Haemovigilance Officer

Haemovigilance OfficerGrade: Clinical Nurse Manager (Grade 2 ) or Senior Medical ScientistHours: Part Time 24 hrs per Week Location: Pathology Laboratory Beacon HospitalLocated in South Dublin, Beacon Hospital is one of the most advanced private hospitals in Europe, with over 1700 Consultants, nurses and healthcare professionals. Beacon Hospital provides 24 hour, world-class acute care services including orthopaedics, physiotherapy, cardiology, women’s health, urology, cardiothoracic surgery, vascular surgery, plastic & reconstructive surgery, ENT, neurology, general surgery, comprehensive cancer care and emergency medicine. This post will work closely on a day to day basis with the Chief / Senior Medical Scientist & Medical Scientists in Blood Transfusion and will report to the Consultant Haematologist.The Haemovigilance Officer is professionally accountable to the Director of Nursing for matters relating to nursing practiceKey Working Relationships:The post holder will work closely with:The Laboratory ManagerThe Consultant HaematologistSenior Medical Scientist & Medical Scientists working in Blood TransfusionThe Laboratory Quality Manager The Director of Nursing for all matters relating to nursing practicePurpose of the RoleThe post holder will have responsibility to ensure that Beacon hospital meets all national and international standards relating to safe transfusion practice.To maintain highest standards of transfusion safety within Beacon hospital based on best practice guidelinesPrincipal Duties and Responsibilities The key responsibilities and duties of the Haemovigilance Officer in Beacon hospital have been divided into five essential categories1.      Clinical Knowledge2.      Quality , Change management ,& Audit3.      Preparing , Delivering and Evaluating the Education programme4.      Information Technology5.      Personal QualitiesClinical KnowledgeMust possess specially focused knowledge and skills in transfusion practice at a higher level than other clinical staffIdentifies and seeks to reduce wastage of blood / blood componentsIdentifies and promotes appropriate transfusion alternativesDevelops and manages systems for identifying , managing, reporting and closing off serious adverse events / reactions and near-misses & non-conformancesProvides leadership in clinical practice & acts as a resource for clinical staffGenerates and contributes to the development & continual updating of clinical policies and proceduresSeeks to advocate on behalf of patients and families to participate in decisions about their transfusion requirementsQuality , Risk & Audit  To initiate, support and implement quality improvement initiativesTo work closely with the laboratory quality officer to ensure legislative and regulatory requirements relating to Haemovigilance are met Ensure all Haemovigilance audits are completed as per annual laboratory audit scheduleUses audit results to identify areas for improvementUses change management skills to develop and quality Haemovigilance serviceTo carry out root cause analysis following adverse events / non-conformances and recommend corrective/ preventative actions to improve transfusion safetyTo assist transfusion staff in post transfusion infection lookbacks and product recalls To investigate all reports of transfusion reactions / events and report to consultant haematologist / Hospital Transfusion Committee (HTC)To attend internal Quality meetings and collate monthly / quarterly key performance indictors (KPI)To ensure the hospital achieves 100% traceability for blood and Blood components Preparing , Delivering & Evaluating a Haemovigilance Education ProgrammeDevelops & delivers education programme for all staff involved in transfusion practice Evaluates effectiveness of training providedEstablishes & maintains systems for managing training records for all Haemovigilance training providedIdentifies own continuing professional development needs and engages appropriatelyInformation Technology Proficiency in IT skills relevant to the role Assists in the introduction and roll out of an electronic blood management system (Blood Track or equivalent)Personnel QualitiesAbility to work independently and as part of a wider multidisciplinary teamExcellent communication / negotiating skills & ability to liaise with individuals / groups at all grades both internally & externallyHas strong results focus and ability to achieve results through collaborative workingHas a professional and dedicated attitude to the roleIs an effective leader and positive driver for changeDemonstrates commitment to further education relevant to the role where appropriateIs committed to building a professional network to remain up-to-date with current Haemovigilance issuesDemonstrates a strong willingness and ability to operate in the flexible manner that is essential for the effective delivery of the role.Essential / Desirable Criteria - Clinical Nurse Manager Grade 2 Essential Qualifications / Experience-NursingBe a registered NurseHave a minimum of 5 yrs post registration experienceHold a post graduate qualification relevant to the role (Haemovigilance / Risk Management / Blood Transfusion / Haematology) Possess excellent organisational , written, interpersonal communication skillsProficient in IT skills (Word / Excel /PowerPoint )Essential Qualifications / Experience-Medical ScientistBe a qualified medical scientistHave a minimum of 4 yrs post qualification experienceHave an interest/ experience relevant to the role (Haemovigilance / Risk Management / Blood Transfusion / Haematology) Possess excellent organisational , written, interpersonal communication skills Proficient in IT skills (Word / Excel /PowerPoint )Desirable Qualifications / ExperiencePrevious Haemovigilance experienceExperience in education / trainingExperience in root cause analysis / risk management / audit  Under the Hospital’s Health & Safety risk assessment, Beacon Hospital requires that all Employees, Consultants and Contractors that can receive a Covid 19 vaccination must do so in order to exercise their roles in a safe manner, and minimise the risk of endangering their own health, the health of patients, or the health of those that they work with. "Beacon Hospital is an equal opportunity employer; we ensure that our practices support a diverse and inclusive environment for all present and future employees"