Permanent Basic Grade Medical Scientist -Microbiology (05.046 (2023))

Permanent Full-Time

Job Details

Job Title:                                             Basic Grade Medical Scientist
Reference No:                                                05.046 (2023)
Department / Directorate:               Microbiology Department / Laboratory Directorate
Reports to:                                         Chief Medical Scientist or Deputy



Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) is one of Ireland’s largest acute teaching hospitals, adult, psychiatric and age-related healthcare on one site. The Hospital has 450 adult beds with over 3,500 people on staff and more than 60 different nationalities represented. The Hospital is a provider of local, regional and national specialties. It is a designated trauma unit incorporating the National Pelvic and Acetabular Unit, a regional Urology Centre and the second largest provider of renal dialysis services in the country.   

One of the two main academic teaching hospitals of Trinity College Dublin -  TUH specialise in the training and professional development of staff in areas such as Medicine, Nursing, Health and Social Care Professionals. TUH is part of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group which serves a population of over 1.2 million across seven counties. 

The Hospital is an exciting and dynamic place to work, in the midst of implementing a new hospital strategy, the team have already delivered on the opening of a new Renal Dialysis unit, Reeves Day Surgery Centre, a step down facility in the community, a new ICU and the development of a supraregional Endometriosis Service. It is an exciting time to join the TUH team and one of Ireland’s main teaching hospitals with so many plans to enhance patient care. The Hospital believes in investing in their team and offers excellent education and research opportunities.
 

TUH Vision and Values
The vision of the Hospital is “People Caring for People to Live Better Lives” through excellent health outcomes supported by evidenced based practice, positive patient and staff experience in an empowering and caring environment. A culture of innovation and quality improvement is central to everything we do.
Our TUH CARE values – for patients, their families, our community and staff are:
  • Collaborate – together and with our academic and care partners
  • Achieve – our goals, positive outcomes and wellbeing
  • Respect – for patients, each other and our environment
  • Equity – for patients and staff
At TUH we view our staff as our most valuable asset and every member of the Team is valued equally.  We recognise that a skilled, satisfied and motivated workforce is a prerequisite to high quality care.
A full overview of TUH is available on www.tuh.ie/about us

purpose of the role:
The Medical Scientist will be involved in the analysis of patient samples in order to detect disease and to monitor the effectiveness of any treatment prescribed by clinicians (doctors).





overview of role:
Key Duties and Responsibilities
  • Participate in implementing the Service that supports the clinical needs of our patients and is consistent with the mission, vision, values and strategic plan of the Hospital
  • Participate in training staff as required
  • Participate in the implementation of operational processes to the standards of ‘best practice’, in order to optimise use of resources
  • Participate in the implementation of a ‘quality management’ programme which is patient centred and which measures and audits performance and client satisfaction
  • Actively participate in and promote continuing education and research activities consistent with the position
  • Participate as required on laboratory working groups (e.g. quality, ICT, safety, equipment, process analysis)
  • Liaise with the Laboratory Manager/Chief Medical Scientist, Quality Manager, Laboratory IT Manager, NPT Manager, Phlebotomy Manager, and Laboratory Administration Officer 
  • In accordance with your position as a medical scientist, maintain participation for on-going professional development, in a recognised CPD / CE programme
  • Be responsible for ensuring you participate in  training programmes as required by the hospital ( e.g fire training, manual handling)
  • Report to the Chief Medical Scientist in the Department. However, the chosen candidate may be required to report on a day-to-day basis to designated senior staff e.g. Senior Medical Scientists
  • Perform routine and specialised work to the highest professional standards, as determined by the Chief Medical Scientist and Laboratory Management Team
  • Be responsible for the quality of their work and carry out their duties in accordance with Hospital policy
  • Observe the strictest confidence when dealing with all aspects of patient or Hospital information
  • In co-operation with the Consultant Head of Department, Chief Medical Scientist and other designated senior staff, participate in the introduction of new ideas and methods according to Hospital policy
  • Participate as required in the registration, custody and stock level of the laboratory reagents, consumables and other materials held in the department
  • Receive and record details concerning mishaps, complaints and defects in reagents, consumables  and equipment, investigate the circumstances with appropriate team members, taking necessary actions and reporting the findings as required /  determined by the Chief Medical Scientist
  • Ensure that policy relating to the record keeping is followed
  • Co-operate in evaluating equipment, reagents & consumables, and research projects
  • Facilitate arrangements, where appropriate, to introduce professional and/or other visitors to the laboratory
  • Co-ordinate and carry out the Major Emergency Plan for isolated incidents or multiple trauma according to Laboratory Management Team policy
  • Participate with the Chief Medical Scientist in the facilitation of relevant courses in the appropriate colleges
  • Facilitate arrangements in the Department for educating and training undergraduates, interns and post-graduate students
  • Ensure, in co-operation with the Consultant Head of Department, Laboratory Manager, Chief Medical Scientist and designated senior staff, appropriate compliance with International and National guidelines and standards for the provision of Blood Transfusion Department Services (as applicable) and actively participate in internal and external quality control and quality assurance
  • Participate in the provision of appropriate statistical and management information
  • Participate in ISO 15189 as directed by the Chief Medical Scientist & Laboratory Management
  • Be responsible for ensuring you participate in laboratory training programmes as required by Laboratory Management e.g. Laboratory techniques training and retraining
  • Participate in the out of hours on call service as required by the Chief Medical Scientist
  • Any other duties that may be assigned by the Chief Medical Scientist

