Job summary
Cross site working at Whiston (base) and Southport Hospital Laboratories.
We are seeking applications from highly motivated and enthusiastic Associate Practitioners to work in the busy Clinical Biochemistry/Immunology Department of Blood Sciences where we analyse over 10 million tests per year.
The post is rotational and although based at Whiston Hospital, training and working at the Southport site will be required on a rotational basis. The successful candidate will be flexible to work and gain experience across any other sites where the Laboratory provides a service. After an initial period of training the successful candidate is expected to work on a rota basis covering the service 24/7/365 at either the main site (Whiston) or ESL (Southport).
The Clinical Biochemistry laboratory has full UKAS accreditation. The LIMS (Telepath DXC) is provided across Pathology on all sites. At Whiston the service is provided under a Managed Service Contract with Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics. The department is equipped with 2 x Siemens Atellica platforms (SCCI) connected to a Siemens Aptio automated tracking system which includes online centrifugation, capping and re-capping, sample aliquoting, refrigerated online sample storage and a tracked Themo Phadia 250.
Interview date: TBC
Main duties of the job
Additionally, within the Department there is a MAST iOc sensor for FIT testing and tracked 4 x Sebia Capillarys3 systems for analysis of HbA1c. The Clinical Biochemistry department also comprises a manual Immunology section equipped with a Sebia CapillaryS CZE and Hydrsys2 scan for performing electrophoresis, 2 x Phadia 250's and IIF microscopy. The Southport site is also is equipped with 2 smaller Siemens Atellica platforms (SCI).
Cross site working offers an excellent opportunity for the right candidate to undertake a variety of training in our friendly, supportive, and hardworking team.
The post holder will be supported by the department to achieve HCPC registration as a BMS by undertaking the IBMS Certificate of Competence. Full support, training and mentorship will be provided to attain this.
About us
The Secretary of State has approved the partnership between St Helens & Knowsley and Southport & Ormskirk Hospitals.
From 1st July we have come together as a single organisation under the name Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
The Trust delivers acute hospital care, intermediate care, community, and primary care services to a population of over 600,000 people with a combined workforce of around 9000 dedicated and skilled staff from 17 locations including Whiston, Southport & Formby, St Helens, Ormskirk and Newton hospitals.
The Trust provides regional services for burns, plastic surgery and spinal injuries to more than 4 million people across Mersey and West Lancashire, Cheshire, the Isle of Man and North Wales.
Our Vision is to deliver 5 Star Patient Care:
- CAREthat is evidence based, high quality and compassionate
- SAFETY that is of the highest standards
- COMMUNICATION that is open, inclusive and respectful
- SYSTEMS that are efficient, patient centred and reliable
- PATHWAYS that are best practice and embedded, but also respect the individual needs of patients
Our achievements include:
- Trust rated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018
- Top 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal)
- Awarded National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for our Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme
Please see our Wellbeing & Benefits booklet for more information on our staff benefits. Accessible version available upon request.
Job description
Job responsibilities
KEY DUTIES
- To adhere to Standard Operating Procedures and laboratory protocols
- Maintenance and basic troubleshooting of automated analysers
- Demonstrating accuracy and precision in manual tasks for the use of, maintenance and cleaning of equipment such as centrifuges, pipettes and analytical equipment as required.
- Reporting and escalation of analyser downtime and appropriate recording of downtime logs, via IT systems or telephone systems to ensure appropriate service and support response.
- To regularly monitor accuracy and precision of simple laboratory analysers / investigations using quality control procedures including IQC and EQA testing and interpretation.
- Set up and maintain more complex instruments and run calibrations and IQCs
- To undertake fault finding and subsequent corrective action where quality control results are deemed to indicate loss of performance.
- Analysis of samples for External Quality Assurance
- Perform manual dilution of samples for test rerun
- Oral communication of abnormal complex results to service users on a daily basis
- To assist senior staff with method and instrumentation evaluation
- To assist in the training in use of equipment and processes for Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners and Medical Laboratory Assistants
- Perform pre-analytical and analytical aspects of diagnostic test sample processing
- Preparation of stock solutions, buffers, calibrators, IQC and EQA materials.
