Associate Practitioner

Job description

Job responsibilities

To gain specialist technical and analytical knowledge by participating in ongoing specialist training and continuous professional development.

To Perform routine and semi-complex laboratory tests in Clinical Microbiology, with emphasis on detection and identification of common STI pathogens and other infectious organisms.

To Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot complex automated laboratory analysers to ensure efficient and accurate diagnostic output.

To Prepare and process patient samples in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs). Ensure timely processing of specimens to support rapid turnaround times for clinical decision-making.

To ensure compliance with all local and national standards of work practicee.g. UKAS , NEQAS scheme and IQA/IQC procedures.

To Participate in internal and external quality assurance schemes to maintain diagnostic accuracy. Perform daily quality control checks on reagents, equipment, and test systems. Assist in the implementation and monitoring of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA). Ensure adherence to UKAS accreditation standards and laboratory governance frameworks.

To maintain knowledge necessary to participate in the highly specialisedlaboratory sections associated with a teaching hospital, under supervision from experienced Biomedical Scientists.To have gained the necessary specialist knowledge and skills sufficient to work independently, seeking advice only when deemed necessary.

To participate in Personal Development Plans and Appraisals, as an appraisee.

To attend laboratory methods meetings and be aware of any changes tomethodology.

To maintain knowledge of operational policies and procedures through use of the document management system.

To actively participate in the in-service training programme.

To attend relevant training courses as identified and agreed with senior staff and managers during staff appraisal sessions.

Record, validate, and enter laboratory results accurately into Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). Support data collection for clinical audits and service improvement projects. Assist Biomedical Scientists and senior staff in research activities where applicable. Contribute to continuous quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing laboratory efficiency and patient outcomes.

Sorting and distribution of all clinical and environmental samples.

To assess the suitability and appropriateness of samples submitted to thelaboratory and to take remedial action when required.

To process specimens that are used for screening, diagnostic and clinicalmanagement of patients using correct techniques as well as complex, specialised equipment

To apply the level of manual dexterity needed for the processing of pathological specimens using aseptic technique.

To interpret clinical request forms to plan and prioritise workload according to clinical urgency and to liaise with medical staff if required.

To record the investigations indicated on the clinical request forms into thelaboratory computer system.

To analyse clinical samples using appropriate kits and procedures and entering the results of the investigations into the computer system for Biomedical Scientist to release reports for medical staff authorisation.

To ensure the satisfactory completion and validation of automated assays and record the results of control values and the results of the investigations into the computer system.

Participate in structured training programmes for continuous professional development and Engage in competency assessments and maintain up-to-date technical skills.

Preparing and storing of specimens in low temperature storage systems.

Assisting Biomedical Scientists in the setting up of Yeast sensitivities andbacterial identification systems including visual or automatic interpretation.

Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary laboratory team. Communicate clearly with Biomedical Scientists, clinicians, and other healthcare professionals. Escalate abnormal or critical results appropriately according to laboratory protocols. Participate in team meetings and contribute to service development discussions.

To troubleshoot, and carry out routine maintenance on specialist equipment and perform calibration and implement alternative methods in event of failure.

Use of complex, expensive and highly specialised equipment such as thecontinuous monitoring, automated detection systems to analyse clinical samples

May be required to supervise, organise and allocate work and/or train lessexperienced staff in own area.

Participate in training of new staff in MLA procedures and protocols within the laboratory.

Maintains clinical records in relation to activities carried out. May input/interrogate test results for others.

To participate in MLA duties as and when required.

Adhere strictly to infection prevention and control policies. Ensure safe handling, storage, and disposal of clinical specimens and hazardous materials.

Comply with COSHH regulations and laboratory biosafety standards. Maintain a clean and safe working environment at all times.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• HND/equivalent

Skills

Essential

• Ability to work as part of a team, or individually and organise and prioritise own workload
• Dextrous, good aseptic technique, able to handle fine pipettes and equipment
• Ability to concentrate for long periods
• Able to follow written and spoken instructions
• Ability to act off own initiative
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Computer skills

Other

Essential

• Good organisational skills
• Continuously update knowledge of clinical microbiology
• Conscientious
• Reliable and responsible
• Enthusiasm/self motivated
• Flexibility
• Willingness to participate in the extended working day system and weekend work

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Liverpool Hospital

Mount Vernon Street

Liverpool

L7 8YE

Employer's website

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