Consultant Clinical Scientist (Microbiology)

The post holder will: Be able to independently discuss and advise clinicians on the interpretation of clinical microbiology results. Lead ward rounds and clinical discussion meetings, multi-disciplinary teams (MDT) and clinical discussion meetings as required, giving advice on selection, availability and interpretation of microbiology tests, antimicrobial advice and infection prevention & control (IPC) guidance. Take an active role in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) including: ward rounds; attendance at Trust AMS meetings; antimicrobial guideline development; multi-disciplinary working with pharmacy and other teams to promote and ensure compliance with AMS strategies and policies. Take an active role in infection prevention & control including support, advice and guidance to clinicians and IPC colleagues in support of the consultant microbiologist IPC lead. Maintain up to date specialist expertise and knowledge of scientific developments and practice relevant to clinical microbiology and
other relevant subjects including public health and IPC. Ensuring, where appropriate, that such knowledge is systematically passed on to all laboratory staff. Ensure all quality and medico-legal requirements are fulfilled including accreditation to national standards. This will involve working with consultant microbiologists, management and senior laboratory staff to maintain all relevant documentation to the required standard within their area of responsibility. Liaise with a range of staff both within the Trust and the wider health community (e.g. staff from other laboratories, clinical staff, managers, GPs, community nurses and Clinical Commissioners) regarding strategic organisational, analytical and interpretative aspects of work carried out by the clinical microbiology laboratory. This includes the selection of assays and services offered as well as giving advice on appropriate investigations, sample handling, interpretation of results, differential diagnosis and therapy monitoring
both in individual patients and in general. Take the scientific lead in the Clinical Microbiology Department on research and development, according to the established rules and guidelines within the Trust, on relevant scientific and clinical problems, within a chosen area of expertise. Have consultant status and will be eligible for the roles of Clinical Lead for Microbiology and Pathology Clinical Lead. To deputise for the department clinical lead, head of service or other consultants as required. Take an active role in determining the strategic direction of the department, in collaboration with the Pathology Service. Contribute to short, medium and long term planning strategies affecting service delivery of microbiology and infection prevention to the Trust and other users of the service. Provide scientific, technical and clinical teaching and training relevant to clinical microbiology to students, laboratory & clinical staff and other healthcare providers. Have particular
responsibility for training clinical scientists, medical specialist trainees and biomedical scientists in microbiology. Work with pathology managers to maintain a balanced budget for the microbiology department. This includes with the management team holding the budget for service delivery and function