Blessings Ndlovu
25 McKervey Street, Catherine Field
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Laboratory Manager with over a decade of experience in medical laboratory science, specialising in pathology operations across multidisciplinary settings. Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, oversee daily laboratory functions, and uphold high standards in quality, safety, and diagnostic accuracy. Holds a Master of Medical Science (Pathology), and is completing an MBA, and is a Fellow of Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists. Currently managing laboratory services at Blue Mountains Hospital and actively involved in NSW Health Pathology's leadership development initiatives. Committed to continuous improvement, staff development, and delivering high-quality pathology services that support patient care.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Laboratory Manager
NSW Health Pathology | Blue Mountains Hospital
02.2022 - Current
- Lead and supervise a multidisciplinary team of 9 staff in the provision of timely, high-quality pathology services.
- Lead end-to-end recruitment for laboratory staff, including shortlisting, interviewing, selection, and onboarding.
- Oversee daily operations, rostering, resource allocation, and laboratory workflow optimisation.
- Maintain compliance with NATA/ISO standards and lead internal audits to support accreditation readiness.
- Manage operational budgets and procurement to support cost-effective service delivery.
- Coordinate training, competency assessments, and performance development for staff.
- Collaborate with hospital leadership and NSWHP to contribute to quality improvement initiatives and strategic service planning.
- Successfully led the local implementation of new chemistry and blood transfusion instrumentation, meeting all go-live milestones with minimal disruption.
- Participate in Patient Safety and Quality Committee, contributing to initiatives that enhance service safety and compliance.
- Implemented process improvements using the PDSA model, resulting in 20% reduction in reagent wastage and improved stock availability.
Hospital Scientist-2IC
NSW Health Pathology | Westmead
10.2021 - 02.2022
- Participated in the evaluation and validation of methods, equipment, and techniques
- Performed senior review of antibody identification, phenotyping, and transfusion reaction results for WSLHD, SEPPS, and Far West laboratories
- Supported the Senior Hospital Scientist in overseeing daily laboratory operations and complex transfusion cases.
- Contributed to staff training, mentoring, and supervision to support safe and effective transfusion practices.
- Provided updates to Transfusion Discipline Committee on discipline-specific progress and service performance.
- Delivered training to registrars, scientific staff, technical officers, and university placement students in transfusion protocols and methodologies.
Hospital Scientist-2IC
NSW Health Pathology | Nepean
01.2021 - 10.2021
- Provided supervisory support for the transfusion laboratory in the presence or absence of senior hospital scientist.
- Oversaw day-to-day workflow in transfusion science, ensuring accuracy and adherence to quality and safety protocols.
- Assisted with complex antibody investigations and transfusion reaction assessments.
- Supported with training of new staff and students, promoting best practices in transfusion procedures.
- Collaborated with clinical teams to ensure timely provision of compatible blood products for urgent and routine cases.
Hospital Scientist
NSW Health Pathology | Westmead, NSW
06.2017 - 12.2020
- Performing a wide range of pre-transfusion testing including as blood grouping, antibody screening and antibody identification, direct antibody test, elution, antibody titration, red cell phenotyping, and compatibility testing.
- Investigated haemolytic transfusion reactions and supported clinicians in managing complex cases.
- Monitored internal and external QC/QA processes to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and timely corrective actions.
- Raised non-conformances, and conducted root cause analysis to implement preventive and corrective actions.
- Served as key operator of the Ortho Vison Max analyser, providing training and operational support to other staff.
- Contributed to the induction and training of junior scientists and students in transfusion protocols.
Medical Laboratory Scientist (HOD Biochemistry)
PSMI Clinical Laboratories | Zimbabwe
07.2013 - 02.2017
- Performed a broad range of diagnostic tests across biochemistry, haematology, transfusion science, serology, and microbiology in a multidisciplinary laboratory.
- Led the Biochemistry department, overseeing day-to-day operations, staff supervision, and achievement of quality indicators.
- Provided administrative and technical consulting services to clients.
- Conducted training and competency assessments for biochemistry staff, fostering professional development and performance improvement.
- Communicated critical results to clinicians, ensuring timely and appropriate clinical decisions.
- Performed scheduled maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory instrumentation to ensure continuous workflow and minimal downtime.
Medical Laboratory Scientist
United Bulawayo Hospitals | Zimbabwe
10.2010 - 06.2013
- Performed diagnostic testing across haematology, biochemistry, blood transfusion, serology, and microbiology.
- Conducted full blood counts, coagulation studies, ESRs, D-Dimer assays, and blood film morphology for haematological analysis.
- Carried out biochemical investigations including liver function, cardiac enzymes, glucose, kidney function tests and therapeutic drug monitoring.
- Performed immunohaematology testing including blood grouping, antibody screening and identification, and compatibility testing.
- Conducted serological and microbiological tests such as HIV, syphilis, Hepatitis A-C, Gram stains, and bacterial cultures.
Education
Master of Business Administration -
Australian Institute of Business
06-2025
Diploma of Leadership And Management -
Health Education And Training Institute (HETI)
09-2025
Master of Medical Science (Pathology) -
Charles Sturt University
01-2023
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours) -
University of Zimbabwe
01-2010
Skills
- Laboratory operations and workflow management
- Leadership and staff supervision
- Quality assurance management
- Budget and resource management
- Training and capability development
- Change management and service improvement
Certification
Fellow - Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (FAIMS).
Timeline
Laboratory Manager
NSW Health Pathology | Blue Mountains Hospital
02.2022 - Current
Hospital Scientist-2IC
NSW Health Pathology | Westmead
10.2021 - 02.2022
Hospital Scientist-2IC
NSW Health Pathology | Nepean
01.2021 - 10.2021
Hospital Scientist
NSW Health Pathology | Westmead, NSW
06.2017 - 12.2020
Medical Laboratory Scientist (HOD Biochemistry)
PSMI Clinical Laboratories | Zimbabwe
07.2013 - 02.2017
Medical Laboratory Scientist
United Bulawayo Hospitals | Zimbabwe
10.2010 - 06.2013
Master of Business Administration -
Australian Institute of Business
Diploma of Leadership And Management -
Health Education And Training Institute (HETI)
Master of Medical Science (Pathology) -
Charles Sturt University
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours) -
University of Zimbabwe
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