- Processing and inputting of patient results, e.g. Screening tests, transcription of results
- Contribution to ensuring appropriate stock control across sites including maintenance of records and acceptance testing of reagents
- Keyboard entry of Patient Identification Data (PID) and test details into the laboratory computer system, a high degree of concentration is required as errors at this stage may not be corrected before results are released to the requestor
- To assess the suitability and appropriateness of samples received, liaising with scientific and medical staff as appropriate
- To document, file and prepare specimens for analysis.
- Monitor and record fridge temperatures daily at Whiston and Southport and other locations as required.
- Oversee the sending away of samples to other hospitals, locally, nationally and internationally.
- Update computer records as required.
- Input patient results into the computer as directed.
- Ensures that only specimens that have been authorised are disposed of in a correct and legal manner.
- Participation in audit and development of service improvements.
- Ensures that urgent work is given priority and that these samples are dealt with in a timely and efficient manner as well as organising the workload of others to facilitate with this.
- Deals with sample enquiries using the laboratory archive system.
- To monitor and store consumables and reagents overseeing a procedure of stock rotation.
- Responsible for housekeeping within their section of working.
- To assist BMS staff in retrieving samples required from other sections.
- To maintain instruments and update logs as directed by senior staff.
- To assist in research and developmental work.
- To liaise with all service users to give advice and information regarding sample requirements
- To prepare and freeze aliquots of plasma for further testing.
- Takes responsibility for the disposal of infectious waste.
- To prepare chemical solutions for the use in analytical maintenance.
- To be responsive to the needs of patients and ensure that patients are treated with respect particularly when dealing with sensitive issues.
- Takes responsibility for accurately checking specimens before analysis.
- Liaise with GP surgeries when required to do so.
- The post holder must be prepared to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service;
- To report adverse events and Datix as appropriate and also play an active role in investigation of adverse events and implementation of corrective practice
- To work at satellite laboratories ensuring maintenance, sample processing is correctly carried out
- To communicate with Clinical and Pathology staff to identify issues and liaise with external departments and organisations to resolve critical concerns regarding testing or equipment.
- To continually improve service provision by contributing to the development and proposing changes to Standard Operating Procedures.
- To participate in an Annual Joint Review (Appraisal) with appropriate line manager(s).
- Carry out appraisals for band 3 staff and below
- To act in a responsible and professional manner at all times when dealing with patients, members of the public and staff from other Directorates
Job description
Job responsibilities
KEY DUTIES
- To adhere to Standard Operating Procedures and laboratory protocols
- Maintenance and basic troubleshooting of automated analysers
- Demonstrating accuracy and precision in manual tasks for the use of, maintenance and cleaning of equipment such as centrifuges, pipettes and analytical equipment as required.
- Reporting and escalation of analyser downtime and appropriate recording of downtime logs, via IT systems or telephone systems to ensure appropriate service and support response.
- To regularly monitor accuracy and precision of simple laboratory analysers / investigations using quality control procedures including IQC and EQA testing and interpretation.
- Set up and maintain more complex instruments and run calibrations and IQCs
- To undertake fault finding and subsequent corrective action where quality control results are deemed to indicate loss of performance.
- Analysis of samples for External Quality Assurance
- Perform manual dilution of samples for test rerun
- Oral communication of abnormal complex results to service users on a daily basis
- To assist senior staff with method and instrumentation evaluation
- To assist in the training in use of equipment and processes for Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners and Medical Laboratory Assistants
- Perform pre-analytical and analytical aspects of diagnostic test sample processing
- Preparation of stock solutions, buffers, calibrators, IQC and EQA materials.
- Processing and inputting of patient results, e.g. Screening tests, transcription of results
- Contribution to ensuring appropriate stock control across sites including maintenance of records and acceptance testing of reagents
- Keyboard entry of Patient Identification Data (PID) and test details into the laboratory computer system, a high degree of concentration is required as errors at this stage may not be corrected before results are released to the requestor
- To assess the suitability and appropriateness of samples received, liaising with scientific and medical staff as appropriate
- To document, file and prepare specimens for analysis.
