Job Specification & Terms and Conditions s2

Medical Scientist Specialist (Surveillance Scientist) Job Specification & Terms and Conditions

Job Title and Grade Medical Scientist Specialist (Surveillance Scientist) (Grade Code: 3878)

Campaign Reference NRS03035

Closing Date Thursday 21st January 2016 @ 12 Noon

Proposed Interview Week commencing Monday 29th February 2016 Date (s) Taking up A start date will be indicated at job offer stage. Appointment

Location of Post This Surveillance Scientist position is shared equally between the Microbiology Laboratory at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise (MRHP) and the Microbiology Laboratory at Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore (MRHT). MRHT and MRHP are members of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group.

Informal Enquiries: Ann Walshe, Laboratory Manager at MRHT Email: [email protected] Phone: 057 9359400

Details of Service Service provided by the Unit:

The Microbiology Laboratories at MRHT and MRHP supply diagnostic/clinical microbiology services.

Client group served by the Unit:

The client group consists of Hospitals/Institutions, Out-patient departments, General Practitioners and Public Health practitioners in Laois and Offaly. Both laboratories have a reporting relationship to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC)

The team structure:

The Consultant Microbiologist is the clinical head of the Microbiology Laboratories in MRHP and MRHT The Chief Medical Scientist is head of the scientific team and reports to the Laboratory Manager. The scientific team consists of the Chief Medical Scientist, Surveillance Scientist, Senior Medical Scientists and basic grade Medical Scientists. Laboratory aides and clerical staff are shared with the other disciplines in the Laboratories.

Area covered by the service:

Laois and Offaly.

Reporting The person appointed shall report to the Laboratory Manager at MRHT, or such other Relationship designated officer.

The position of Surveillance Scientist is under the day to day supervision of the Chief Medical Scientist in the Microbiology Department in the hospital in which he/she is based.

Purpose of the Post 1. To provide a link between the Pathology Laboratory, Public Health and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre in relation to the surveillance and reporting of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.

2. To perform routine, specialised, research and development testing to the highest professional standards for the greater needs of the patients. Be responsible for the development, co-ordination and implementation of quality processes within Pathology and for all documentation required for Surveillance of pathogens and antimicrobial resistance patterns or other data as required from time to time on direction of Chief Medical Scientist Microbiology, HPSC and Consultant Microbiologist

Principal Duties and Service Management Responsibilities The Medical Scientist Specialist (Surveillance Scientist) will:

 Participate in implementing a laboratory service that supports the clinical needs of the patients and is consistent with the mission, vision, values and strategic plan of the Health Service Executive.  Participate with the Laboratory Manager, Chief Medical Scientist (Microbiology) and relevant others in identifying and implementing operational processes to the standard of ‘best practice’ in order to optimise use of resources.  Contribute as part of a core Management Team to the development of the Pathology service at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise and Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore.  Keep the Chief Medical Scientist (Microbiology) and Laboratory Manager appraised of any significant developments in the field of Surveillance.  Ensure the laboratory is compliant with all relevant legislation pertaining to the surveillance of notifiable diseases and other diseases of interest.  Continue laboratory participation in the EARSS project  Manage the surveillance of bacteraemia, healthcare associated infections and multi-drug resistant organisms in the hospital.  Promote and support activities that serve to implement the Strategy for Control of Antimicrobial Resistance in Ireland (SARI)  Ensure the quality and integrity of surveillance data  Liaise as required with local, regional and national groups concerned with the assessment of HCAI or the furtherance of surveillance.  Participate in the assessment and management of outbreaks as required  Liaise with and support the local infection control service and participate in the Infection Prevention and Control Team (IPCT) and the Infection Prevention and Control Committee (incorporating hand hygiene, etc) (IPCC).  Have a working knowledge of Health Information & Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role, for example, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.  Provide output for inclusion in local, regional and national publications  Participate in Continuous Professional Development activities  Develop and lead the introduction of new ideas and methods pertaining to and impacting on surveillance activities.  Participate in the implementation of a quality management programme which is patient centred and which measures and audits performance and user satisfaction.  Actively participate in and promote continuing education and research activities

