Catherine Louise Harrigan
Blackwood,Caerphilly County Borough
Summary
With 21 years of expertise in Medical Microbiology, adept at performing a range of automated, semi-automated, and manual techniques including microscopy, culture, antibiotic susceptibility testing, serological investigations, and molecular techniques for target pathogens. Experienced in using a containment level 3 facility for hazard group 3 organisms. Served as one of the deputy leads in health and safety for Microbiology departments across three hospital sites, responsible for implementing and executing health and safety training through toolbox talks, live demonstrations, and staff competency documents. Proficient in performing risk assessments such as COSHH documents and procedural risk assessments. Demonstrates strong delegation and organisational skills by assigning tasks to junior health and safety team members. Possesses excellent communication skills with an inclusive approach adaptable to various needs. Computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft Office software.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Biomedical Scientist/Deputy health&safety lead
NHS - Medical Microbiology, Royal Gwent Hospital
NEWPORT, NEWPORT
01.2010 - Current
- Analysis of complex microbiological tests and procedures, to generate insightful patient reports i.e. reading and interpretation of cultured organisms on agar plates and their antibiotic susceptibilities for patient treatment.
- Performance of molecular techniques, on various samples for certain target organisms e.g. COVID-19 and other respiratory organisms, MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus), CPO (Carbapenamase Resistant organisms), Enteric pathogens, Sexually transmitted infections etc.
- Performance of serological investigations on blood samples for the presence of Blood borne viruses and some bacterial pathogens, using automated techniques.
- Use of various types of lab equipment, including centrifuges, Class 1 microbiological safety cabinets (for hazard group 3 organisms), fume cabinet (to handle formalin safely), laminar flow cabinet (to handle bone bank samples, whilst reduced the risk of contamination of the samples), all of which, aid in the relevant microbiological investigations. Also, use of autoclaves to sterilise waste and to ensure safe waste disposal via the relevant disposal routes.
- Collaborated with medical staff to deliver optimal patient care.
- Assist the Lead of health and safety and the other deputy lead, with the general running of the health and safety team e.g. delegating tasks, dealing with any identified risks in the department, dealing with non laboratory staff who have been called in to do work in the department, liasing with departmental managers with regards to any significant issues and occasionally chairing health and safety meetings, when the lead is absent.
- Risk assessments on all procedures, staff with health conditions (e.g. pregnant, disabled), including COSHH risk assessments on any specimens, consumables, chemicals etc
- Reporting of any health and safety incidences, as well as near misses via the appropriate channels and seeking advice and guidance from the appropriate putting things right e.g. DATIX reporting for the perusal of the Health Board's health and safety teams, HSE and/or RIDDOR.
- Deliverance of appropriate health and safety training, in the form of toolbox talks on a powerpoint presentation, and occasionally demonstrations.
- Constructing of the toolbox talks, using powerpoint, whilst taking into consideration, local policies, procedures as well as health and safety law
- Shared expertise with junior colleagues, promoting professional development across team.
- Utilised statistical tools for comprehensive analysis of complex data sets, driving insights for future research direction.
- Liaised between pathologists and technicians for smooth workflow in the lab.
- Maintained up-to-date documentation of all laboratory procedures, ensuring transparency in processes.
- Handled sensitive patient information with utmost confidentiality, adhering strictly to GDPR laws.
- Utilised Quality Management System to measure the accuracy and imprecision of laboratory investigations, taking prompt corrective action to ensure quality standards were met.
- Maintained a safe laboratory environment, following safety practices across all tasks, including the safe disposal of biohazard waste, infection control, in accordance to local policies and health and safety law
- Maintained confidentiality of all patient information.
- Carried out QA testing, using methods detailed within the Quality management system. e.g. Internal QA and participation in NEQAS, as part of the UKAS Accreditation process.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Science
UWIC
Cardiff 09/2006 - 07/2009
Higher National Diploma - HNC Biomedical Science
UWIC
Cardiff 09/2004 - 07/2006
IOSH - Managing Safely
Coleg Gwent
online 03/2021 - 03/2021
Skills
- 21 years of Medical Microbiology skills, knowledge and experience, performing a range of automated, semi-automated and manual techniques, including Microscopy, Culture, antibiotic susceptibility testing, serological investigations and molecular techniques for target pathogens Has experience of using a containment level 3 facility for hazard groups 3 organisms
- Additional responsibilities include being one of the deputy leads in health and safety for Microbiology departments across three hospital sites; roles include the following:
- Implementation and execution of health and safety training to laboratory staff, in the form of toolbox talks using powerpoint presentation, live demonstration and completion of staff competency documents
- Performance of Risk assessments, including: COSHH documents, staff personal risk assessments and procedural risk assessments
- Delegation and organisational skills eg providing tasks to junior members of the health and safety team
- Communication skills: I have an inclusive approach to communication and can adapt my communication style, in accordance with the needs of the colleague ie can effectively communicate in writing, verbally and also using alternative ways eg using visual aids, demonstration
- Computer literate - familiar with Microsoft Office software
Affiliations
- growing fruit and vegetables at the allotment
- loom knitting winter accessories
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Biomedical Scientist/Deputy health&safety lead
NHS - Medical Microbiology, Royal Gwent Hospital
01.2010 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Science
UWIC
09/2006 - 07/2009
Higher National Diploma - HNC Biomedical Science
UWIC
09/2004 - 07/2006
IOSH - Managing Safely
Coleg Gwent
03/2021 - 03/2021
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