The Chief Medical Scientist (CMS) will actively participate in the development and implementation of appropriately focused management and operational planning and control systems for the Histology Laboratory.  The role will entail laboratory-based projects as agreed with the Laboratory Director and Laboratory Manager. 

The post will be based in the Histology Laboratory, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, Dublin North East Regional Health Authority

There is currently one permanent whole-time post available.

A panel may be formed for Chief Medical Scientist, Histology Laboratory, and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda from which current and future permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled.

Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda which is part of the RSCI Hospital Group, is a major teaching hospital providing a range of acute medical, surgical and maternity services, day care, outpatient, diagnostic and support services.  Emergency services are provided on a 365-day, 24 hour basis.  Multi-disciplinary teams representative of medical, nursing, midwifery allied health professionals, management and general support staff play a pivotal role in the development, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of these services.  The hospital has a current bed complement of 471 beds. 

The Pathology Department provides services to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Louth County Hospital, District Hospitals, Nursing Homes and General Practitioners.  It is a comprehensive clinical diagnostic Laboratory Service which includes Biochemistry, Haematology, Blood Transfusion, Microbiology and Histology.

The Pathology Department provides a comprehensive Consultant led service and is accredited to the ISO 15189:2022 International Standard. 

General

The post holder will:

• Support the principle that care of the patient comes first at all times and will approach their work with the flexibility and enthusiasm necessary to make this principle a reality for every patient to the greatest possible degree
• Maintain awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all hospital activities.
• Actively participate in the improvement and development of services within the laboratory in liaison with Consultant Histopathologists, and Senior Scientific staff.
• Performance management systems are part of the role and you will be required to participate in the Group’s performance management programme.
• The post holder will be responsible for enabling the delivery of a quality Haematology laboratory service and the management of staff and resources assigned to him/her control within agreed parameters

Professional/ Clinical

The Chief Medical Scientist will:

• Perform the appropriate duties of the office of Chief Medical Scientist, in a consultant led laboratory service under the guidance & management of the Consultant Histopathologists and the Laboratory Manager or other designated senior staff, whilst retaining the responsibilities of this post.
• Manage the day to day operation of the Histology Laboratory with overall responsibility for cohesive operation of all scientific areas of the Histology laboratory.
• Have overall responsibility to ensure all equipment is operating correctly and all malfunctions are investigated, reported and repaired accordingly.
• Supervise and delegate as appropriate the maintenance and servicing of departmental equipment.
• Actively participate in the improvement and development of services within the Histology laboratory in liaison with the Laboratory Director, Consultant Histopathologist and the Laboratory Manager.
• Develop and manage the analytical service appropriate to a Histology Laboratory service.
• Proactively participate in, and lead as appropriate the introduction of new ideas, procedures, technologies and IT systems according to HSE policy. 
•  Work collaboratively as a team with the Laboratory manager, their CMS colleagues in other departments and relevant Laboratory Consultants on laboratory -wide projects and developments.
• Be responsible for the quality of their work and carry out their duties in accordance with hospital policy.
• Ensure that procedures are carried out in compliance with international and national guidelines and ensure that the laboratory actively participates in internal and external quality control and quality assurance.
• Have overall responsibility in the Histology Laboratory for compliance with regulatory bodies such as INAB, HPRA, HSA, CORU and HIQA – this list is not exhaustive.
•  Manage the implementation and maintenance of the Quality Management System to ISO 15189:2022, ensuring that the required relevant documentation, policies, procedures and guidelines are in place.
• Manage the preparation and review of standard operating procedures or other Laboratory documents in accordance with the Laboratory’s document control procedures.
• Manage the review and investigation of non-conformances, complaints, incidents and near misses and agree corrective actions as required.
• Participate in audits as required.
• Organise and chair laboratory meetings particularly in relation to assessment of performance, development of the service and organisational changes. Manage and contribute to effective communication within the department.
•  Represent the department at meetings and conferences as designated
• Actively participate in continuing professional development, keeping up to date with developments in the scientific aspects of laboratory Histology, as appropriate to the development of the department.
• Maintain an up-to-date personal training record in accordance with laboratory policy and CORU requirements.
• Devise suitable training and development programmes as required.
• Be familiar with the Health & Safety policies of the HSE and the department and ensure that they are followed to maintain a safe working environment for all employees and visitors.
• Be able to work to tight deadlines and re-prioritise work proactively as required.
• Observe the strictest confidence when dealing with all aspects of patient or hospital information.
• Co-operate with other laboratory departments to ensure a holistic laboratory service is provided for all patients.
• Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the Mission and Values of the Hospital.
• Behave at all times in a manner appropriate to your profession and the obligations and constraints of the post, including an awareness of the primacy of the patient, maintaining patient confidentiality and relating to patients, clients and other stakeholders in an understanding and sympathetic way.

