Chair, Medical Microbiology NQAAP
Role Overview
Location: Remote/UK
Post: Chair of National Quality Assurance Advisory Panel for Medical Microbiology
Discipline: Medical Microbiology
Accountable to: Chair of Quality Assurance in Pathology Committee (QAPC) and Equality Quality Assurance Oversite Board (EQAOB)
Reports to: Quality Assurance in Pathology Committee (QAPC)
The Medical Microbiology National Quality Assessment Advisory Panel (NQAAP) is responsible for overseeing and monitoring the correct operation of interpretative and technical External Quality Assessment schemes in Medical Microbiology Pathology. The NQAAP is responsible for promoting, coordinating and protecting high professional standards in external quality assessment (EQA) and encouraging development of appropriate EQA schemes in support of patient safety.
What does the role entail?
As Chair of the Medical Microbiology NQAAP, you will:
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To chair NQAAP meetings (minimum 2 per year and additional meetings as required).
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Lead the operation of the NQAAP for Medical Microbiology to ensure an effective EQA oversight system is in place for the benefit of patient safety.
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Ensure the NQAAP for Medical Microbiology operates in an autonomous manner ensuring impartiality for the EQA programmes covered in its operations, regardless of the EQA provider and clinical laboratories concerned.
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Review reported data trends and anomalies identified by the various EQA providers. Interpret such data as to their clinical and laboratory significance and report to any external body such as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), as appropriate.
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To ensure NQAAP for Medical Microbiology adheres to the agreed Terms of Reference in all activities and support QAPC operations including:
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The escalation of persistent poor performance to the QAPC within 2 weeks of identification ensuring confirmation of escalation is sent to the relevant EQA scheme organiser
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The escalation of complaints about EQA practices from participants that cannot be resolved at EQA organiser or NQAAP level
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Biannual reporting into the QAPC with a summary of activities including notifications of poor performance and steps taken, escalations, risks identified and learning points for sharing.
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Liaise with external laboratories (UK based) to assist in resolution of technical issues with individual laboratory performance following referral to NQAAP for Medical Microbiology
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Resolve any complaints that may arise regarding the operation of NQAAP for Medical Microbiology
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Provide expert, appropriate advice on quality assessment to scheme participants (both laboratory-based and non-laboratory staff), steering committees, other NQAAPs, the QAPC, the World Health Organization (WHO), the British Council, the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC), the blood service of the relevant nation, industry, professional bodies, and all other relevant organisations (including higher educational establishments) and individuals as required.
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To represent the NQAAP for Medical Microbiology in an advisory and educational role at national meetings on quality assurance, and to prepare reports for such meetings where appropriate.
For more information, please download the full job description and specification below:
Why should I apply?
The National Quality Assurance Advisory Panels play a vital role in ensuring a high level of quality is adhered to across all areas of pathology. This, in turn, is imperative in ensuring patient safety standards a national level.
As Chair of the panel, you will provide unparalleled support for the laboratories and EQA providers in resolving any performance issues specifically for the benefit of patient safety and/or product quality.
This role is pivotal in providing expert advice and guidance to clinicians and scientific staff relating to persistent poor performance in Medical Microbiology and the impact of this on delivering high-quality patient care. It is a role of great importance which is responsible for helping keep patient care standards high.
What's the commitment?
As per the Terms of Reference (ToR), the Medical Microbiology NQAAP must meet twice per year. These meeting usually happen in May and November.
The meeting in May tends to last 2 hours maximum, dependent on reports from EQA providers. The EQA Provider Annual Report meeting (which tends to occur in November), will normally be 4 – 6 hours including appropriate breaks.
There might be additional meetings called depending on what has been reported by EQA providers to the NQAAP.
How do I apply?
Please fill out the nomination form and return to [email protected] by 5pm on 31st January 2024.