Pathology Section Manager Biochemistry Quality Lead

To manage a section leading a team of qualified and support staff, and be responsible for all aspects of service delivery of the section, including developing and promoting efficient, effective and robust systems and processes in the management of all resources, including those which impact on delivery against financial targets, staff, information, and equipment in any laboratory section within the Network


The Section Manager will develop a culture in which staff are continuously improving the delivery of high quality services, ensuring the development of realistic objectives for staff, through leadership, motivation and systematic performance management across the Pathology Network.
CWPS is one of the largest pathology network's within the UK, it is UKAS accredited as a network and also home to UHCW which is the second busiest trauma centres within the UK. As a network we are very forward thinking and innovative and are currently part way through a major procurement project which will see the development of a major Hub laboratory within our network supported by three essential service laboratories. It offers the prospect for great career development and future opportunities.
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.


We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.


Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.


Pathway To Excellence - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)


By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. Applications are invited from suitable candidates interested in joining our excellent team within the Biochemistry and Immunology Department of Coventry and Warwickshire Pathology Services (CWPS) in the excitingrole of Biochemistry Site Lead at the major hub site at George Eliot Hospital for the network.


You will be expected to maintain the required professional standards and an up-to-date knowledge of Biochemistry and Immunology, and current working practices. Working as part of the team, you will contribute to provision and further development of a high quality diagnostic service. This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to join a department dedicated to providing the highest quality patient care.


The successful candidate must be able to work well as part of the Biochemistry and Immunology management team, be innovative, seek constant service improvement, support their management team colleagues in service provision, and may be expected to deputise for the departmental manager on occasion.


The Biochemistry and Immunology service is a rapidly expanding part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Pathology Network, which is based on the hospital sites at Coventry (University Hospital), Nuneaton (George Eliot Hospital) and Warwick (South Warwickshire Hospital) . It offers a comprehensive range of Pathology services to a population of approximately 1.8 million Coventry and Warwickshire residents and has a close relationship with the Medical school at Warwick University. The network offers an excellent opportunity to those seeking employment in a modern, innovative and high-profile organisation.


As this is a senior role the candidate must have an MSc or Higher Specialist Diploma awarded by IBMS.


Daily manage and monitor staff in the performance of routine and specialised diagnostic services on patient and environmental samples containing potentially infectious material including blood, urine, faeces, sputum and tissue specimens using complex and highly specialised techniques to exacting medical and scientific standards according to standard operating procedures. Design and plan departmental rotas, allocate and reallocate work schedules for themselves and the team and determine work priorities to meet service needs.
Support the Department Manager in the planning, development, co-ordination and evaluation of the pathology service, and deputise for the Pathology Department Manager as required.
Medical, nursing and non medical staff.
Is proficient in the use of the Quality Management system, ensuring the effective development and/or management of all controlled documentation, non-conformities and audit reports within the system.
Co-ordinates external and internal quality assurance schemes and supervises compliance with the departmental audit schedules, reviews findings, and implements service changes and improvements where necessary.
Ensures quality assurance procedures are adhered to and all necessary internal records are maintained. Collates data for and leads departmental meetings and proposes and implements change as appropriate, ensuring clear lines of communication at all times.
Takes responsibility within the laboratory for achieving and maintaining all local and national performance targets. Management of KPIs (key performance indicators) including prioritising work to achieve turnaround times, managing staff attendance, and attaining and sustaining PDR and mandatory training compliance.
Collect, interpret and collate in an agreed format, information when required for presentation e.g. for departmental Operational Board reports and quality meetings
Propose, oversee and develop the implementation of new techniques, equipment and working practices including supporting any management of change processes which require implementation
Deal with difficult and complicated telephone enquiries, such as complaints, record information and complete follow up reports when necessary

Interpret complex laboratory results and take appropriate action in line with laboratory policies and procedures e.g. authorisation of results, ordering relevant follow-up laboratory procedures, adding technical and approved predefined clinically relevant comments, referring results for an expert opinion or clinical interpretation, informing the requestor of clinically significant results according to Network agreed policies
Take part in and support laboratory based research projects, and support clinical trials, and encourage innovation amongst all staff

To ensure that correct local and Trust policies are adhered to by all staff. Uses computer software packages such as Microsoft Office to create laboratory documentation and compile reports to present when needed

Training and Development


Manage the departmental training programme for all grades of staff as directed by the Pathology Department Manager, and ensure these are co-ordinated across the Network
Manage the completion and maintenance of records of training and competence for staff in all sections.
Participate in and encourage continual professional development to maintain high standards of knowledge and skills for all staff.
Attend external training/meetings as agreed with Pathology Department Managers, and incorporate learning into Network service improvements.
Organise, prepare and deliver formal training sessions to groups to ensure a high level of specialist theoretical knowledge.
Develop specialist knowledge in a departmental section, as agreed with the Pathology Department Manager, but be able to undertake duties at a Band 7 level, in any area, on any site within relevant departments as required

Comply with all policies and procedures of University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust.
Treat staff, visitors and patients at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust with courtesy and respect in telephone, written communications including emails, and personal interactions.
Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade as requested by the Pathology Department Manager


University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
George Eliot Hospital