Qualifications & Experience required
Must Have:
  • Be registered on the Medical Scientists Register maintained by the Medical Scientists Registration Board at CORU

See https://coru.ie/aboutus/registration-boards/medical-scientists-registration-board/apply-forregistration/
Or
  • Applicants who satisfy the conditions set out in Section 91 of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005, 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
  • Have the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and professional ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office
  • On appointment, practitioners must maintain annual registration on Medical Scientists Register maintained by the Medical Scientists Registration Board at CORU
  • Practitioners must confirm annual registration with CORU to the HSE by way of the annual Patient Safety Assurance Certificate (PSAC)


Reward & Recognition
  • Remuneration is in accordance with the Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales, grade code 3875.
  • The appointment is permanent and pensionable.
  • The annual leave entitlement is 28 working days per year. The leave year runs from 1st April to the 31st of March each year.
  • Normal working hours are 35 worked over 5 days. Your contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8 am to 8 pm over 7 days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement.

Application process
Applications must be submitted ‘on-line’ at www.tuh.ie/careers by completing the application form and attaching your CV.  Candidates should be aware that, when applying for a post through the 'On-Line' Application System (Candidate Manager) they will receive an automated reply acknowledging receipt of their application.  Should you for any reason, not receive this automated acknowledgement, you should notify the Human Resources Department, before the closing date, otherwise your application will not be considered.
All candidates should note that, in order to maintain a timely process, the closing date and time for receipt of applications will be strictly adhered to.

Informal Enquiries to:                       Donal Smith Microbiology - Telephone (01) 414 2000 or email Donal.smith@tuh.ie
Closing Date:                                      Before close of business on:  8th  June 2023



TUH Core CompetencieS:
Core Area Competency Level
Managing the service Quality & Safety of Service 2
Managing the service Delivery of Results 2
Managing Change Problem Solving & Decision Making 2
Managing Change Communications & Influencing 2
Managing Yourself Team player 2
Managing Yourself Planning and Organising 2
Managing People People Management 2
Managing People Leadership 2

Please go to www.tuh/careers for details of the core competencies












SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Age Restrictions In Relation To Applications
Age restriction shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant,
within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) 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 applications for the office occurs.

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 as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Garda Vetting
Garda vetting is sought for all employees and prospective employees of Tallaght University Hospital.  Given the specialised nature of the services provided, your appointment will be subject to satisfactory Garda vetting and re-vetting in circumstances where the Hospital deems it appropriate.  The Hospital will then process the necessary documentation to endeavour to obtain the satisfactory Garda clearance for you. You are obliged to disclose previous and any criminal convictions acquitted during the course of your employment.  Should the Hospital obtain information from the Garda vetting unit to indicate that your Garda clearance report is not satisfactory and / or if you have supplied the Hospital with false or misleading information in relation to your Garda clearance status, the Hospital reserves the right to withdraw or terminate the contract in accordance with Tallaght University Hospital Garda vetting policy.


Point on Salary Scale
New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, local authorities, health service and other public service bodies and statutory agencies.

Probation
The probationary period may be extended at the Hospital’s discretion but will not in any case exceed 9 months. Confirmation of your appointment as a permanent member of staff is subject to the successful completion of the probation period.  Termination of this agreement within the probationary period shall be at the discretion of the Hospital, in accordance with the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act, 1973 - 2001.

