Job summary
We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic Associate Practitioner for a full time role within the Department of Blood Transfusion in Central London to meet the demands of our growing department.
This role will be working closely with the Senior Staff in managing a skilled team of support staff with responsibility for providing a comprehensive, high quality 24/7 Blood Transfusion service for University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH).
Main duties of the job
This role is suited to a scientist who wants to develop their knowledge and hands on experience of complex transfusion science, in combination with the logistics of delivering services to a large group of hospitals. We operate an extensive network of remote issue fridges across the hospital footprints.
To meet the operational demands of the lab, you will need excellent interpersonal skills, be highly organised and able to delegate in order to keep operations running efficiently and effectively. There is significant amount of floor management in this role.
We are a team who are passionate about patient safety and quality. HSL 60 WSL is a licensed blood establishment, and a good working knowledge of GMP principles as the apply to blood transfusion services is important.
Previous laboratory experience would be helpful, however, individuals will be given full training in all aspects of laboratory work undertaken.
About us
Training and development opportunities supporting professional development
Annual salary reviewNo banding restrictions:As we are a private company we are not restricted by salary bandings and so are able to negotiate appropriate salaries based on experience. This also means that annual salary reviews do not hit a band ceiling.
Discounted gym membership we have a corporate gym membership scheme with Better Gyms
Cash healthcare plan cash back on a variety of healthcare costs including dentist and opticians
Sick Pay Entitlement 5 paid days in the first year of employment, 20 days thereafter
Permanent Health Insurance and Death in Service Cover
Life Assurance providing salary continuation for long term illness (six months qualifying period)
Employee Assistance Programme supporting staff wellbeing
Season Ticket Loan Scheme interest free loan for the cost of annual travel ticket
Perkbox Access to additional staff perks and benefits such as high street discounts
Company Pension Scheme company and staff contributions which increase with service
Competitive annual leave allowance28 days
Flexible working hours 37.5 hours standard working week
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder
will be required to provide a support function to Biomedical Scientists by
performing a range of routine laboratory tasks which are more advanced than
those of a Medical Laboratory Assistant, according to standard operating
procedures.
Main
Duties:
To include, but not be restricted to,
the following duties:
- To
competently deal with all sample types received into the department
including those which may carry transmissible infection risks, and follow
the appropriate protocols for handling such specimens.
- To record
patient and specimen information on the pathology computer system and
ensure it complies with national and local data standards
- To triage
specimens ensuring urgent specimens are prioritised and inadequate and
mis-labelled specimens are identified in accordance with departmental
policies and procedures.
- To be
involved with the specimen dissection process and subsequent update of
computerised patient records.
- To carry
out designated laboratory duties and techniques to process tissue samples
through the laboratory pathway in accordance with departmental standard
operating procedures, under the supervision of BMS
staff and in accordance with laboratory rotas. This will include microtomy and special
staining techniques on a regular rotad basis, and an introduction to ICC
automation when appropriate.
- To participate
in the supervision and training of medical laboratory assistants working
in the department.
- To participate
in the storing, retrieving and disposal of specimens and specimen records
in accordance with legislation, policies and procedures.
8.
To undertake house-keeping duties as necessary
including cleaning, basic maintenance of equipment and the maintenance of stock
levels in the ready use store.
9.
To
comply with statutory and departmental Health and Safety rules and the
departmental and company Quality Policy.
To
be familiar and competent with procedures associated with the departments
sharps injury policy.
- To demonstrate
commitment to flexible working patterns, to meet the needs of the service.
Training
and Education
1.
To follow the agreed departmental training
schedule, rotation and associated practical competency for an Associate Practitioner. You will be reviewed on a monthly basis for
competence and progress with your HCPC portfolio. This
is outlined in our present departmental training policy.
2.
Undertake relevant structured training and written
assignments that are integral to the HCPC portfolio of evidence and will lead
to the successful completion of the HCPC certificate of competence. This is outlined in
our departmental training policy and has defined sign off points for both
portfolio evidence and competency assessment here.
- To attend all mandatory training at the
appropriate frequency.
- To assist in the induction and training of
MLA staff as directed by the Training Officer.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder
will be required to provide a support function to Biomedical Scientists by
performing a range of routine laboratory tasks which are more advanced than
those of a Medical Laboratory Assistant, according to standard operating
procedures.
