Job Description
Job Title: Point of Care Co-Ordinator (Senior Medical Scientist)
Department: Pathology Laboratory
Reports to: Chief Medical Scientist, Biochemistry, Head of Laboratory Services
Date: 2026
Overall Purpose of Role
Overseeing and developing the Point of Care Testing (POCT) service, maintaining and improving the Quality Management System (QMS), training and education of staff, ensuring the proper functioning, maintenance and procurement of equipment, and liaising with various stakeholders including clinicians and management. The role emphasizes a patient-centred approach, compliance with ISO 15189, and contribution to continuous quality improvement and strategic goals of the Hospital.
Responsibilities and Deliverables
§ This role involves day-to-day operation and management of the POCT Department. This includes quality activities relevant to ISO 15189 Laboratory accreditation and Joint Commission International (JCI) – Hospital wide accreditation, optimisation of IT processes to streamline activities, control and management of budgetary activities etc.
§ Writing, maintaining and enforcing procedures relating to POCT and its related testing equipment.
§ Assist in applying and implementing operational procedures up to "best practice" standard in order to optimise use of resources.
§ Assist in the implementation of a quality management programme that is patient centred and which measures and audits performance and client satisfaction.
Service Delivery
§ Perform scientific work to the required ISO 15189 and JCI Accreditation Standards, as determined by the Laboratory Management Team.
§ Maintain compliance with INAB Accreditation standards and status.
§ Prioritise and organise work during busy periods and co-ordinate multiple concurrent testing.
§ Potential to participate in departmental 'on call' rota.
§ Monitor and procure laboratory stocks in accordance with policy.
§ Facilitate and participate with medical and scientific staff in evaluating equipment and introduction of new tests.
§ Participate in professional development, through self learning and formal courses or informal on the job training.
Staff Management
§ Participate as required in the training of the laboratory team and facilitate the training of hospital wide staff
§ Be professional, punctual and dedicated member of the laboratory team promoting good open communications.
§ Communicate clearly and courteously to members of the laboratory team and all clients of the hospital.
Health and Safety
§ Ensuing that effective safety procedures are in place to comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act as within hospital policy.
Quality
§ Actively contribute to the operation and implementation of a quality management system in compliance with ISO15189 and JCI standards.
§ Oversee internal quality control and external quality assurance programmes.
§ Handle and report non-conformances, defects in supplies, or equipment issues.
Ethics and Confidentiality
§ Ensure that there is no involvement in any activities that would diminish confidence in the laboratory's competence, impartiality, judgement or operational integrity.
§ Remain free from any undue commercial, financial, or other pressures and influences that may adversely affect the quality of their work.
§ Openly declare, where relevant, any potential conflicts in competing interests which may exist
§ Treat human samples, tissues or remains, according to the relevant legal requirements
§ Ensure confidentiality of information at all times.
Information Technology
§ Participate as required in developing and verifying the laboratory information system relevant to POCT.
§ Facilitate the collection, interpretation and presentation of data and information on POCT activity, staffing and expenditure according to the Hospital's reporting needs.
Flexibility
§ This post requires a high level of flexibility to ensure the delivery of an effective and efficient service. Therefore, the post holder will be required to demonstrate flexibility as and when required by their manager. Please note that the duties of this post may change over time.
Person Specification
Qualifications
§ CORU registration as a Medical Scientist
§ ACSLM recognised MSc in relevant field of Biomedical Science. Applicants awaiting graduation of MSc will also be considered.
Experience
Essential:
§ Exposure to operations in POCT.
§ A minimum of 4 years medical laboratory experience.
Desirable:
§ Post qualification experience in POCT.
Skills & Abilities
Essential:
§ Ability to co-ordinate with laboratory management and other hospital departments to ensure delivery of an appropriate laboratory service.
§ Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a professional and dedicated attitude.
§ Ability to self-manage time and duties.
§ Demonstrate the capacity to be part of a team.
§ Strong proficiency in computer applications
Desirable:
§ Demonstrate adaptability to the rapid changes taking place in the health services.
Knowledge & Understanding
Essential:
§ Appreciation of all aspects of the provision of a modern laboratory service.
§ Be aware of the application of modern methods in laboratory science.
§ Be familiar with the ISO 15189 criteria and objectives.
Desirable:
§ Be familiar with laboratory information systems and common IT packages.
§ Be familiar with other hospital departments and their relationships with the laboratory.
§ Be familiar with verification processes.