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Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Pathology Driver - Overnight, Band 2

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

Pathology Driver - Overnight, Band 2 (19 hours a week)

We are looking for Van Drivers to join the General Services Team to transport high value, time critical cargo between the Cheltenham General Hospital and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital sites according to the agreed schedule. This may include (but not necessarily be limited to) Pathology specimens, Health Records, Pharmaceuticals and Sterile Supplies.

The Trust uses leased vehicles, and it is a requirement of the lease that the successful applicants must be over 21 years of age, with a clean driver's licence and at least one years driving experience.

The candidates should also be in good health (some lifting is required), and have good communication skills. A medical assessment will be required. Full training will be given.

The rate of pay is based on the Medical Laboratory Assistant scale (Band 2) which is £22,383 per annum (pro rata).

This post is particularly suited to someone who already works part time or has taken early retirement but would like an interesting and rewarding job.

For more information contact the Pathology General Office on 0300 422 4056. Applications can only be accepted if submitted online at www.jobs.nhs.uk.

Main duties of the job

To transport high value, time critical cargo between the Cheltenham General Hospital and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital sites according to the agreed schedule. This may include (but not necessarily be limited to) Pathology specimens, Health Records, Pharmaceuticals and Sterile Supplies.

The routes to be covered are those between CGH and GRH, which take urgent, time-critical or high value cargos for Pathology, Pharmacy, CSSD and Health Records. These van runs contribute directly to the provision of an efficient, timely and responsive service as part of the process of diagnosis, patient care and treatment, and must be able to be maintained as a continuous and reliable service.

The postholder has no specific budgetary or staff management responsibilities, but will be expected to participate in the training of new staff.

About us

The team comprises approx. 37 mainly part-time contracted Drivers, and 18 'Bank' Drivers. All Drivers are trained on multiple routes to allow for 'swaps' to cover any gaps, and most are also trained in basic Laboratory and Transfusion tasks to allow them to work out-of-hours (including overnight).

Most of our team are retired ex-professionals who are keen to continue working, but want a good "work-life" balance.

Details

Date posted

21 December 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£22,383 a year pa pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

318-23-D&S-T1319

Job locations

Cheltenham General Hospital/Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

Great Western Road

Gloucester

GL1 3NN


Job description

Job responsibilities

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

- Knowledge of relevant Health and Safety procedures including Manual Handling.

- Knowledge of relevant Regulations and COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health).

- Knowledge of various routes between the two Acute Sites (CGH & GRH)

- Experience of and ability to prioritise loads for transportation

- Knowledge of packaging of samples for transport

- Good problem solving skills

- Good administration and organisational skills including time management.

- Ability to work equally well alone or as part of a team.

- Use own initiative and judgement where the scheduled itinerary is disrupted due to adverse weather or road conditions.

- Possession of a full driving license.

COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

- Act as the first point of contact between the Drivers and the Laboratory/Acute sites for transportation issues between sites, including out of hours.

- Co-operate with ward, outpatient and Laboratory staff to ensure quality and efficiency of service.

- Liaise with Line Manager with regard to training, periods of leave and cover within the department.

- Liaise with other Hospital staff and volunteers.

- Liaise with Freewheelers, Taxi Services and Private transport companies to ensure continuity of service (when necessary).

KEY RESULT AREASSpecific:

- Identify/Collect specimens at and transport between Pathology Reception CGH and the Pre-Analytical Area at GRH.

- Outside normal office hours, sort and package specimens according to the transport regulations.

- Transport specimens to GRH in a timely manner according to the schedule or as advised (due to urgency) by the Senior Biomedical Scientist on duty.

- Collect and collate other cargo from the Transport Hub at CGH Pathology and transfer to the Transport Hub at Pathology GRH. This may include pharmaceuticals that need special storage, Health Records and Sterile Supplies.

- Document items transferred between sites.

- To transport the Trust staff, including the Gloucester based BMS to Cheltenham (and back) when required.

- At GRH collect and collate cargo from the Transport Hub for transfer to the Transport Hub at CGH.

- Collect specimens from Pre-Analytical Area, GRH to return to CGH.

- Deliver urgent blood or blood products for transfusion between the two Transfusion Laboratories as requested.

- Sort reports and post in Pathology Reception into individual pigeon holes or envelopes and any other admin duties as required.

- Perform routine maintenance checks on the vehicles to include water and oil levels, tyre pressures, etc. to ensure the vehicle is in a roadworthy condition and to report promptly any faults found.

- Keep the van in a clean condition.

- Undertake an agreed training programme.

- Comply with the Departmental Safety policy at all times.

- Comply with Road Traffic Regulations at all times when driving.

- Maintain a professional approach to duties at all times and to deal courteously with all staff encountered in the course of performing duties.

- Liaise with Line Manager regarding any changes or developments of the service, including the annual review of the Standard Operating Procedures.

- Any other appropriate duties as may be deemed necessary, including work in the PAN laboratory. Training will be given by lab staff.

General:

- Undertake mandatory Manual Handling and Induction training, and participate in annual updates.

- Participate in formal individual performance reviews in line with Trust policy, agree annual objectives for training with the Pathology Services Administrator, and regularly review progress against these objectives.

