Job summary
University Hospitals Plymouth is looking for an enthusiastic Assistant Technical Officer (ATO) to join our team within Haematology section(s) of the Combined Laboratory. Currently this is a fixed term contract 12 months, but may be extended.
The successful applicant will be expected to take part in the Extended Working Day rotas for Evenings / weekends as appropriate, more information can be discussed at interview.
Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification
Main duties of the job
The receipt of samples, sample preparation, request data entry, presentation for analysis and dispatch to tertiary centres as appropriate.
To make and receive routine telephone calls to/from GP's, medical, nursing and other healthcare staff.
To prepare biological material collected from patients, including blood samples for analysis and analyse these following a Standard Operating Procedure.
About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission.
We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Working with colleagues ensure the reception area delivers a timely processing of samples and test requests.
- Following Standard Operating Procedures ensure that all send-away samples are packaged and despatched in compliance with special postal regulations.
- Ensure senior staff, are made aware when stock levels are low.
- Competent in the use of office equipment including computers, printers, fax machines and photocopiers.
- To use the laboratory IT system to input results of tests and to deal with enquiries for results, and to use the Trust PIMS system in order to look up patient details.
- To operate complex laboratory analysers in order to carry out investigations
- Will assist senior staff in the training of new staff.
- Assist in the receipt, processing and storage of all samples derived from clinical trials including those for which the department derives income.
- Remove samples and request forms from their plastic bags whilst checking the data on the sample matches that on the request form.
- To bring to the attention of senior staff all rejected samples due to inadequate patient ID or incorrect sample type for the test requested, or to contact the necessary persons, in accordance with the SOP for the area, to resolve any non-compliance with policy.
- Informing patients of the venepuncture procedure to be carried out in a caring reassuring manner that is aimed at their level of understanding.
- To undertake work for which they have been trained, which may take up to 2 months shadowing a trained member of staff.
- To have sufficient knowledge and competence to rotate through all sections of the laboratory as required.
- Following SOPs record and inform requestors of rejected samples.
- Prepare samples for analysis using techniques applicable to the areas of work this may include attaching bar code labels, centrifugation, separation and prepare aliquots as required: Inoculate specimens on to prepared culture media or in to suitable test kits in accordance with SOPs using both manual and automated technology. Support the technical and medical staff in the Cell Path specimen dissection area handling tissue samples removed at operations and post mortem. Cut sections from paraffin processed tissue to the required standard of speed, quality and accuracy.
- Book test requests into the laboratory computer system
- To assist in the safe disposal of used specimens and waste products and the daily cleaning of laboratory work surfaces.
- Assist in performing print runs of reports and their sorting for distribution as necessary. Assist in the maintenance of both hard copy and computer held reports.
- To extract slides, reports and all necessary items for the multiple clinical and non-clinical meetings.
- To participate it the collection, receipt and safe storage of reagents and other supplies.
- To maintain an adequate supply of clean glassware, make up solutions and collect chemicals from the various stores as required.
- Participate in the maintenance of the safe storage of diagnostic material..
- To assist in the maintenance and compilation of workload statistics.
- To assist with the issuing of consumables to service users as requested e.g. 24hr urine collection bottles.
- Respond to telephone enquiries within the area of work from staff in both primary and secondary care, giving test results (subject to departmental telephone SOPs), advice on sample types required for a large range of tests, requests for add-on-tests and those for emergency requests.
- Assist in the general running of specific analysers, equipment or tests.
- Perform basic maintenance checks as directed.
- To observe all departmental, Trust, national and European Health & Safety regulations relevant to the service, ensuring attendance at the annual departmental H&S update. In addition all staff must sign the departmental H&S policy to acknowledge understanding and compliance.
- To continually update your knowledge and skills whilst documenting this in your Continual Professional Development folder.
- To ensure contemporaneous completion of your induction and training records.
- To follow Standard Operating Procedures at all times.
- To attend meetings and training courses as necessary.
- To attend Statutory and Essential Update Training annually.
- To attend departmental briefings and/or acquaint yourself with the team brief posted on the departmental notice boards.
- To assist in the maintenance and compilation of workload statistics.
- To participate in an annual IPR and achieve any targets set at this time.
- Participate in the 24/7 rotas for ATO and support staff across the department.
- Whilst participating in this rota identify, prepare, and store patient samples in the relevant locations.
- Ensure that samples received match work lists, the patient ID is correct before testing and there is sufficient sample to perform the assay.
- To carry out other duties commensurate with the post.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Working with colleagues ensure the reception area delivers a timely processing of samples and test requests.
- Following Standard Operating Procedures ensure that all send-away samples are packaged and despatched in compliance with special postal regulations.
- Ensure senior staff, are made aware when stock levels are low.
