Cancer Genomics Associate | Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
| Dyddiad hysbysebu: | 01 May 2024 |
|---|---|
| Cyflog: | Heb ei nodi |
| Gwybodaeth ychwanegol am y cyflog: | £34,089 - £41,498 per annum (incl. of HCAA) |
| Oriau: | Full time |
| Dyddiad cau: | 31 May 2024 |
| Lleoliad: | London, SE5 9RS |
| Cwmni: | Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust |
| Math o swydd: | Contract |
| Cyfeirnod swydd: | 6166700/196-COF10202 |
Crynodeb
The South East Genomic Medicine Service is searching for a highly motivated, personable and flexible individual to join our dynamic team as a Cancer Genomics Associate.
We are looking for someone who is dynamic, creative, flexible, and may be considering a career in genetic counselling, clinical research or project delivery and find that this opportunity provides a key stepping stone to their career development.
The post would suit an individual with significant experience in the NHS who is confident when communicating sensitive information to patients and families. Applicants from a range of backgrounds and experiences are welcomed.
The primary duties of the post holder will be:
• Acquisition of tissue and bodily fluids from patients at Guys & St Thomas' Hospital Trusts,King's College Hospital as well as other collaborating sites
• Communicate with patients and families in a sensitive and friendly manner over the telephone, in-person and on video calls to obtain consent for Whole Genome Sequencing
• Travelling to various sites to acquire tissues from operating theatres, wards, pathology laboratories and transporting tissues in accordance with Trust and South East Genomic Laboratory Hub guidelines
• Distribution of acquired tissue and bodily fluids to different laboratories across King's Health Partners
• Support the laboratories where necessary with the receipt, processing, quality control and storage of tissue samples for further processing
• Work collaboratively with members of the GLH Management team, including • Laboratory leads and Scientists
• Cancer and Rare Disease Clinicians
• Service Delivery team
• Administrative and Managerial staff.
The post holder will be based on-site primarily at Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill site and Guys & St Thomas Hospital sites. The role will also require travel to various hospital sites in the South East region. The patient consenting process may need to be undertaken outside the normal clinic times, so a degree of flexibility will be required for this post.
The South East Genomics Medicine Service, consisting of the South East Genomic Laboratory Hub (SE GLH) and the South East Genomic Medicine Service Alliance (SE GMSA), as we move into a new era of genetic testing for NHS patients with rare genetic diseases and certain types of cancer.
The South East Genomic Laboratory Hub is a partnership which is led by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and includes King’s College Hospital, St George’s University Hospital, South London and Maudsley, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells and University Hospitals Sussex as consortium partners, and Synnovis as a delivery partner.
The post-holder will work across our diverse teams to continue the progress made in developing Whole Genome Sequencing. This is a new technology which aims to improve diagnosis and treatment stratification, and build an unparalleled resource for medical research.
The SE GMS is committed to addressing health inequalities. Our equality, diversity and inclusion strategy sets out our ambitions and commitments, including ensuring we have a team that represents the diversity that exists across our region, ensuring representation in our programmes of work from across the health service, and ensuring that we have strong patient representation across all our projects.
Main duties and responsibilities
Sample Handling and transport
• Acquisition of tissue and bodily fluids from GSTT/KCH patients as well as other collaborating sites.
• Travelling to various sites to acquire tissues from operating theatres, wards, pathology laboratories and transporting tissues in accordance with Trust and SEGLH guidelines.
• Distribution of acquired tissue and bodily fluids to different laboratories across KHP.
• Support the laboratories where necessary with the receipt, processing, quality control and storage of tissue samples for further processing.
Clinical
• To obtain informed consent for Whole Genome Sequencing and patient consent for tissue collection as required.
• To liaise with lab teams across Synnovis Laboratories at GSTT and KCH to ensure samples reach the lab and all necessary quality control checks are carried out in advance of their dispatch.
• To support the Cellular Pathology Genome Centre (CPGC) histopathology lead in embedding sample preparation pathways for onward submission throughout the GLH network.
• The post holder will also be required to answer queries from patients and clinical colleagues about WGS, especially the process of returning results.
• To monitor outstanding records or samples and take appropriate action.
• To communicate complex information in an understandable way regarding the process of Whole Genome Sequencing in the NHS, to both adults and children/parents. The post holder will ensure families are provided the information they need to give informed consent. They will check that all relevant documents are signed correctly and that each family member is able to provide a blood sample (for DNA) in a short time frame to meet laboratory requirements.