Termination of Employment
The employment may be terminated at any time by 1 months’ notice on either side except where circumstances are dictated by the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973/91. The Management’s right under this paragraph shall not be exercised save in circumstances where the Management is of the opinion that the holder of the office has failed to perform satisfactorily the duties of the post or has misconducted himself/herself in relation to the post or is otherwise unfit to hold the appointment.




Sick Leave
  • There is provision for sick pay at the Hospitals discretion, subject to the regulations and details found in the Staff Handbook/ Personnel Policy Manual, as per the Hospitals sick leave policy.
  • In the event of absence from work, you are required to contact your Manager/Supervisor within one hour of starting time on the first day of absence, while a Medical Certificate is required for any illness lasting in excess of two days. Failure to comply with the sick leave policy may result in a loss of pay for the period of absence and may also incur disciplinary action.
Information Technology & data
  • 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.
  • Collect, interpret and present data and information on the Department’s activities, staffing and expenditure, as required.
Pension Arrangements and Retirement age
There are three superannuation schemes currently in operation for staff in Tallaght University Hospital:
(a)        Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) 
(b)        Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant)
(c)        Single Public Service Pension Scheme
Please read carefully the summary of the criteria for the three superannuation schemes below. This will assist you in identifying which scheme membership is applicable to your employment circumstances.
(a)        If you have been continually employed in the public service prior to the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 60 and a Maximum Retirement Age of 65.
(b)        If you have been continually employed in the public service post the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 65. There is no Maximum Retirement Age.
(c)        If you have commenced employment in the public service as a new entrant or you are a former public servant, returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme effective from the 1st January 2013 with a minimum retirement age of 66 (rising to 67 and 68 in line with state pension changes).  The maximum retirement age under this scheme will be age 70.

Health & Safety
  • All employees must comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.
  • Comply with relevant Health and Safety responsibilities as outlined in Hospital Polices, Protocols and Procedures relevant to your area.
  • Take reasonable care to protect your own safety, health and welfare and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.

Hygiene / Infection prevention and control 
  • All employees have responsibility for Hygiene awareness.  Hygiene is defined as “The practice that serves to keep people and environments clean and prevent infection.”
  • All employees also have a responsibility under their terms of employment to prevent transmission of infection and to follow the hospital infection control policies and guidelines as outlined in the Infection Control Manual.
  • All employees must be aware that they work in an area where there is potential for transmission of infection.
  • All employees have a responsibility to follow hand hygiene guidelines as this is the single most important intervention to prevent the transmission of infection.

Quality, safety and risk management
  • Support the delivery of the Quality, Safety and Risk Management Programme, including the appropriate identification and management of risks and incidents throughout the hospital.

Data Management
  • Ensure compliance with the obligations required by the Data Protection Act 2018.

Confidentiality
You will be aware of the confidential nature of Hospital work and in particular, the right of patients to confidentiality.  To this end, you will not discuss workings of the Hospital or its patients or disclose any information of a confidential nature except as required to do so in the course of your work. No records, documents or property of the Hospital may be removed from the premises of the Hospital without prior authorisation. You must return to the Hospital upon request and, in any event, upon the termination of your employment, all documents or other property of the Hospital which are in your possession or under your control.


Mandated and Designated Persons under Children First Act 2015
Schedule 2 of the Children First Act 2015 specifies the classes of persons defined as Mandated           Persons for the purposes of the Act. This includes a range of disciplines that are employed by the hospital including all medical practitioners, registered nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers and others.  This includes staff working in adult services. All mandated persons have two main legal obligations under the Children First Act 2015.  Mandated persons, under the legislation are required to report any knowledge, belief or reasonable suspicion that a child has been harmed, is being harmed, or is at risk of being harmed. The Act defines harm as assault, ill-treatment, neglect or sexual abuse, and covers single and multiple instances. Mandated persons are also required to assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report. Designated Officer are required to receive reports of suspected child abuse or neglect from any person who is of the opinion that (a) a child has been or is being assaulted, ill-treated, neglected or sexually abused, or (b) a child’s health, development or welfare has been or is being avoidably impaired or neglected. Full detailed list of mandated and designated staff together with details of their roles and responsibilities can be found on https://www.tusla.ie/children-first.  It is the responsibility of all staff employed by TUH to be aware of their roles and responsibilities under the legislation and to complete mandatory Children First Training.