- Monitor and record fridge temperatures daily at Whiston and Southport and other locations as required.
- Oversee the sending away of samples to other hospitals, locally, nationally and internationally.
- Update computer records as required.
- Input patient results into the computer as directed.
- Ensures that only specimens that have been authorised are disposed of in a correct and legal manner.
- Participation in audit and development of service improvements.
- Ensures that urgent work is given priority and that these samples are dealt with in a timely and efficient manner as well as organising the workload of others to facilitate with this.
- Deals with sample enquiries using the laboratory archive system.
- To monitor and store consumables and reagents overseeing a procedure of stock rotation.
- Responsible for housekeeping within their section of working.
- To assist BMS staff in retrieving samples required from other sections.
- To maintain instruments and update logs as directed by senior staff.
- To assist in research and developmental work.
- To liaise with all service users to give advice and information regarding sample requirements
- To prepare and freeze aliquots of plasma for further testing.
- Takes responsibility for the disposal of infectious waste.
- To prepare chemical solutions for the use in analytical maintenance.
- To be responsive to the needs of patients and ensure that patients are treated with respect particularly when dealing with sensitive issues.
- Takes responsibility for accurately checking specimens before analysis.
- Liaise with GP surgeries when required to do so.
- The post holder must be prepared to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service;
- To report adverse events and Datix as appropriate and also play an active role in investigation of adverse events and implementation of corrective practice
- To work at satellite laboratories ensuring maintenance, sample processing is correctly carried out
- To communicate with Clinical and Pathology staff to identify issues and liaise with external departments and organisations to resolve critical concerns regarding testing or equipment.
- To continually improve service provision by contributing to the development and proposing changes to Standard Operating Procedures.
- To participate in an Annual Joint Review (Appraisal) with appropriate line manager(s).
- Carry out appraisals for band 3 staff and below
- To act in a responsible and professional manner at all times when dealing with patients, members of the public and staff from other Directorates
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to a foundation degree level or equivalent relevant experience to diploma level (Level 5) Evidence of ongoing CPD
- Willing to pursue further qualifications
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of a working laboratory
- Laboratory/Pathology experience as an MLA
Desirable
- Knowledge of theoretical and practical laboratory procedures
- Ability to perform audit
- Demonstrate current knowledge of Health and Safety aspects of Laboratory Medicine
Skills
Essential
- Working Knowledge of Laboratory information systems
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Well organised and able to multitask
- Willing to work flexibly
- Willing and able to learn new skills
- Team working skills
- Ability to use own initiative
- Ability to prioritise workloads and process appropriately to meet laboratory turnaround times
Desirable
- Ability to work with minimum supervision
- Ability to make decisions commensurate with authority & grade of the post
Other
Essential
- Personable, friendly demeanour
- Flexibility to work out of core hours and cross-site.
- Ability to work under pressure
- Committed and enthusiastic in the provision of a high quality laboratory service
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to a foundation degree level or equivalent relevant experience to diploma level (Level 5) Evidence of ongoing CPD
- Willing to pursue further qualifications
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of a working laboratory
- Laboratory/Pathology experience as an MLA
Desirable
- Knowledge of theoretical and practical laboratory procedures
- Ability to perform audit
- Demonstrate current knowledge of Health and Safety aspects of Laboratory Medicine
Skills
Essential
- Working Knowledge of Laboratory information systems
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Well organised and able to multitask
- Willing to work flexibly
- Willing and able to learn new skills
- Team working skills
- Ability to use own initiative
- Ability to prioritise workloads and process appropriately to meet laboratory turnaround times
Desirable
- Ability to work with minimum supervision
- Ability to make decisions commensurate with authority & grade of the post
Other
Essential
- Personable, friendly demeanour
- Flexibility to work out of core hours and cross-site.
- Ability to work under pressure
- Committed and enthusiastic in the provision of a high quality laboratory service
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.