Main
Duties:
To include, but not be restricted to,
the following duties:
- To
competently deal with all sample types received into the department
including those which may carry transmissible infection risks, and follow
the appropriate protocols for handling such specimens.
- To record
patient and specimen information on the pathology computer system and
ensure it complies with national and local data standards
- To triage
specimens ensuring urgent specimens are prioritised and inadequate and
mis-labelled specimens are identified in accordance with departmental
policies and procedures.
- To be
involved with the specimen dissection process and subsequent update of
computerised patient records.
- To carry
out designated laboratory duties and techniques to process tissue samples
through the laboratory pathway in accordance with departmental standard
operating procedures, under the supervision of BMS
staff and in accordance with laboratory rotas. This will include microtomy and special
staining techniques on a regular rotad basis, and an introduction to ICC
automation when appropriate.
- To participate
in the supervision and training of medical laboratory assistants working
in the department.
- To participate
in the storing, retrieving and disposal of specimens and specimen records
in accordance with legislation, policies and procedures.
8.
To undertake house-keeping duties as necessary
including cleaning, basic maintenance of equipment and the maintenance of stock
levels in the ready use store.
9.
To
comply with statutory and departmental Health and Safety rules and the
departmental and company Quality Policy.
To
be familiar and competent with procedures associated with the departments
sharps injury policy.
- To demonstrate
commitment to flexible working patterns, to meet the needs of the service.
Training
and Education
1.
To follow the agreed departmental training
schedule, rotation and associated practical competency for an Associate Practitioner. You will be reviewed on a monthly basis for
competence and progress with your HCPC portfolio. This
is outlined in our present departmental training policy.
2.
Undertake relevant structured training and written
assignments that are integral to the HCPC portfolio of evidence and will lead
to the successful completion of the HCPC certificate of competence. This is outlined in
our departmental training policy and has defined sign off points for both
portfolio evidence and competency assessment here.
- To attend all mandatory training at the
appropriate frequency.
- To assist in the induction and training of
MLA staff as directed by the Training Officer.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Honours Degree (In a science subject) or equivalent relevant experience
- Willing to work towards HCPC registration
Experience
Essential
- Proven experience of working as an MLA in a Histology Laboratory
- Familiar with LEAN principles
- Familiar with the use of Laboratory Information Systems
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Good keyboard / computer skills
- Able to work with human tissue
- Ability to work accurately, neatly and efficiently. Attention to detail is very important.
- Dextrous; good hand-eye co-ordination
- Ability to work in a team.
- Basic Keyboard skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite. .
- Ability to maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
- Ability to work on own initiative
- Ability to communicate efficiently with other members of the laboratory in English - both verbally and in writing.
- Use of laboratory equipment relevant to the specialty
- Knowledge and understanding of the role of Histology in the diagnosis and treatment of disease
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Well presented and will abide by dress codes
- Demonstrate professionalism and a customer-focused attitude
- Calm under pressure
- Punctual and reliable
- Good interpersonal skills - helpful, friendly and polite
- Flexible and adaptable
- Committed to the corporate quality objectives
- Commercially aware
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Honours Degree (In a science subject) or equivalent relevant experience
- Willing to work towards HCPC registration
Experience
Essential
- Proven experience of working as an MLA in a Histology Laboratory
- Familiar with LEAN principles
- Familiar with the use of Laboratory Information Systems
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Good keyboard / computer skills
- Able to work with human tissue
- Ability to work accurately, neatly and efficiently. Attention to detail is very important.
- Dextrous; good hand-eye co-ordination
- Ability to work in a team.
- Basic Keyboard skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite. .
- Ability to maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
- Ability to work on own initiative
- Ability to communicate efficiently with other members of the laboratory in English - both verbally and in writing.
- Use of laboratory equipment relevant to the specialty
- Knowledge and understanding of the role of Histology in the diagnosis and treatment of disease
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Well presented and will abide by dress codes
- Demonstrate professionalism and a customer-focused attitude
- Calm under pressure
- Punctual and reliable
- Good interpersonal skills - helpful, friendly and polite
- Flexible and adaptable
- Committed to the corporate quality objectives
- Commercially aware
