Main area: Microbiology
Grade: NHS AfC: Band 3
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Working pattern 7.5 hour days)
Job ref: 388-6755324-HS
Employer: Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: Microbiology, Torbay Hospital
Town: Torquay
Salary: £24,071 - £25,674 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 03/02/2025 23:59
Medical Laboratory Assistant - Microbiology
NHS AfC: Band 3
Job overview
Your role will be ensuring that all procedures are undertaken according to laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the policies and procedures of the department.
You will work with other support staff to carry out the receipt, numbering, data entry, processing, and preparation of specimens (urine, swabs, faeces, sputa, and other body fluids and tissues) to aid the diagnosis and treatment of infectious disease within the main Microbiology and patient testing laboratories.
Main duties of the job
* Ensuring that all procedures are undertaken according to laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the policies and procedures of the department.
* Support the scientific and technical work of qualified staff in the Microbiology main and near patient testing laboratories.
* Responsible for setting up and processing of specified ELISA & Molecular Assays on automated equipment and for setting up antibiotic sensitivity tests under supervision of BMS.
Working for our organisation
The microbiology department comprises four disciplines: Bacteriology, Serology, Mycology, and Molecular, handling approximately 366,000 specimens per year, including 146,000 COVID samples. Service delivery is 24/7.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please refer to your suitability to the post in your supporting information from the role requirements or person specification.
Service Delivery
* Work under the supervision of a Biomedical Scientist within departmentally agreed policies relating to data entry and specimen handling and preparation.
* Assist in training of new or less experienced support staff.
* Rotate through assigned sections of the department as required.
* Plan and prioritise own workload.
* Adhere to SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).
* Perform test procedures as required after training.
* Undertake data entry of patient and diagnostic information using the Trust and laboratory IT systems.
* Attend laboratory meetings when appropriate.
* Promote a favourable departmental image by dealing courteously and effectively with members of the public and all other staff.
* Perform clerical duties as directed (filing, photocopying, labels, etc.).
* Take responsibility for own learning and development.
* Undergo all training as required for the above duties and any others specific to individual departments.
Technical
* Sort specimens on arrival in the laboratory.
* Primary technical processing of samples including inoculating culture plates, setting up smears for microscopy, staining of smears, etc.
* Use laboratory equipment under supervision and ensure it is maintained correctly.
* Operate certain analysers within the department under supervision of Biomedical Scientist staff.
* Set up and process specified ELISA & Molecular Assays on automated equipment.
* Set up antibiotic sensitivity tests under supervision of BMS.
Governance & Quality
* Comply with quality standards determined by UKAS.
* Work within Quality Management System, departmentally agreed policies, and SOPs.
* Report any deficiencies in Quality promptly to the Quality Lead and/or Quality Manager.
* Verify that full patient details are provided and correlate between sample and request.
* Ensure compliance with Trust policies, procedures, and guidelines.
* Conduct basic audits as directed by senior staff.
* Comment on and suggest changes to working practices to improve service and benefit the team.
* Complete documents in accordance with ISO 15189 requirements.
* Maintain competency in all laboratory sections.
* Attend and participate in section team meetings.
* Participate in annual review (appraisal) and keep mandatory training up to date.
Stock, Equipment, and Other Resources
* Ensure sufficient stocks are available to maintain service delivery.
* Deal with deliveries as appropriate, including unpacking and storing in appropriate areas.
* Responsible for good stock rotation.
* Record batch numbers of each delivery for quality and audit purposes.
* Assist with replenishment of in-use consumables.
* Inform the associate practitioner when stock is required.
* Place orders for reagents and consumables using Trust and Manage Service provider systems when required.
H&S / Risk
* Ensure a safe working environment according to Laboratory Health and Safety Manual.
* Undergo all mandatory training as required by the Trust.
* Responsible for safe disposal of certain items of infectious waste.
* Responsible for safe packaging of samples for referral to other laboratories.
Person specification
Knowledge and experience
* Understanding of the Data Protection Act.
* Understanding of Health & Safety in the workplace.
* Understanding of Standard Operating Procedures.
* Science background.
* Use of the Winpath LIMS (laboratory information management system).
* Experience of Excel spreadsheets.
* Experience working in a Microbiology Lab.
Qualifications and training
* Strong interest in science (at least 1 GCSE in a science subject) OR previous laboratory experience.
* GCSE Maths.
* A level in a science subject.
* Knowledge across a range of laboratory procedures acquired through training to NVQ3 level or equivalent.
You will be joining the organisation at an exciting time. As the first fully integrated care organisation in England, we are working to improve the way we deliver safe, high-quality health and social care. We have a positive and vibrant working atmosphere, and we are proud of our investment in our staff.
If you provide support to a family member or friend with health or care needs, we aim to be a Carer-friendly employer.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
* We reserve the right to close vacancies early if we receive a high volume of applications. Please apply promptly.
* Please read the job description and tailor your application to reflect the role.
* Correspondence will be via Trac, text, and email. Please check your email and Trac account regularly.
* Applicants with no previous NHS experience will ordinarily be appointed to the minimum of the band.
* If you have not received an invitation to interview within 28 days of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful.
* It is your responsibility to assist us in the timely receipt of appropriate references.
The Trust is committed to preventing discrimination, valuing diversity, and achieving equality of opportunity.
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