Associate Practitioner
Department: Microbiology
Band 4pro rata if part-time
Hours: 37.5 per week, all MKUHroles will be considered for flexible working
The Microbiology Department receives over 210,000 sample requests per annum offering a broad range of diagnostic service for bacteriology, molecular, virology, serology, mycobacteriology, and parasitology. The laboratory is currently working towards its UKAS accreditation and holds an accredited status for training with the IBMS/HCPC.
We are seeking for an enthusiastic candidate for a band 4 Associate Practitioners posts in our laboratory. Ideal candidate will have an eye for detail and a genuine interest in the role which can be challenging but rewarding at the same time.
General duties include supporting all areas of the lab, maintaining data and documentation, handling specimens, performing microscopy and culture reading, setting up specimen, operating maintaining and troubleshooting laboratory analysers, inventory taking and moving & handling of stock items.
Applicants with previous laboratory experience will have an advantage, however, individuals with similar transferable skills are also encouraged to apply. The selection procedure will be based on application, if shortlisted, this will be followed by an interview.
Please note: This role will not lead to a Trainee BMS post, nor it permits any support towards completion of the IBMSs registration portfolio
· Liaise closely with qualified staff within the department to ensure that all technical work is performed in accordance with the department’s policies, SOP’s, and quality standards.
· To liaise with other disciplines within pathology to ensure that samples are sent to/received from other departments in a safe and timely manner. To resolve problem issues e.g., mislabelled, or misdirected samples etc…
· To read and completely understand the trust’s policy on Data Protection Act and implement it in your daily role.
· To comply with departmental and Trust Health & Safety policies. To alert Senior staff to any actual or potential breach of Health and Safety or any other policy.
· To attend laboratory meetings for general communication, update of policies and procedures including health and safety.
· To accurately convey laboratory results to clinicians, nurses, and other staff by telephone or as appropriate, ensuring that confidentiality and data protection requirements are observed.
· Update the sample progress on the Covid tracker system.
82% always know their responsibilities and priorities and feel trusted to perform their duties. (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.
For further information, please contact Kalana Patabendige, Laboratory manager or Peter Plotka, Senior BMS on 01908 99 5781.
· Perform requested tests in accordance with laboratory Standard operational procedures (SOP’s).
· Operate, maintain and troubleshoot automated analysers in accordance with procedures and Health & Safety procedures.
· Maintaining records (maintenance, quality controls etc…)
· To prepare daily quality assurance checks and acceptance testing on materials purchased or prepared in the department.
· Identify clerical, technical and system errors apply corrective procedures. Reporting event and corrective action to the operational BMS or the Senior Biomedical Scientist team.
· Collect, receive, match, verify, label, and enter on as computer sample requests. Identify any errors for action e.g., mislabelled, or other failures of sample matching criteria. Report and record in accordance with standard operating procedure.
· Transcribe record results obtained by biomedical scientists or received from referral centres.
· Input information results from patients and staff into laboratory’s information management system.
· To perform supervisory and verification procedures relating to the laboratory computer stock control system. To ensure all stock used is electronically recorded on the microbiology stock control system.
· Issue specimen collection kits and materials to locations within the hospital and to GP surgeries.
· Maintain clear and accurate quality records using the QPulse system (training provided)
· Assist in implementing and recording corrective and preventive actions as requested (training provided)
· Assist in monitoring labs KPIs, Turnaround Times and report breaches or improvements to colleagues for appropriate action.
· During staff shortage, assist the senior BMS in covering the skill gap including assuming Assistant Technical Officers duties including labs waste management tasks (including autoclaving).
· Prioritisation of various sources of workload and allocate support as appropriate.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
This advert closes on Friday 22 Nov 2024