2 consistent with the position. . Be responsible for maximising the use of available resources within the Service and identifying requirements to meet future needs.  Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the values of the Hospital and ethical code  Maintain and promote a patient focused orientation in the delivery of service  Participate in the production of an annual departmental report as well as other relevant annual reports.  Participate in the determination of departmental policies for improvement of the service and assessing the needs for additional resources.  Take a lead role where requested in relevant areas of the routine laboratory service  Ensure that policy relating to laboratory record keeping is followed  Participate on Hospital and/or external committees as required  Be willing to represent the Microbiology Department as a whole and deputise for the Chief Medical Scientist (Microbiology) when requested or required.

Quality

The Medical Scientist Specialist (Surveillance Scientist) will:

 Ensure appropriate compliance with international and national guidelines and legal and professional standards for the provision of relevant laboratory services and actively participate in internal and external quality assurance.  Participate in setting policies, standards and best practice guidelines in conjunction with appropriate scientific, clinical and management groups.  Participate in the implementation of quality management programmes which are patient orientated and which measure and audit performance and client satisfaction.  Participate in the maintenance of ISO15189 accreditation standard (or equivalent).  Integrate Lean, Six Sigma and other techniques into the Laboratory and Surveillance activities to improve efficiency and reduce errors.

Financial

 Provide appropriate statistical and management information to the Laboratory Management team.  Participate in the preparation of budget estimates including a planned programme for replacing capital equipment or other such duties as are required from time to time by the Chief Medical Scientist

Information Technology

 Participate in the commission of, and efficient operation of computer systems for the Laboratory, ensuring these integrate well with surveillance activity.  Ensure that relevant Laboratory 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.

 Collect, interpret and present data and information as appropriate and as required on laboratory activity, staffing and expenditure.

Staff Management

 Assist when requested with the management of Laboratory Staff resources ensuring that staffing levels and skill mix are appropriate, and within the resources allocated.  Promote a professional, punctual and dedicated team approach with good open communications.  Create and promote healthy working relationships and stimulate initiative among relevant Laboratory Staff.  Motivate team members and participate in annual staff appraisals  Assist in the regular rotation of staff and the maintenance of competency across the entire Department of Microbiology.  In consultation with other senior staff prepare work schedules, assign duties and organise rosters within and across sections to ensure cover for national, routine, specialised, and out of hours work.  Be responsible, in conjunction with other senior personnel, for the implementation of hospital HR policies.

Education & Training

 Arrange training for the laboratory team as appropriate  Actively participate in and promote continuing education and research activities consistent with the position  Facilitate arrangements in the relevant laboratory area for educating and training undergraduates, interns and post-graduate students  Ensure sufficient cover to enable the surveillance service to continue smoothly in his/her absence. This should include relevant training and competence assessment

Health & Safety

 Participate in the selection of equipment and ensure equipment is fully validated before use.  Participate in ensuring that effective safety procedures are in place to comply not only with the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act, but also within the spirit of the Hospital's mission, vision and values.  Assist and co-operate with the Laboratory Management Team in developing 'Best Practice' procedures to be followed in preventing and managing accidents occurring in the Laboratory area.  Receive and record details concerning mishaps, complaints and defects in supplies and equipment, investigate the circumstances with appropriate team members and taking the necessary actions and report the findings as required.  Ensure that staff carry out all their duties in a safe manner, use personal protective

4 equipment when necessary and are familiar with evacuation procedures.  Provide training, instruction, information and supervision to assist staff in complying with their duties under the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act.

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. The primary role will be to ensure compliance with surveillance and other relevant standards within the scope of the duties above.