- To be aware of all Trust Policies and Procedures and to abide by them at all times.

- To ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of staff, patients and visitors, in accordance with the Trust Health and Safety Policy.

- To report any accidents/incidents immediately, in line with Trust Procedure.

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORKING CONDITIONS

- Inherent dangers associated with driving on the public highway. Heightened by working outside normal office hours.

Handling of potentially infectious blood and body fluids, with unpleasant smells/odours together with the risk associated in handling hazardous chemicals.

- Driving and working in all weather conditions and in the dark.

- Significant manual handling activities requiring moderate/intense physical effort for short period of time, including bending and lifting.

Job description

Job responsibilities

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

- Knowledge of relevant Health and Safety procedures including Manual Handling.

- Knowledge of relevant Regulations and COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health).

- Knowledge of various routes between the two Acute Sites (CGH & GRH)

- Experience of and ability to prioritise loads for transportation

- Knowledge of packaging of samples for transport

- Good problem solving skills

- Good administration and organisational skills including time management.

- Ability to work equally well alone or as part of a team.

- Use own initiative and judgement where the scheduled itinerary is disrupted due to adverse weather or road conditions.

- Possession of a full driving license.

COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

- Act as the first point of contact between the Drivers and the Laboratory/Acute sites for transportation issues between sites, including out of hours.

- Co-operate with ward, outpatient and Laboratory staff to ensure quality and efficiency of service.

- Liaise with Line Manager with regard to training, periods of leave and cover within the department.

- Liaise with other Hospital staff and volunteers.

- Liaise with Freewheelers, Taxi Services and Private transport companies to ensure continuity of service (when necessary).

KEY RESULT AREASSpecific:

- Identify/Collect specimens at and transport between Pathology Reception CGH and the Pre-Analytical Area at GRH.

- Outside normal office hours, sort and package specimens according to the transport regulations.

- Transport specimens to GRH in a timely manner according to the schedule or as advised (due to urgency) by the Senior Biomedical Scientist on duty.

- Collect and collate other cargo from the Transport Hub at CGH Pathology and transfer to the Transport Hub at Pathology GRH. This may include pharmaceuticals that need special storage, Health Records and Sterile Supplies.

- Document items transferred between sites.

- To transport the Trust staff, including the Gloucester based BMS to Cheltenham (and back) when required.

- At GRH collect and collate cargo from the Transport Hub for transfer to the Transport Hub at CGH.

- Collect specimens from Pre-Analytical Area, GRH to return to CGH.

- Deliver urgent blood or blood products for transfusion between the two Transfusion Laboratories as requested.

- Sort reports and post in Pathology Reception into individual pigeon holes or envelopes and any other admin duties as required.

- Perform routine maintenance checks on the vehicles to include water and oil levels, tyre pressures, etc. to ensure the vehicle is in a roadworthy condition and to report promptly any faults found.

- Keep the van in a clean condition.

- Undertake an agreed training programme.

- Comply with the Departmental Safety policy at all times.

- Comply with Road Traffic Regulations at all times when driving.

- Maintain a professional approach to duties at all times and to deal courteously with all staff encountered in the course of performing duties.

- Liaise with Line Manager regarding any changes or developments of the service, including the annual review of the Standard Operating Procedures.

- Any other appropriate duties as may be deemed necessary, including work in the PAN laboratory. Training will be given by lab staff.

General:

- Undertake mandatory Manual Handling and Induction training, and participate in annual updates.

- Participate in formal individual performance reviews in line with Trust policy, agree annual objectives for training with the Pathology Services Administrator, and regularly review progress against these objectives.

- To be aware of all Trust Policies and Procedures and to abide by them at all times.

- To ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of staff, patients and visitors, in accordance with the Trust Health and Safety Policy.

- To report any accidents/incidents immediately, in line with Trust Procedure.

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORKING CONDITIONS

- Inherent dangers associated with driving on the public highway. Heightened by working outside normal office hours.

Handling of potentially infectious blood and body fluids, with unpleasant smells/odours together with the risk associated in handling hazardous chemicals.

- Driving and working in all weather conditions and in the dark.

- Significant manual handling activities requiring moderate/intense physical effort for short period of time, including bending and lifting.

Person Specification

Skills

Essential

  • Full clean driver's licence
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Good problem solving skills
  • Use own initiative and judgement where the scheduled itinerary is disrupted due to adverse weather or road conditions.

Desirable

  • Good administration and organisational skills
  • Ability to work on own or in team
Person Specification

Skills

Essential

  • Full clean driver's licence
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Good problem solving skills
  • Use own initiative and judgement where the scheduled itinerary is disrupted due to adverse weather or road conditions.

Desirable

  • Good administration and organisational skills
  • Ability to work on own or in team

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

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Cheltenham General Hospital/Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

Great Western Road

Gloucester

GL1 3NN


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Cheltenham General Hospital/Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

Great Western Road

Gloucester

GL1 3NN


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Admin Manager

Claire Langley

claire.langley1@nhs.net

03004224056

Details

Date posted

21 December 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£22,383 a year pa pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

318-23-D&S-T1319

Job locations

Cheltenham General Hospital/Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

Great Western Road

Gloucester

GL1 3NN


Supporting documents

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