Higher Medical Laboratory Assistant in Microbiology

Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS FT

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

The successful post holder will work in a progressive modern laboratory. They will deal with routine clerical and laboratory duties such as data entry and the initial processing of patient samples. A worthy team player, you must be able to work meticulously, display good communication and possess keyboard skills of a high standard. A satisfactory aptitude in numeracy and literacy is also essential. A flexible approach towards working hours is expected and participation on a weekend and public holiday rota is mandatory.

Main duties of the job

Scientific and technical duties

Learn and retain an extensive knowledge of, and appropriate use of laboratory computer codes for clinical investigation, clinical details, specimen type and requesting source.

Involved in the processing of diagnostic test samples.

Ensure request forms and samples match with each other and information held in health care databases.

Prepare specimens for processing by receiving, sorting, labelling and registering them into the laboratory computer system.

Contact with a wide variety of body fluids, tissue or excrement.

Undertake technical duties within the laboratory under Biomedical Scientist supervision.

Assist in the dispatch of specimens, sundries and reports to outside agencies and hospital departments.

Greet patients delivering samples and ask appropriate questions to obtain necessary information.

Use laboratory equipment and transport samples.

About us

The Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is currently one of five Trusts involved in the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw (SYB) Pathology Transformation Programme. The aim is to design a Pathology Service that provides all SYB patients and clinicians with equitable access to high-quality, innovative laboratory medicine solutions that will ensure the best clinical outcomes for patients. The service will also be efficient and sustainable, encourage research and development in collaboration with Acadaemia and Industry to improve health and wealth in the region and provide rewarding jobs and career opportunities for all staff. The Transformation Programme may include the consolidation of some services. Staff will be consulted about proposals that may involve them.

Date posted

28 July 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£22,383 a year Pro Rata Per Annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

272-5491106

Job locations

Doncaster Royal Infirmary

Armthorpe Road

Doncaster

DN2 5LT


Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will be expected to work in the two main areas of Microbiology and Virology.

Knowledge of all departments within Pathology Services is necessary to enable correct sorting and prioritising of urgent samples for each department.

Ability to react to unpredictable situations.

Participate in 24/7 working where appropriate.

Sample reception

Interpretation of a complex variety of specimen types including infected blood, fluids, faeces and swabs from all parts of the body.

Read clinical information for relevance to investigation and indication of high risk specimens.

Checking of request form and specimen details prior to computer data entry.

Fast tracking emergency specimens.

Error logging of specimen and request form labelling, and specimen and container deficiencies.

Media and reagent preparation

Safe preparation of chemical reagents wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment and observing COSHH regulations.

Preparation to formulary (weight, volume of chemical) of chemical reagents for bacterial, fungal and viral investigation.

Sterilisation of products, using steam sterilising autoclaves ensuring process monitoring and recording for quality control.

Labelling of product by batch number and date and the recording of data sheets for quality control and traceability.

Production of blood culture and other sample packs as required.

Ensuring timely preparation of and provision of products for quality control.

Specimen processing

Work in the Containment Level 2 laboratories, processing specimens containing pathogenic bacteria including community, outbreak and hospital acquired infections.

Process endoscope rinse, hydrotherapy pool waters and specimens for MRSA screening.

Prompt loading of the blood culture system to initiate immediate incubation.

Safe packing of specimens for transport to the other laboratory site and within pathology.

Packing of specimens to Royal Mail postal regulations and record keeping

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will be expected to work in the two main areas of Microbiology and Virology.

Knowledge of all departments within Pathology Services is necessary to enable correct sorting and prioritising of urgent samples for each department.

Ability to react to unpredictable situations.

Participate in 24/7 working where appropriate.

Sample reception

Interpretation of a complex variety of specimen types including infected blood, fluids, faeces and swabs from all parts of the body.

Read clinical information for relevance to investigation and indication of high risk specimens.

Checking of request form and specimen details prior to computer data entry.

Fast tracking emergency specimens.

Error logging of specimen and request form labelling, and specimen and container deficiencies.

Media and reagent preparation

Safe preparation of chemical reagents wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment and observing COSHH regulations.

Preparation to formulary (weight, volume of chemical) of chemical reagents for bacterial, fungal and viral investigation.

Sterilisation of products, using steam sterilising autoclaves ensuring process monitoring and recording for quality control.

Labelling of product by batch number and date and the recording of data sheets for quality control and traceability.

Production of blood culture and other sample packs as required.

Ensuring timely preparation of and provision of products for quality control.

Specimen processing

Work in the Containment Level 2 laboratories, processing specimens containing pathogenic bacteria including community, outbreak and hospital acquired infections.

Process endoscope rinse, hydrotherapy pool waters and specimens for MRSA screening.

Prompt loading of the blood culture system to initiate immediate incubation.

Safe packing of specimens for transport to the other laboratory site and within pathology.

Packing of specimens to Royal Mail postal regulations and record keeping

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Professional experience e.g. call centre, hospitality, and care/healthcare
  • Good telephone manner

Desirable

  • Worked in scientific/medical field
  • Previously worked as medical laboratory assistant.
  • Ability to touch type
  • Voluntary experience

Eligibility/Qualifications/Training

Essential

  • NVQ level 2 or equivalent eg. GCSE
  • Good keyboard, numeracy and literary skills

Desirable

  • Typing or keyboard qualifications

Interpersonal Skills

Essential

  • Demonstrate good communication skills
  • Good team player
  • Ability to work with bodily fluids/tissues
  • Be interested and committed to caring for people from all backgrounds
  • Demonstrate good IT skills/ awareness

Organisational Skills

Essential

  • Be able to accommodate a flexible approach to the working day.
  • Able to work under own initiative
  • Attention to detail and the ability to work accurately

Desirable

  • Used to a busy environment
Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Professional experience e.g. call centre, hospitality, and care/healthcare
  • Good telephone manner

Desirable

  • Worked in scientific/medical field
  • Previously worked as medical laboratory assistant.
  • Ability to touch type
  • Voluntary experience

Eligibility/Qualifications/Training

Essential

  • NVQ level 2 or equivalent eg. GCSE
  • Good keyboard, numeracy and literary skills

Desirable

  • Typing or keyboard qualifications

Interpersonal Skills

Essential

  • Demonstrate good communication skills
  • Good team player
  • Ability to work with bodily fluids/tissues
  • Be interested and committed to caring for people from all backgrounds
  • Demonstrate good IT skills/ awareness

Organisational Skills

Essential

  • Be able to accommodate a flexible approach to the working day.
  • Able to work under own initiative
  • Attention to detail and the ability to work accurately

Desirable

  • Used to a busy environment

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS FT

Address

Doncaster Royal Infirmary

Armthorpe Road

Doncaster

DN2 5LT


Employer's website

https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS FT

Address

Doncaster Royal Infirmary

Armthorpe Road

Doncaster

DN2 5LT


Employer's website

https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact:

Senior BMS in Microbiology

Sally Lowe

sallylowe@nhs.net

01302642835

Date posted

28 July 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£22,383 a year Pro Rata Per Annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

272-5491106

Job locations

Doncaster Royal Infirmary

Armthorpe Road

Doncaster

DN2 5LT


Supporting documents

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