Eligibility Criteria Candidates must, on the latest date for receiving application forms for the office:

Qualifications and/ or (a) Possess a Bachelor in Science (Applied Science) Honours degree (Biomedical option) experience from the University of Dublin/Dublin Institute of Technology, Kevin Street; Or (b) Possess the Bachelor in Science Honours degree in Biomedical Science from the Joint University College Cork/Institute of Technology Cork course; Or (c) 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 (d) Possess a recognised qualification at least equivalent to (a) or (b) above; Or (e) Possess a recognised qualification at least equivalent to (c) awarded prior to 1994;

And (f) Possess a postgraduate degree in the field of Medical Laboratory Science; Or (g) Have attained the Fellowship Examination of the Institute of Biomedical Science And (h) Possess fellowship of the Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine (ACSLM) or be eligible for fellowship; And (i) Possess four years experience in a medical laboratory since qualifying as a medical scientist.

2. The requirements 1 (f), (g) and (h) will not come into effect until 1st October 2009 in respect of a candidate who:

(a) holds a qualification set out in 1 (a), (b), (d) or (e) And (b) is a member of or is eligible for membership of the Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine (ACSLM) and was employed as a Medical Scientist (Medical Laboratory Technician) in the health service on or before 1st April 2000 – written evidence must be submitted

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.

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  Demonstrate experience in the surveillance of diseases within the legislative framework Requirements  Demonstrate depth and breadth of experience in Surveillance (e.g. use of statistics, analysis of data, bioinformatics, infection control, surveillance of specific clinical cases (e.g. ventilator associated pneumonia, wound surveillance, surveillance of line associated infections) Other requirements n/a specific to the post Skills, competencies  Demonstrate excellent understanding and have good experience of Surveillance and/or knowledge and general Bacteriology  Provide evidence of extensive experience in the culture, identification and susceptibility testing of organisms of interest as well as an in-depth knowledge of resistance mechanisms and how they apply to the clinical environment  Demonstrate leadership and team management skills, including the ability to work with multi-disciplinary team members  Demonstrate a commitment to providing a quality service  Demonstrate tact and courtesy when dealing with users of the service, colleagues and other stakeholders  Demonstrate an awareness of the laboratory user and the importance of the patient/client at all times  Demonstrate awareness of the importance of quality in laboratory practice  Demonstrate an ability to evaluate information from a variety of sources  Demonstrate good decision making and problem solving skills  Demonstrate evidence of effective planning and organising skills including awareness of resource management and importance of value for money  Demonstrate ability to manage deadlines and effectively handle multiple tasks  Demonstrate the ability to plan and manage change  Demonstrate good interpersonal skills including the ability to manage conflict and crisis situations  Demonstrate effective communication skills including the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner and the ability to communicate effectively with other staff and persons outside the core laboratory service  Demonstrate evidence of good computer skills including a working knowledge of laboratory IT systems. This knowledge should include in-depth experience of Microsoft Office products such as Excel, Word and Powerpoint in order to analyse, interpret and present complex data in a meaningful and easily understood way  Demonstrate a knowledge of operation of Hospital IT systems

6  Demonstrate knowledge of Health & Safety requirements in a laboratory setting

Campaign Specific A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information Selection Process supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies Ranking/Shortlisting / and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore it is very important that you Interview 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 Commission 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 Code also specifies the responsibilities placed on candidates, facilities for feedback to 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”.

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.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.

Medical Scientist Specialist (Surveillance Scientist) Terms and Conditions of Employment

Tenure The initial vacancy for this post is permanent and whole time. The post is pensionable. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full time or part time duration may be filled. 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 01/07/13) for the post is: Euro 53,410 - 55,619 - 57,580 - 59,586 - 61,653 - 63,683 - 65,000 - 65,000 - 65,970 (pro rata) Working Week The standard working week applying to the post is 37 hours per week (pro rata) 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 applying to the post holder will be agreed at job offer stage and as determined by the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. Superannuation This is a pensionable position with the HSE. The successful candidate will upon appointment become a member of the appropriate pension scheme. Pension scheme membership will be notified within the contract of employment. Members of pre-existing pension schemes who transferred to the HSE on the 01st 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 which they were entitled to at 31 st December 2004 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 As this post is one of those designated under the Protection of Persons Persons Reporting Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998, appointment to this post appoints one as a Child Abuse Act designated officer in accordance with Section 2 of the Act. You will remain 1998 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 and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.