Management

The Chief Medical Scientist will:

• Lead and co-ordinate medical scientific staff and medical laboratory aides within the laboratory. Ensure the optimum workforce distribution and effective use of staff through efficient rostering, skill/grade mix planning, workload measurement, staff profiling and deployment, to ensure clinical diagnostic service/ TAT’s are achieved.
• Achieve maximum delegation compatible with overall Hospital Policy through involvement of specialist and senior staff and the devolvement of operational responsibility for specific specialities.
• Deal with industrial relations issues relating to medical scientists in consultation with the Laboratory Directorate and Human Resources.
• Co-operate with the relevant departments in developing and leading the introduction of new ideas, innovations and technologies according to Hospital Policy.
• Co-operate with the Laboratory manager on any laboratory directorate wide developments and change management processes
• Work collaboratively with the, Laboratory manager, other departments Chief medical scientists, Clerical administrative lead and Central Sample reception co-ordinator on sample flow throughout the laboratory service and laboratory account services.
• Overall responsibility for the supervision of delegated registration, custody and stock level of laboratory reagents and other materials held in the Department.
• Undertake the annual stock take with due diligence.
• Receive and record incident reports outlining relevant details concerning mishaps, complaints and defects in supplies and equipment and specifically investigate the circumstances, take the necessary corrective actions and report findings, as required.
• Ensure that policy relating to hospital record keeping is followed and all laboratory records are retained in accordance with hospital policy, accreditation standards and best practice guidelines.
• Co-operate with medical and scientific staff in evaluating equipment, consumable items and research projects.
• Keep the Laboratory Director/ Manager and Consultant Histopathologist appraised of any significant development within his/her area of responsibility.
• Facilitate arrangements where appropriate, for professional visitors to the laboratory.
• Engage in the development of Service Plans and be responsible for ensuring the delivery of the targets in relation to the scientific area.
• Co-ordinate and carry out requirements of the Major Accident Plan according to Hospital Policy for isolated incidents, multiple trauma or other emergencies.
• Ensure in accordance with the appropriate Academic & Professional bodies that scientific staff training needs based on the department service plan are identified and that attendance at the relevant courses are facilitated and co-ordinated in accordance with accreditation guidelines.
• Encourage professional and personal development of team members through personal pursuit of CPD schemes, and promoting self-learning and formal courses or informal on-the-job training.
• Participate on Hospital/External Committees as required.
• Participate and co-operate in research with colleagues, medical staff and NUIG Medical Faculty, in consultation with the Consultant Histopathologist.
• Work with the Consultant Histopathologist ,the Laboratory Directorate, staff and colleagues to collect, collate, interpret and present data and information on Departmental activity, staffing and expenditure according to the Hospital’s reporting needs.
• Keep up to date with organisational developments within the Irish Health Service.

Financial

In association with the Laboratory Medicine Directorate, the Consultant Histopathologist and the Finance Department, participate in the:

• Management of departmental budgets ensuring most effective use of available resources.
• Monitoring and control of expenditure within agreed limits and in compliance with the Hospitals financial and service plans. Ensure that appropriate statistical and management information is provided as needed i.e. Service Planning.
• Assist in the preparation of annual budget estimates including a planned programme for replacing capital equipment using the most appropriate financial means.
• Identification, selection and procurement of laboratory equipment.
• Prepare reports as required.

