Quality Assurance Lead

Job content

You will be required to support the Black Country Pathology Services in the maintenance of the quality management system. You will play a key
role in ensuring compliance with ISO15189 standards and other relevant regulations such as HTA and BSQR. You will actively manage,
participate in and support departments in visits from external bodies. The successful candidate will represent the pathology services across the
BCPS on quality matters and provide guidance and support to colleagues. You will report on the performance of the QMS at both departmental
and senior management level.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual who would welcome the challenge to join our friendly team and participate in the
delivery of a single integrated, high quality pathology service to the Trusts and GPs in the area as a hub and spoke model. The BCPS provides
comprehensive pathology service to an approximate population of 1.8 million.
Applications are invited from suitably qualified individuals that have excellent knowledge of quality management systems and of regulatory
requirements and standards relevant to pathology services. We are looking for quality management experience and applicants that have
experience of actively participating in external assessments/ visits.
The successful candidate will be an HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist who has completed a masters degree.

Evidence of first line management Quality Management systems, Quality Assurance and Laboratory accreditation is essential.
Core hours of work will be between Monday to Friday 08:00–17:30; flexible to cover 37.5 hours per week and service needs. The post holder must
be flexible in travelling to various sites across BCPS.

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust is one of the largest NHS trusts in the West Midlands providing primary, acute and community services and we are incredibly proud of the diversity of both our staff and the communities we serve. We are building a workforce that can help us to fulfil our values, improve the quality of care for patients, and solve the health care problems of tomorrow. We’re passionate about the value that diversity of thinking and lived experience brings in enabling us to become a learning organisation and leader in delivering compassionate care for our patients.

We are delighted that we have been rated as “Good” by CQC. We have achieved numerous awards; The Nursing Times Best Diversity and Inclusion Practice and Best UK Employer of the Year for Nursing Staff in 2020.

The Trust is a supportive working environment committed to creating flexible working arrangements that suit your needs and as such will consider all requests from applicants who wish to work flexibly.

To be proficient in all designated areas of quality management system across BCPS and to provide a comprehensive and appropriate
laboratory service to patients and staff.
To undertake a wide range of diagnostic tests and screening procedures through to initial interpretation.
To ensure that test procedures are carried out according to SOPs, assess that other staff are competent and participate in their regular
review and update.
To undertake technical validation of highly complex results from laboratory investigations to ensure accuracy and precision as specified
by laboratory protocols.
To measure and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.
To provide guidance and support across the BCPS and carry out appropriate actions relating to when quality control and assurance
procedures indicate loss of performance.
Ensure that documentation is maintained to the Trust standard (including electronic records) and in line with BCPS procedures.
To identify, report and monitor/ update clinical risks so that appropriate actions are taken and managed in accordance with the Trust
risk management policy.
To plan, prioritize and supervise the quality management system on a day-to-day basis across BCPS.
To provide a comprehensive and appropriate laboratory service to patients and staff, in particular act as key contact in BCPS for risk
management.
To possess highly developed, advanced specialist skills and knowledge in QMS and have specialist knowledge of scientific skills.
To ensure that the BCPS quality management system standard operational and health & safety policies are understood and carried out
by all staff.
Responsible for the maintaining the QMS in relation to the maintenance, condition, quality control and record keeping of instruments
and equipment across the BCPS.
Adaptation to new processes, methodology or working practices when required, due to changing circumstances. Provide guidance and
support across BCPS for effective management of change.
To drive a culture of quality across the BCPS and to comply and promote the quality initiatives consistent with the requirements of
accreditation and regulatory bodies.
To support all diagnostic procedures provided by the BCPS.
To support disciplines participation in and facilitation of quality assurance and risk management across BCPS.
To be proactive in the updating and generation of pan pathology standard operating procedures.
To produce and validate reports as required using judgmental expertise.
To authorize and communicate/present reports when given the delegated responsibility.
To assist in the implementation and development of new and existing techniques and processes.
To provide advice and act as a key resource both internally and externally for BCPS for quality management and governance.
To maintain an awareness of current developments especially with regard to quality management.

To monitor maintenance and performance of appropriate internal and external quality assurance and meeting standards required by
external assessment.
Communicate field safety notices and freedom of information requests to relevant managers and support their completion.
Support and manage external assessment visits and visit outcomes in conjunction with the wider quality team.
In collaboration with the appropriate disciplines maintain compliance with all relevant regulations and guidance (for instance, MHRA,
UKAS, HTA, NICE, HSE).