Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Associate Practitioner with good interpersonal skills and a committed team member to join the integrated RMH Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service (SIHMDS), working across central specimen reception, Haematopathology and Immunophenotyping. The SIHMDS at the Centre for Molecular Pathology (CMP) in Sutton, provides an expert diagnostic service for both RMH clinicians and also for those from other NHS and private organisations as well as participating in clinical trials.
The key roles of an associate practitioner consist of sample collection, data entry, sample prioritisation and distribution. The post holder will be the first point of contact for internal and external clinical users and couriers. The specimen reception is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm and so the post holder will be required to participate on a shift system on a rotational basis to provide this cover.
In addition to the specimen reception role the post holder would be required to rotate into the Haematopathology and Immunophenotyping laboratories to perform laboratory support duties.
The Trust encourages and supports continuing professional and personal development and Pathology runs a CPD Club. Staff benefits include child care facilities, car parking at Sutton and various sports and social activities.
Main duties of the job
The key roles of an associate practitioner consist of sample collection, data entry, sample prioritisation and distribution. The post holder will be the first point of contact for internal and external clinical users and couriers. The specimen reception is open from 8.30 to 5.30pm and so the post holder will be required to participate on a shift system on a rotational basis to provide this cover.
In addition to the specimen reception role the post holder would be required to rotate into both the Haematopathology and Immunophenotyping laboratories to perform laboratory support duties described in the 'Key areas of responsibility' section below. The laboratories are open between 8AM-6PM and the post holder will be required to participate on a shift system on a rotational basis to provide this cover once trained to do so.
About us
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals - one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey - as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.
At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.
At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For more information please refer to the job description and personal specification
To collect different types of biological samples from the main Pathology laboratories, minor procedures, theatres and switchboard during the day; including late samples and maintaining all relevant audit trails
To receive and check samples from referral hospitals, laboratories and wards. To verify ID against request forma and liaise with appropriate staff where errors or omissions exist. To log samples on the audit trail
To safely deal with High Risk samples according to policy
To prioritise samples according to SOPs and laboratory requirements
To input patient-related data received from external referral hospitals, wards and clinical areas including test requests, using the Pathology LIMS systems/ local database/ NHS tracing system on a daily basis;
Job description
Job responsibilities
For more information please refer to the job description and personal specification
To collect different types of biological samples from the main Pathology laboratories, minor procedures, theatres and switchboard during the day; including late samples and maintaining all relevant audit trails
To receive and check samples from referral hospitals, laboratories and wards. To verify ID against request forma and liaise with appropriate staff where errors or omissions exist. To log samples on the audit trail
To safely deal with High Risk samples according to policy
To prioritise samples according to SOPs and laboratory requirements
To input patient-related data received from external referral hospitals, wards and clinical areas including test requests, using the Pathology LIMS systems/ local database/ NHS tracing system on a daily basis;
Person Specification
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Ability to write clearly
- Evidence of intermediate IT skills and data entry accuracy
- GCSE in Mathematics
- Ability to collect & distribute biological samples across the Sutton hospital site
Desirable
- Knowledge of medical terminology
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Ability to undertake a support role
- Able to follow written instructions including SOPs
- Attention to detail & accuracy
Specific Experience
Essential
- Good education to include A levels, including a science subject
- A recognised qualification in Maths & English
- Willing to undergo relevant training
- Experience of working within a relevant laboratory
- Experience & knowledge of duties required to support senior staff gained by experience in a similar role
- Able to understand and follow Standard Operating Procedures
- Awareness that role involves handling of biological samples and willingness to be trained in this area
- Awareness of and ability to follow laboratory H&S practice for handling pathological specimens or willingness to undergo training in this area
- Good understanding of task prioritisation & demonstration of practice
- Basic understanding of quality management & experience of delivering good quality of service
Desirable
- BSc degree in Biological Science
- Knowledge of theory & practice of laboratory techniques
Person Specification
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Ability to write clearly
- Evidence of intermediate IT skills and data entry accuracy
- GCSE in Mathematics
- Ability to collect & distribute biological samples across the Sutton hospital site
Desirable
- Knowledge of medical terminology
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Ability to undertake a support role
- Able to follow written instructions including SOPs
- Attention to detail & accuracy
Specific Experience
Essential
- Good education to include A levels, including a science subject
- A recognised qualification in Maths & English
- Willing to undergo relevant training
- Experience of working within a relevant laboratory
- Experience & knowledge of duties required to support senior staff gained by experience in a similar role
- Able to understand and follow Standard Operating Procedures
- Awareness that role involves handling of biological samples and willingness to be trained in this area
- Awareness of and ability to follow laboratory H&S practice for handling pathological specimens or willingness to undergo training in this area
- Good understanding of task prioritisation & demonstration of practice
- Basic understanding of quality management & experience of delivering good quality of service
Desirable
- BSc degree in Biological Science
- Knowledge of theory & practice of laboratory techniques
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).