• To help facilitate patient access through discussion of the purpose of genetic referral including in those with more complex needs, learning or social difficulties and in whom English is not their first language
• To recognise areas of conflict when patients’ demands are incompatible to professional responsibilities and resources and seek guidance and support in how to resolve such issues.
• To assist with participant requests for withdrawal from WGS.
• The post holder will need to balance the information and support needs of all family members, requiring high levels of sensitivity and compassion. The post holder will work within their limitations, and will seek clarification from the Programme Support Manager, Cancer Genetic Counsellors or Oncologists as appropriate and relay this information back to the family.
• To work with local clinical and laboratory teams to support the establishment of cancer pathways for consent and tissue acquisition.
• To be aware of ethical considerations of genomics and key considerations for consent to genomic testing including the voluntary nature of participation in research such that: The patient (and significant others) fully understand the nature of the research offer made; b. The patient is aware that data sharing is voluntary and their participation in the NGRL can be withdrawn at any point without prejudice; c. The consent form is completed accurately and filed as required.
• To maintain awareness of any updates or changes to research protocols and guidelines relating to WGS.
• To participate in meetings relevant to the nature of the job, including relevant multidisciplinary team meetings.
• To work autonomously, using initiative to identify tasks.
Administration
• Receive and respond to everyday enquiries from/to SEGLH staff in relation to CPGC/WGS sample processing, storage and retrieval; escalating requests outside one’s knowledge base to the appropriate person/area, to provide a timely and effective service to others in the acquisition of tissue.
• Maintaining databases in accordance with the provisions of the Human Tissue Act (HTA) by keeping accurate written and computerised records and ensuring that these records are securely stored.
• Maintaining confidentiality in line with the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act. Utilise regulatory knowledge to meet the requirements of the SEGLH/CPGC and to maintain effective and efficient tissue acquisition, including consenting patients and entering data on to the appropriate data system, to ensure patient data is accurate and up to date in compliance with HTA standards and GDP Regulations.
• Ensure that systems are maintained in accordance with day-to-day operational requirements.
• To maintain accurate patient records as per standard expectations for clinical practice, and take responsibility for essential patient data entry and submission into patient records and other clinical systems (including GeneWorks, EPIC and NGIS) as required. Excellent attention to detail will be essential for this role.
• To access the computer networks as required to retrieve relevant information, both internally at Guy’s and our consortium partners.
• To contribute to the development of policies, procedures, standard operating procedures, showing an understanding of version control systems.
• To work alongside the broader WGS team to generate and process audits, relating to patient data collection, research library uptake, pathway performance etc., as appropriate.
• To identify and suggest improvements that can be made to the genomic pathway and processes to reduce inefficiencies and delays.
• To collect and enter data onto the relevant databases as part of clinical care and for audit. This will require excellent data collection skills and advanced familiarity with programmes such as Excel, Visio, Adobe, etc.
• Prioritise own assigned workload to ensure deadlines are met using skill and judgement with reference to regulations and standards under direction of the SEGLH/CPGC Management Team, using problem solving skills to resolve routine issues arising; for complex issues seeking advice from management on appropriate course of action; communicating effectively with colleagues.
Staff Management
• Responsible for effective supervision, performance management, development and training for the Genomics pathway co-ordinator where appropriate.
• Provide induction training for new members.
• Manage annual leave and sickness recording for the Genomics pathway co-ordinator.
• Ensure appropriate succession planning for staff is in place supported by training and development opportunities as appropriate.
• Undertake fact finding and investigations on any disciplinary/grievance issues.
• Participate in discussions concerning ways to improve service provision and the work environment.
Education and Training
• To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of genetics and anything in particular that will benefit the role in supporting the delivery of the service.
• To continue your own continuing professional development, keeping updated with current practice, and ensuring that your competency framework is appropriately referenced and maintained.
• To maintain links with counterparts in other Trusts and where possible to develop a network to share knowledge and to provide mutual support.
• To attend national meetings in relation to the GMS as appropriate and agreed.
• To understand and adhere to Trust policies and procedures.
• To ensure that Trust wide standards are maintained and monitored to improve the quality of care to all those who come in contact with the service provided.
• To maintain confidentiality at all times.
• To ensure that the views of patients are effectively sought, channelled and acted upon. This includes efficient actioning of the complaints procedure in accordance with Trust policies and in conjunction with the clinical lead and project manager.
• Work flexibly in accordance with the needs of the SEGLH/CPGC.
General
• Undertake any administrative tasks commensurate with the grade required to support the delivery of high quality patient care.
• Undertake any training as required to complete the tasks associated with the job role.
This advert closes on Wednesday 15 May 2024