Guy’s and St Thomas’ is among the UK’s busiest and most successful NHS foundation trusts. We provide a full range of hospital and community services for people in south London and as well as specialist care for patients from further afield including cancer, renal, orthopaedic, respiratory and cardiovascular services. Guy’s is home to the largest dental school in Europe and a £160 million Cancer Centre opened in 2016. As part of our commitment to provide care closer to home, in 2017 we also opened a cancer centre and a kidney treatment centre at Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup. St Thomas’ has one of the largest critical care units in the UK and one of the busiest emergency departments in London. It is also home to Evelina London Children’s Hospital. Evelina London cares for local children in Lambeth and Southwark and provides specialist services across south east England including cardiac, renal and critical care services. We lead a number of specialist service networks aiming to ensure children are treated locally where possible, but have access to specialist expertise when they need it. Our community services include health visiting, school nursing and support for families of children with long-term conditions. Our adult community services teams deliver care at the heart of the local communities we serve, working in partnership with GPs, local authorities and other healthcare and voluntary sector organisations. Working with our partners in Lambeth and Southwark, we are focusing on new ways of working to improve care for local patients. In February 2021 the Royal Brompton and Harefield joined Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, bringing together world-leading expertise in the care and research of heart and lung disease. Our merger provides a once in a generation opportunity to build a lasting, world-renowned heart and lung centre, providing the highest quality care for patients and conducting world-leading research. We have a reputation for clinical excellence and high quality teaching and research. We are part of King’s Health Partners, one of eight accredited UK academic health sciences centres. In partnership with King’s College London we have dedicated clinical research facilities including an MHRA accredited Phase I clinical trials unit. Patients are at the heart of everything we do and we pride ourselves on ensuring the best possible patient experience as well as safe, high quality care. We are proud to have one of the lowest mortality rates in the NHS. Following a comprehensive Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection in 2019 we maintained our overall rating of ‘good’. Our adult community services achieved a rating of ‘outstanding’. The commitment of our 23,500 staff is key to our success. We are one of the largest local employers and we aim to develop and support all our staff so they are able to deliver high quality, safe and efficient care. The 2019 NHS staff survey results show that we have one of the most engaged and motivated workforces in the NHS. We know this has a positive impact on the care provided to our patients. We have one of the most ambitious capital investment programmes anywhere in the NHS. Job overview 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. Main duties of the job 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. Working for our organisation 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. Detailed job description and main responsibilities 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. Person specification Qualifications Essential criteria Educated to Degree level in a relevant subject (e.g. Biology, Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, Psychology) supplemented by specialist training and/or experience Knowledge of the 100,000 Genomes Project and NHS plans for mainstreaming of genomics, and/or other demonstrable interest in genetics Evidence of ongoing continuing professional development Desirable criteria Postgraduate qualification in genetics Strong foundation in genetics, inheritance, and rare inherited conditions at Degree level, demonstrated by relevant Undergraduate course modules Experience Essential criteria Experience in a clinical/research/academic environment Experience of working in a public facing role and or caring environment Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team across cancer services Desirable criteria Experience of developing and implementing policies and procedures Operational experience of working within a clinical genetics service Experience of recruiting, educating and monitoring patients within a clinical environment Skills Essential criteria Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to demonstrate sensitivity and maturity when faced with difficult personal circumstances Understanding of resource management, health and safety, clinical risk and quality issues Strong data management skills & IT skills, particularly with relation to Microsoft Office packages, e.g. Word, Outlook and Excel A flexible and patient centred approach to work Ability to work independently and as part of a Multidisciplinary team Ability to organise , prioritise and co-ordinate work of self and others Ability to prepare reports (written and data) using a variety of software packages and present in an easy-to-read format Desirable criteria Experience of developing and implementing policies and procedures Operational experience of working within a clinical genetics service Experience of recruiting, educating and monitoring patients within a clinical environment Knowledge of clinical pathways within cancer and genetic services Phlebotomy Ability to communicate in another language Guy’s and St Thomas’ celebrates, respects and values the diversity of its staff and patients. We review our policies, procedures and practices to ensure that all employees, patients and carers are treated equitable according to their needs. We are actively committed to ensuring that no one who applies for a job, works or study’s at the Trust, or accesses our services is discriminated against on the grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, religion or belief, age, gender identity , gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity/paternity, or marital/civil partnership. Applications are welcomed from applicants with a disability. We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways throughout the application process. Equality of opportunity is our policy. As an organisation we are committed to developing our services in ways that best suit the needs of our patients. This means that some staff groups will increasingly be asked to work a more flexible shift pattern so that we can offer services in the evenings or at weekends. Flexible working We are committed to supporting all employees to achieve a healthy work life balance and to work in a way that is best for them and our patients. We will consider all requests to work flexibly, taking in to account the individual’s personal circumstances as well the needs of the service. We encourage all prospective applicants to discuss their individual circumstances with the recruiting manager as part of the on-boarding process. Your e-mail address is important to us - We communicate to all job applicants via the e-mail address which has been provided on the application form. Please ensure that you check your e-mail on a regular basis. Please apply for this post by clicking "Apply Online Now." Applicant requirements This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service. Further details / informal visits contact Name Jess Connolly-Black Job title Programme Support Manager Email address [email protected] Telephone number 020718810788