Job summary
Associate Practitioner
Department: Blood Sciences - Haematology/Blood Transfusion
Band 4
Hours: 37.5 per week, Fixed term until 15th Sept 2025, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
An opportunity has arisen within this busy Pathology service to join the Blood Science (Haematology and Blood transfusion) team. The post is to cover Maternity leave until 15th September 2025.
You will be part of a dedicated team of healthcare professionals who deliver a high quality service that is responsive to patient requirements. Awareness of the requirements for compliance with the ISO15189 standards is a key requirement for this role.
We look to continually improve our services for our patients and are therefore looking for staff with the right attitude who will work with us to achieve this. We are looking for a competent and versatile person with an absolute attention to detail.
Pathology and Blood Sciences have had major investment in new equipment and refurbishment with the implementation of a Sysmex XN9000 track (2016), Bio-Rad Variant II for Haemoglobinopathy screening (2019) and Ortho vision analysers (2017).
In 2021, Haematology introduced two ACL TOP 550 analysers for coagulation sample processing and two Cube 30 Touch analysers for ESR. In 2023 the department replaced the blood film staining platform (SP50) and in 2024, the GeneXpert for FV Leiden/Prothrombin gene mutation detection was also replaced.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be part of a team of Associate Practitioners assisting in the delivery of a diagnostic service analysing blood, urine, faeces and other materials to achieve the objectives of efficient and effective patient care, and effective resource management within the hospital.
The post holder will undertake their responsibilities within the Blood Sciences department to meet all required national and Trust standards.
We have committed leadership who engage our staff, listen to innovative ideas, and involve our people in the challenges and improvements that our organisation faces. Continuing professional and personal development is encouraged and supported. We provide a comprehensive 24/7 service which the successful candidate will support through flexible rostering.
We are committed to the quality of service we provide our patients and users and have been awarded ISO 15189 accreditation for Haematology/Blood Transfusion and Chemistry repertoires. The laboratory is also an IBMS training laboratory.
About us
83% of this staff group report that their immediate manager shows a positive interest in their health and well-being, cares about their concerns and provides adequate support.(NHS Staff Survey 2023).
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital; we conduct research and teaching on site to improve the care of our patients. The hospital is undergoing significant investment, and we are proud to be rated good by the CQC. Visit our website to catch up on our latest news.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Liaise closely with departmental technical and clinical staff to ensure that all technical work is performed to departmental standards.
To liaise with other healthcare professionals and members of the public in a professional and competent manner within both the Acute and Primary trusts.
To work both alone and as part of a departmental team.
To attend departmental and other meetings as required.
To attend external training and educational courses when required, i.e. instrument troubleshooting and repair etc.
To provide telephone results to healthcare professionals and seek results from external referral laboratories when reports are overdue. This can be by phone or email.
Staff will support the 24/7 laboratory service and 7 day working across the Trust within their contracted hours. The post holder will be expected to work a 7-day shift pattern during the hours 0730-2000 or as operationally required.
Shift patterns utilised will be compliant with working time legislation and will include unsocial hours paid at Agenda for Change pay rates.
The basic use and demonstrable proficiency of all analytical equipment within the department, and those Point of Care Testing devices controlled by the department
Maintenance of all analytical equipment within the department and those Point of Care Testing devices controlled by the department.
Use of Trust and Departmental computer systems, namely Clinisys, QPulse etc.
Use and understanding of all Trust and Departmental relevant policies i.e. patient confidentiality, data protection, freedom of information etc.
To carry out basic Pathology reception work.
To perform maintenance on all analytical equipment, ensuring the highest standard of performance.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Liaise closely with departmental technical and clinical staff to ensure that all technical work is performed to departmental standards.
To liaise with other healthcare professionals and members of the public in a professional and competent manner within both the Acute and Primary trusts.
To work both alone and as part of a departmental team.
To attend departmental and other meetings as required.
To attend external training and educational courses when required, i.e. instrument troubleshooting and repair etc.
To provide telephone results to healthcare professionals and seek results from external referral laboratories when reports are overdue. This can be by phone or email.
Staff will support the 24/7 laboratory service and 7 day working across the Trust within their contracted hours. The post holder will be expected to work a 7-day shift pattern during the hours 0730-2000 or as operationally required.
Shift patterns utilised will be compliant with working time legislation and will include unsocial hours paid at Agenda for Change pay rates.
The basic use and demonstrable proficiency of all analytical equipment within the department, and those Point of Care Testing devices controlled by the department
Maintenance of all analytical equipment within the department and those Point of Care Testing devices controlled by the department.
Use of Trust and Departmental computer systems, namely Clinisys, QPulse etc.
Use and understanding of all Trust and Departmental relevant policies i.e. patient confidentiality, data protection, freedom of information etc.
To carry out basic Pathology reception work.
To perform maintenance on all analytical equipment, ensuring the highest standard of performance.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- Good standard of general education.
- Science/Math studied to A Level or equivalent
- The equivalent of NVQ level 3 or an approved Foundation Course in Science if not already qualified
- Foundation degree or degree in Biomedical Science or accredited degree
Desirable
- Knowledge of the principles of Health & Safety at Work
Experience
Essential
- Experience in Pathology laboratory
- Experience to Vocational Qualification Level 3 or equivalent level plus additional theoretical or applied training in specific discipline to diploma equivalent level
Desirable
- Experience of working unsocial hours shift patterns
Skills
Essential
- Good organizational skills
- Able to achieve high standards of technical duties.
- Clear and accurate written and verbal communication skills.
- Hand eye co-ordination and accuracy when performing tests.
- Ability to work unsupervised in a managed environment
Personal and people development
Essential
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Ability to work in a team and be supportive to other team members.
- Concentration and attention to detail.
- Flexible approach
- Forward thinking
- Able and willing to work unsocial hours as required of the role
Communication
Essential
- Good communication skills including a clear command of written and spoken English.
- Must have Information Technology skills
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- Good standard of general education.
- Science/Math studied to A Level or equivalent
- The equivalent of NVQ level 3 or an approved Foundation Course in Science if not already qualified
- Foundation degree or degree in Biomedical Science or accredited degree
Desirable
- Knowledge of the principles of Health & Safety at Work
Experience
Essential
- Experience in Pathology laboratory
- Experience to Vocational Qualification Level 3 or equivalent level plus additional theoretical or applied training in specific discipline to diploma equivalent level
Desirable
- Experience of working unsocial hours shift patterns
Skills
Essential
- Good organizational skills
- Able to achieve high standards of technical duties.
- Clear and accurate written and verbal communication skills.
- Hand eye co-ordination and accuracy when performing tests.
- Ability to work unsupervised in a managed environment
Personal and people development
Essential
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Ability to work in a team and be supportive to other team members.
- Concentration and attention to detail.
- Flexible approach
- Forward thinking
- Able and willing to work unsocial hours as required of the role
Communication
Essential
- Good communication skills including a clear command of written and spoken English.
- Must have Information Technology skills
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
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.