- Competent in the use of office equipment including computers, printers, fax machines and photocopiers.
- To use the laboratory IT system to input results of tests and to deal with enquiries for results, and to use the Trust PIMS system in order to look up patient details.
- To operate complex laboratory analysers in order to carry out investigations
- Will assist senior staff in the training of new staff.
- Assist in the receipt, processing and storage of all samples derived from clinical trials including those for which the department derives income.
- Remove samples and request forms from their plastic bags whilst checking the data on the sample matches that on the request form.
- To bring to the attention of senior staff all rejected samples due to inadequate patient ID or incorrect sample type for the test requested, or to contact the necessary persons, in accordance with the SOP for the area, to resolve any non-compliance with policy.
- Informing patients of the venepuncture procedure to be carried out in a caring reassuring manner that is aimed at their level of understanding.
- To undertake work for which they have been trained, which may take up to 2 months shadowing a trained member of staff.
- To have sufficient knowledge and competence to rotate through all sections of the laboratory as required.
- Following SOPs record and inform requestors of rejected samples.
- Prepare samples for analysis using techniques applicable to the areas of work this may include attaching bar code labels, centrifugation, separation and prepare aliquots as required: Inoculate specimens on to prepared culture media or in to suitable test kits in accordance with SOPs using both manual and automated technology. Support the technical and medical staff in the Cell Path specimen dissection area handling tissue samples removed at operations and post mortem. Cut sections from paraffin processed tissue to the required standard of speed, quality and accuracy.
- Book test requests into the laboratory computer system
- To assist in the safe disposal of used specimens and waste products and the daily cleaning of laboratory work surfaces.
- Assist in performing print runs of reports and their sorting for distribution as necessary. Assist in the maintenance of both hard copy and computer held reports.
- To extract slides, reports and all necessary items for the multiple clinical and non-clinical meetings.
- To participate it the collection, receipt and safe storage of reagents and other supplies.
- To maintain an adequate supply of clean glassware, make up solutions and collect chemicals from the various stores as required.
- Participate in the maintenance of the safe storage of diagnostic material..
- To assist in the maintenance and compilation of workload statistics.
- To assist with the issuing of consumables to service users as requested e.g. 24hr urine collection bottles.
- Respond to telephone enquiries within the area of work from staff in both primary and secondary care, giving test results (subject to departmental telephone SOPs), advice on sample types required for a large range of tests, requests for add-on-tests and those for emergency requests.
- Assist in the general running of specific analysers, equipment or tests.
- Perform basic maintenance checks as directed.
- To observe all departmental, Trust, national and European Health & Safety regulations relevant to the service, ensuring attendance at the annual departmental H&S update. In addition all staff must sign the departmental H&S policy to acknowledge understanding and compliance.
- To continually update your knowledge and skills whilst documenting this in your Continual Professional Development folder.
- To ensure contemporaneous completion of your induction and training records.
- To follow Standard Operating Procedures at all times.
- To attend meetings and training courses as necessary.
- To attend Statutory and Essential Update Training annually.
- To attend departmental briefings and/or acquaint yourself with the team brief posted on the departmental notice boards.
- To assist in the maintenance and compilation of workload statistics.
- To participate in an annual IPR and achieve any targets set at this time.
- Participate in the 24/7 rotas for ATO and support staff across the department.
- Whilst participating in this rota identify, prepare, and store patient samples in the relevant locations.
- Ensure that samples received match work lists, the patient ID is correct before testing and there is sufficient sample to perform the assay.
- To carry out other duties commensurate with the post.
Person Specification
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Proven understanding of need for patient confidentiality.
- Proven knowledge of Health & Safety issues.
Desirable
- Proven knowledge of tests performed and sent away by the department.
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE Levels 4-9 (Grades C-A) in Science, Maths & English or equivalent demonstrable knowledge / skills.
Desirable
- Appropriate NVQ -in either Business and Admin or laboratory based.
Aptitude & Attitude
Essential
- Demonstrable communication skills, being able to deal with staff at all levels of the organisation and patients with tact and diplomacy.
- Proven ability to effectively organise and prioritise own work.
Desirable
- Proven interpersonal skills.
Person Specification
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Proven understanding of need for patient confidentiality.
- Proven knowledge of Health & Safety issues.
Desirable
- Proven knowledge of tests performed and sent away by the department.
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE Levels 4-9 (Grades C-A) in Science, Maths & English or equivalent demonstrable knowledge / skills.
Desirable
- Appropriate NVQ -in either Business and Admin or laboratory based.
Aptitude & Attitude
Essential
- Demonstrable communication skills, being able to deal with staff at all levels of the organisation and patients with tact and diplomacy.
- Proven ability to effectively organise and prioritise own work.
Desirable
- Proven interpersonal skills.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
