimising the use of resources.
Demonstrate behaviour consistent with their professional position.
Carry out such other duties as may be required from time to time.
Key tasks
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To establish and maintain a computer based data extraction system which would
allow transfer of data from the Laboratory Information System (LIS) to the Health
Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) in keeping with the needs and
recommendations of the Strategy for the Control of Antimicrobial Resistance in
Ireland (SARI) and the Computerised Infectious Disease Reporting System (CIDR).
To be responsible for the surveillance of hospital-acquired infection, including
organism and disease specific surveillance
In association with members of the Infection Prevention and Control Team to expand
the surveillance program currently in place in Connolly Hospital
To work with the Infection Prevention and Control team to implement the Health
Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) National Standards for the Prevention and
Control of Healthcare Associated Infections and other relevant national and
international guidelines/standards.
To be responsible for all aspects of data transfer between the LIS and CIDR.
To be responsible for all aspects of data transfer between the LIS and the HPSC.
To be responsible for all Laboratory Infectious Disease Notifications from the hospital
to the HPSC or the Department of Public Health or other agency.
To be a member of the hospital’s Infection Prevention and Control Team.
To establish and maintain a computer based system to be used for the collection of
data required for the surveillance of hospital-acquired infection.
To be responsible for the co-ordination of collection, storage and documentation of
appropriate isolates.
To be responsible for the transfer and follow up of appropriate isolates to reference
laboratories.
To liaise between the Microbiology Laboratory, the Department of Public Health, the
HPSC and other agencies such as regional Quality and Patient Safety office in
relation to surveillance.
To contribute to the management of the local LIS.
To ensure that sensitivity testing is standardised in accordance with national
recommendations.
Health and safety
 Participate in ensuring that effective safety procedures are in place to comply with
the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act as within the Public Health Laboratory.
 Assist and co-operate with the Laboratory Management Team in developing
procedures to be followed in preventing and managing accidents in the Laboratory
area.
NRS0822 Job Spec Medical Scientist Senior : Page 2
Note:
The extent and speed of change in the delivery of health care is such that adaptability
is essential in this position. The incumbent will be required to maintain and enhance
their professional knowledge, skill and aptitudes necessary to respond to a changing
environment. The job description must be regarded as an outline of the major areas of
accountability, which will be reviewed and amended on an on-going basis.
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
Each candidate must have at the latest date of application: -
Qualifications and/ or
experience
1.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
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/Institute of Technology Cork course;
or
Possess the Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science of the Dublin Institute of
Technology, Kevin Street or the Cork Institute of Technology, awarded prior to
1994;
or
Possess a recognised qualification at least equivalent to (a), (b) above;
or
Possess a recognised qualification at least equivalent to (c) awarded prior to
1994;
and
Possess a postgraduate degree in the field of Medical Laboratory Science;
or
Have attained the Fellowship Examination of the Institute of Biomedical Science
and
Possess Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Laboratory Science (FAMLS) or
be eligible for fellowship;
and
Possess four years experience in a medical laboratory since qualifying as a
Medical Scientist.
2. The requirements (f), (g) and (h) will not come into effect until 1 st October 2009
in respect of a candidate who:
(a) holds a qualification set on in 1 (a), (b), (d) or (e)
and
(b) is a member of or is eligible for membership of the Academy of Medical Science
(MAMLS) and was employed as a Medical Scientist (Medical Laboratory
Technician) in the health service on or before 1st April 2000.
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
NRS0822 Job Spec Medical Scientist Senior : Page 3
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 on the first day of the
month in which the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the office
occurs.
Post
Specific
Requirements
Other
requirements
specific to the post
Skills, competencies
and/or knowledge
N/A
N/A
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Competition Specific
Selection Process
Ranking/Shortlisting /
Interview
Demonstrate sufficient clinical knowledge and evidence based practice to carry out
duties and responsibilities of the role
Demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge to best practice
Demonstrate an up to date knowledge of disease surveillance and diagnostic
clinical microbiology.
Demonstrate evidence of effective planning and organising skills
Demonstrate a commitment to assuring high standards and strive for a user
centred service
Demonstrate problem solving skills and the ability to effectively evaluate
information and make appropriate decisions
Demonstrate an ability to manage and develop self and others in a busy working
environment
Demonstrate ability to manage deadlines
Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills including: the ability
to communicate effectively with colleagues; the ability to liaise with the senior
medical scientists team; the ability to encourage learning
Demonstrate effective leadership and team skills
Demonstrate awareness and appreciation of the service user
Demonstrate leadership and team management skills
Demonstrate knowledge of ISO15189 accreditation
Demonstrate evidence of computer skills including use of Microsoft Word, Excel,
email, and Laboratory Information Management systems
A ranking and or short listing exercise may be carried out on the basis of information
supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or 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 ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an
order of merit and will be called to interview in ‘bands’ depending on the service needs of
the organisation.
Code of Practice
The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of
Practice prepared by the Commissioners 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 facilitates for applicants 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 “Code of Practice, information for candidates.
NRS0822 Job Spec Medical Scientist Senior : Page 4
Codes of practice are published by the CPSA and are available on
www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs 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.
NRS0822 Job Spec Medical Scientist Senior : Page 5
Medical Scientist Senior
Terms and Conditions of Employment
Tenure
The initial vacancy forthis post is 0.5 and is permanent. This post is
pensionable. A panel will be formed from this recruitment campaign
and future permanent or specific purpose vacancies of full-time or parttime duration will be filled from this panel. The tenure of these posts
will be indicated at ”expression of interest” stage
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 (as at 01/01/10) for the post is:
(a) without FAMLS – (formerly Senior Medical Laboratory
Technician): Euro 47,979 - 50,189 – 52,150 – 54,156- 56,222
(pro rata)
(b) with FAMLS – (formerly Senior Medical Laboratory Technician):
Euro 47,979 – 50,189 – 52,150 – 54,156 – 56,222 – 58,253 –
60,344 – 62,414 - 64,500 (pro rata)
Working Week
The standard working week applying to the post is to be confirmed
at Job Offer stage.
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 this post is: 29 days (pro rata)
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 31 st
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.
NRS0822 Job Spec Medical Scientist Senior : Page 6
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 as stipulated in the Department
of Health Circular No.10/71.
Protection
of
Persons Reporting
Child
Abuse
Act
1998
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.
Infection Control
Have a working knowledge of Health Information and Quality
Authority (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.
NRS0822 Job Spec Medical Scientist Senior : Page 7