Job summary
Applications are invited for the post of Associate Practitioner within the Blood Sciences Department at Dorset County Hospital.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and well-motivated individual to support our well established team of Biomedical Scientists within the Blood Sciences Department as Band 4 Associate Practitioner.
The department encompasses haematology, biochemistry, point of care testing and blood transfusion.
Previous experience working in a clinical pathology laboratory is desirable. You should be dextrous, possess good keyboard skills, be able to prioritise, be literate and numerate, with a flexible approach to work.
The department operates a 24/7 service and you may be required to work outside of core hours including overnight.
This is an exciting time to join the Pathology team in Dorset. We are currently making great progress with our vision to create a first class integrated pathology service for Dorset.
The 'One Dorset Pathology' service for Dorset County Hospital, Poole Hospital and The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals will provide clinicians, patients and carers with a consistent and high standard of service across the area and maximise efficiency in the use of resources.
The department holds current UKAS ISO 15189:2012 accreditation.
Previous applicants need not apply.
Main duties of the job
As an Associate Practitioner you will participate in the laboratory testing procedures, and provide technical support to scientific staff within the Blood Sciences Department. The department offers a full repertoire of tests to the surrounding community services, as well as the acute Trust.
Duties include assisting with sorting, registration and processing of clinical specimens, the maintenance and operation of technical equipment, stock control, administration of laboratory laboratory systems.
About us
At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff
Our Mission is to provide outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them, and our vision is Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Role will include a range of the following;
- To give technical and clerical assistance to HCPC registered staff in a section of the department providing a timely, high quality, accurate and cost-effective service, producing results from a range of specimen types.
- Administration of systems for recording final fate and traceability of blood components.
- Administration of data management systems relating to Point of Care equipment
- Communicate systems knowledge, expertise, and processes accurately and effectively.
- Produce data and statistical reports.
- To supervise the maintenance and compliance of Component Storage Units (CSUs) on site and within the community.
- Management of reagent stock control regarding stock checks, rotation and quarantine / acceptance testing.
- Assist with and carry out audits.
- Will always work within their scope of practice and seek advice from appropriate staff as required.
- Will receive samples into the laboratory, register, prepare and process the samples for investigation in line with Standard Operating Procedures.
- Will work with other members of staff to prioritise work and perform urgent analysis.
- After training and following the Standard Operating Procedures used within the laboratory, the post holder will be expected to undertake and perform more specialised tasks such as blood film production, simple and complex analyser maintenance, and analytical equipment operation.
- Will develop the ability to troubleshoot and where applicable remedy equipment failures.
- Must maintain an up-to-date training log.
- Required to provide a support and training for existing and new members of staff within scope of practice.
- Assist in the training of Point of Care device users.
- Will understand the importance of quality control.
- Understands the importance of maintaining accurate documentation.
- Administration of various support systems e.g., blood tracking, Cobas IT
- Provide support within scope of practice to users of support systems e.g., blood tracking, use of Point of Care devices.
- Will perform regular stock control duties including ordering, receiving of goods, and quarantining of items requiring acceptance testing.
- Will contribute to quality improvement activities including undertaking audit activities under supervision, implementing corrective actions and preventative actions as directed.
- Will ensure that their GMP training is kept up to date.
- Where appropriate maintain proficiency in the use of all Point of Care Devices within the Trust.
- Be required to participate in the recording, analysis and reporting of External Quality Assessment (EQA) and Internal Quality Control (IQC).
- Will be required to use initiative and judgement regarding the prioritisation of tasks.
- Will answer telephone enquiries regarding results and other general laboratory enquiries.
- Be expected to demonstrate competencies in all areas associated with providing a support service, including out of hours. They will be expected to be flexible and assist with the full 24/7 service provision of the department. This may require working shifts, nights, weekends, and Bank Holidays on occasions.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Role will include a range of the following;
- To give technical and clerical assistance to HCPC registered staff in a section of the department providing a timely, high quality, accurate and cost-effective service, producing results from a range of specimen types.
- Administration of systems for recording final fate and traceability of blood components.
