Job summary
Responsible for the operational management of Sample Reception. To manage reception staff in order to ensure that an efficient pre-analytic Pathology service is delivered. The post holder will effectively liaise with all four departments and organise the smooth process flow of samples to these areas. The post holder will produce the rota of staff into and out of the area. Sample reception will provide telephone support for the department.
Main duties of the job
Responsible for the operational management of Sample Reception. To manage reception staff in order to ensure that an efficient pre-analytic Pathology service is delivered. The post holder will effectively liaise with all four departments and organise the smooth process flow of samples to these areas. The post holder will produce the rota of staff into and out of the area. Sample reception will provide telephone support for the department.
About us
As one of Europe's biggest and busiest children's hospitals, at Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, we treat everything from common illnesses to highly complex and specialist addition to our main hospital site, we offer paediatric services at a number of community sites and hold local clinics across Merseyside, Cumbria, Shropshire, Wales and the Isle of Man. We also provide specialist inpatient care for children with complex mental health needs in our recently relocated and newly opened state of the art facility.
Alder Hey has a thriving research portfolio and leads research into children's medicines, infection, inflammation and oncology. We are becoming recognised as one of the world's leaders in children's healthcare and research. We contribute to public health, lead cutting-edge research and teach the next generation of children's specialists. Alongside this is ourInnovation Hub, a dedicated space where clinicians and industries can come together to create new products and technologies.
We know that a children's hospital is different and that our job is more than just treating an illness. To us, every child is an individual. As well as giving them the very best care, we set out to make them feel happy, safe and confident as they play, learn and grow. At Alder Hey we are here to look after a child and their family and that includes mums, dads, brothers and sisters.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To manage an integrated pre-analytic Pathology reception service provided by Pathology Reception staff ensuring an efficient, first rate service is delivered.
To participate in the reception, processing, referral, and storage of a variety of specimens, which may contain high risk organisms.
To enter and manage data using the Meditech computer system.
Line management responsibility for all MLA staff within the Pathology department while in the sample reception area, including identification of staff training and development needs.
To manage the accurate record-keeping of managed staff including timekeeping and the management of sickness absence.
To cover the absence of managed staff when required.
To manage any matters of a difficult nature encountered by reception staff in the course of their duties.
Ensure new members of staff receive appropriate induction.
Maintain adequate supplies of stationery/goods/consumables.
Report all faults/repairs/maintenance required for the Pathology department, ensuring jobs are completed to a satisfactory outcome.
Manage regular meetings with managed staff, addressing any issues arising.
To deal professionally with telephone enquiries with tact, diplomacy and empathy whilst maintaining strict patient confidentiality.
To participate in maintaining a system for the safe and confidential storage and retrieval of records and specimens, both physically and electronically.
To perform housekeeping duties including general tidying, waste disposal, washing glassware and filing.
Collection and receiving of stock
To ensure proper and efficient use of equipment and consumables without wastage.
To ensure the moving and handling of heavy objects are undertaken according to Trust manual handling guidelines.
To undertake water flushing requirements
To assist in the handling and processing of sendaway samples and the receipt and onward distribution of associated results
Any other duties which may be required to ensure the smooth running of the Pathology department.
To adhere to all health and safety policies within the Trust.
To be aware of, and comply with, the Alder Hey Trust policies and procedures.
To be aware and vigilant, in respect of security matters, and to report any breach of security to the appropriate manager.
2 Management
To contribute to the writing and review of departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
To monitor levels of reagents and consumable items and inform senior staff when stocks are running low.
To comply with Trust and Departmental Health and Safety policies, including reporting of all accidents, hazards and defects as soon as possible.
To use any equipment and facilities provided within the department in a proper and safe manner.
3 Skills
To undertake a wide variety of non-automated operations requiring skill, knowledge and manual dexterity.
To ensure hazardous chemicals and reagents are handled appropriately according to COSHH regulations.
To have basic computer skills including the use of Microsoft Office.
4 Research
To compile and check data for audit.
5. Education
GCSE in English or evidence of English language proficiency.
Science A level or IBMS certificate of achievement part II or level 4 healthcare science associate apprenticeship.
6 Training
Assist in identifying own staff training needs.
To participate in annual performance review including the development of a Personal Development Plan (PDP).
To participate in the induction and orientation of staff, students and visitors.
To undergo mandatory training in Fire, and Health & Safety (biannually), and Manual Handling (annually).
To participate in in-house training.
To seek every opportunity for self-development and to identify personal training needs.
To communicate effectively with peers, senior colleagues and service users.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
1. GCSE in English or evidence of English language proficiency
2. Science A level or IBMS certificate of achievement part II or Level 4 healthcare science associate apprenticeship
Desirable
3. Completed MLA training logbook
Experience
Essential
4. 12 months minimum experience of work in paediatric Pathology
5. Experience of prioritising workload
Desirable
6. Experience of handling sickness/ absence/ AL
7. Experience using Meditech