Staff Management

In association with the Laboratory Directorate and the Consultant Histopathologist:

• Participate in the management of staff resources to ensure that staffing levels and skill mix are appropriate and within the allocated WTE for the department.
• Facilitate arrangements in the Histology Laboratory for education and training scientific, medical personnel and others as appropriate.
• Participate in the design, provision and co-ordination of training scientific staff, students and medical lab aides.
• Ensure all staff in the Histology laboratory are fully trained and competent to carry out procedures.
• Ensure that performance of assigned work is in accordance with laboratory SOPs and health and safety policies.
• Participate fully both as a leader and team member, sharing knowledge and information and supporting colleagues to promote a cohesive laboratory team and the achievement of team objectives.
• Be familiar with and implement the HSE’s Policies and Procedures.
• Maintain attendance/absence records and duty rosters as required together with the Blood Transfusion Chief or Senior Scientist.
• Monitor sickness/absence levels and implement local and national control measures at departmental level. Proactively manage persistent poor staff attendance.
• Participate as required, in recruitment, selection and training of the laboratory team, with support and professional advice from Human Resources.
• Lead by example a professional, punctual and dedicated team promoting good open communications.
• Create and promote healthy working relationships and stimulate initiative, input and ownership from laboratory staff.
• Empower staff to develop to their full potential.
• Motivate team members, by agreeing goals and objectives through annual reviews, and personal development planning.
• Schedule and hold regular staff meetings, to create an open and transparent two-way communication channel.
• Maintain confidentiality in dealing with personal staff issues.
• Encourage openness to multi-disciplinary working.
• Involve all staff in the Service Planning consultation process.

Information Technology

The Chief Medical Scientist will:

• Be familiar with electronic information systems in place and under development and be familiar with and proficient in the use of electronic information systems within the department.
• Ensure Departmental co-operation and input into Management based IT developments.
• Input into the development of information systems for the Histology Laboratory.
• Ensure that laboratory medical scientist staff 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 the ongoing development of technologies, which will impact positively on service users.

Health and Safety

In association with the Laboratory Directorate and the Consultant Histopathologist :

• Undertake risk management as requested of the Histology laboratory on a regular basis.  To follow up identified risk issues directly outside his/her control and to flag these issues to the Risk manager as appropriate.
• Co-ordinate permit-to-work certification of appropriate service personnel.
• Ensure that effective safety procedures are in place to comply not only with the Health, Safety and Welfare at work Act but also within the spirit of the Hospital’s mission, vision and values. To ensure that laboratory staff are trained and familiar with such issues.

KPI’s

• The identification and development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which are congruent with the Hospital’s service plan targets.
• The development of Action Plans to address KPI targets.
• Driving and promoting a Performance Management culture.
• In conjunction with line manager assist in the development of a Performance Management system for your profession.
• The management and delivery of KPIs as a routine and core business objective.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING GENERAL CONDITIONS:

• Employees must attend fire lectures annually and must observe fire orders.
• All accidents within the Department must be reported immediately.
• Infection Control Policies must be adhered to.
• In line with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Acts 2005 and 2010 all staff must comply with all safety regulations and audits.

• In line with the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2004, smoking within the Hospital Buildings is not permitted.

• Hospital uniform code must be adhered to.
• Provide information that meets the need of Senior Management.
• To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

Risk Management, Infection Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety

• The management of Risk, Infection Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety is the responsibility of everyone and will be achieved within a progressive, honest and open environment.
• The post holder must be familiar with the necessary education, training and support to enable them to meet this responsibility.
• The post holder has a duty to familiarise themselves with the relevant Organisational Policies, Procedures & Standards and attend training as appropriate in the following areas:

• Continuous Quality Improvement Initiatives
• Document Control Information Management Systems
• Risk Management Strategy and Policies
• Hygiene Related Policies, Procedures and Standards
• Decontamination Code of Practice
• Infection Control Policies
• Safety Statement, Health & Safety Policies and Fire Procedure
• Data Protection and confidentiality Policies
• The post holder is responsible for ensuring that they become familiar with the requirements stated within the Risk Management Strategy and that they comply with the Group’s Risk Management Incident/Near miss reporting Policies and Procedures.
• The post holder is responsible for ensuring that they comply with hygiene services requirements in your area of responsibility.  Hygiene Services incorporates environment and facilities, hand hygiene, catering, cleaning, the management of laundry, waste, sharps and equipment.
• The post holder must foster and support a quality improvement culture through-out your area of responsibility in relation to hygiene services.
• The post holders’ responsibility for Quality & Risk Management, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety will be clarified to you in the induction process and by your line manager.
• The post holder must take reasonable care for his or her own actions and the effect that these may have upon the safety of others.
• The post holder must cooperate with management, attend Health & Safety related training and not undertake any task for which they have not been authorised and adequately trained.
• The post holder is required to bring to the attention of a responsible person any perceived shortcoming in our safety arrangements or any defects in work equipment.
• It is the post holder’s responsibility to be aware of and comply with the HSE Health Care Records Management/Integrated Discharge Planning (HCRM / IDP) Code of Practice.

The above Job Specification 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. 

Candidates for appointment must:

1. Statutory Registration, Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc

1. Be registered, or be eligible for registration on the Medical Scientists Register maintained by the Medical Scientists Registration Board at CORU.

OR

2021. Applicants who satisfy the conditions set out in Section 91 of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005, (see note 1 below*), must submit proof of application for registration with the Medical Scientists Registration Board at CORU. The acceptable proof is correspondence from the Medical Scientists Registration Board at CORU confirming their application for registration as a Section 91 applicant was received by the 30th March 2021.

AND

• Possess one of the following NFQ Level 9 post graduate qualifications or equivalent qualification at minimum Level 9 validated by the Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine;

• MSc Clinical Laboratory Science, Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT).

• MSc Clinical Laboratory Science, Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin).

• MSc Clinical Chemistry, University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD).

• MSc Biomedical Science, University of Ulster (UU)

• MSc Biomedical Science, Cork Institute of Technology (CIT)/University College Cork (UCC).

• MSc Biomedical Science, Munster Technological University (MTU)/University College Cork (UCC).

• MSc Molecular Pathology, Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT)/University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD).

• MSc Medical Science, Atlantic Technological University (ATU)

OR

1. An equivalent qualification at minimum Level 9 validated by the Academy of

       Clinical Science & Laboratory Medicine (ACSLM)

OR

1. Possess Fellowship of the Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine

       awarded before July 2018

OR

1. Have attained the Fellowship examination of the Institute of Biomedical Science

         (Awarded prior to 1999)

                                                   AND

• Possess at least seven years full time clinical experience (or an aggregate of seven years full time clinical experience) as a medical scientist in a clinical diagnostic                laboratory since qualifying as a medical scientist, two years of which were spent in a promotional post (e.g. Medical Scientist, Senior or Medical Scientist, Specialist)

AND

• Demonstrate evidence of Continuous Professional Development

AND

1. Candidates must have the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high

        standard suitability, management, leadership and professional ability) for the

               proper discharge of the duties of the office.

AND

1. Provide proof of Statutory Registration on the Medical Scientists Register

       maintained by the Medical Scientists Registration Board at CORU before a contract of employment can be issued (Applicable to Section 38 applicants only).

2. Annual registration

(i) On appointment, practitioners must maintain annual registration on Medical Scientists Register maintained by the Medical Scientists Registration Board at CORU

AND

    (ii) Practitioners must confirm annual registration with CORU to the HSE by way of the

             annual Patient Safety Assurance Certificate (PSAC).

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

Note 1* Section 91 candidates are individuals who qualified before 31st March 2019 and have been engaged in the practice of the profession in the Republic of Ireland for a minimum of 2 years fulltime (or an aggregate of 2 years fulltime), between 31st March 2014 and 31st March 2019 are considered to be Section 91 applicants under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005.

Chief Medical Scientist Histology Job Spec OLOL