- Administration of data management systems relating to Point of Care equipment
- Communicate systems knowledge, expertise, and processes accurately and effectively.
- Produce data and statistical reports.
- To supervise the maintenance and compliance of Component Storage Units (CSUs) on site and within the community.
- Management of reagent stock control regarding stock checks, rotation and quarantine / acceptance testing.
- Assist with and carry out audits.
- Will always work within their scope of practice and seek advice from appropriate staff as required.
- Will receive samples into the laboratory, register, prepare and process the samples for investigation in line with Standard Operating Procedures.
- Will work with other members of staff to prioritise work and perform urgent analysis.
- After training and following the Standard Operating Procedures used within the laboratory, the post holder will be expected to undertake and perform more specialised tasks such as blood film production, simple and complex analyser maintenance, and analytical equipment operation.
- Will develop the ability to troubleshoot and where applicable remedy equipment failures.
- Must maintain an up-to-date training log.
- Required to provide a support and training for existing and new members of staff within scope of practice.
- Assist in the training of Point of Care device users.
- Will understand the importance of quality control.
- Understands the importance of maintaining accurate documentation.
- Administration of various support systems e.g., blood tracking, Cobas IT
- Provide support within scope of practice to users of support systems e.g., blood tracking, use of Point of Care devices.
- Will perform regular stock control duties including ordering, receiving of goods, and quarantining of items requiring acceptance testing.
- Will contribute to quality improvement activities including undertaking audit activities under supervision, implementing corrective actions and preventative actions as directed.
- Will ensure that their GMP training is kept up to date.
- Where appropriate maintain proficiency in the use of all Point of Care Devices within the Trust.
- Be required to participate in the recording, analysis and reporting of External Quality Assessment (EQA) and Internal Quality Control (IQC).
- Will be required to use initiative and judgement regarding the prioritisation of tasks.
- Will answer telephone enquiries regarding results and other general laboratory enquiries.
- Be expected to demonstrate competencies in all areas associated with providing a support service, including out of hours. They will be expected to be flexible and assist with the full 24/7 service provision of the department. This may require working shifts, nights, weekends, and Bank Holidays on occasions.
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential
- A' Levels, NVQ 4 or Foundation Degree
Desirable
- Experience of work within a GMP or regulated environment working to specific quality requirements
Skills, Abilities & Knowledge
Essential
- Able to provide and receive complex information and to provide advice and training to other members of the team.
- Evidence of ability to plan and prioritise own work.
- Evidence of ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to communicate with service users and other members of staff and professionals relevant to Laboratory and Point of Care Services
- Ability to follow and adhere to SOP and local policies whilst working within ISO15189 standards or equivalent, fulfilling the quality requirements of UKAS and MHRA
- Ability to know ones limitations and when to seek advice
- Ability to enter data accurately
Desirable
- Ability to work in a calm and methodical manner whilst under pressure
- Evidence of an awareness of the need to seek timely support from colleagues, and service support, to minimise analytical downtime or to resolve technical problems
- Ability to define and maintain confidentiality
- Knowledge and understanding of routine laboratory processes and/or Point of Care use
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential
- A' Levels, NVQ 4 or Foundation Degree
Desirable
- Experience of work within a GMP or regulated environment working to specific quality requirements
Skills, Abilities & Knowledge
Essential
- Able to provide and receive complex information and to provide advice and training to other members of the team.
- Evidence of ability to plan and prioritise own work.
- Evidence of ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to communicate with service users and other members of staff and professionals relevant to Laboratory and Point of Care Services
- Ability to follow and adhere to SOP and local policies whilst working within ISO15189 standards or equivalent, fulfilling the quality requirements of UKAS and MHRA
- Ability to know ones limitations and when to seek advice
- Ability to enter data accurately
Desirable
- Ability to work in a calm and methodical manner whilst under pressure
- Evidence of an awareness of the need to seek timely support from colleagues, and service support, to minimise analytical downtime or to resolve technical problems
- Ability to define and maintain confidentiality
- Knowledge and understanding of routine laboratory processes and/or Point of Care use
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.
