Job summary
Your role will be ensuring that all procedures are undertaken according to laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) work 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 working within the main Microbiology and patient testing laboratories.
The microbiology department comprises of four disciplines or sections: Bacteriology, Serology, Mycology and Molecular and handles approx. 366,000 specimens per year. Service delivery is 24/7.
Part time - 22.5 hours per week (Working pattern 7.5 hour days (Monday, Tuesday & Friday), plus weekends/bank holidays on a rota).
Main duties of the job
Ensuring that all procedures are undertaken according to laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) work and the policies and procedures of the departments.
Support the scientific and technical work of qualified staff in the Microbiology main and near patient testing laboratories.
Also 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.
Job responsibilities
Service Delivery
1. You will work under the supervision of a Biomedical Scientist within departmentally agreed policies relating to data entry and specimen handling and preparation, ensuring that sufficient attention is paid to detail for the work being undertaken.
2. Assist in training of new or less experienced support staff and to act as their mentor.
3. To rotate through assigned sections of the department as required.
4. Expected to plan and prioritise own workload.
5. Must adhere to SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).
6. After training perform test procedures as required.
7. Undertake data entry of patient and diagnostic information using the Trust and laboratory IT systems.
8. Attend laboratory meetings when appropriate.
9. Help to promote a favourable departmental image by dealing courteously and effectively with members of the public and with all other staff.
10. Bench housekeeping and monitoring of certain equipment (e.g. fridges, freezers, incubators).
11. Respond to telephone enquiries from staff in both primary and secondary care.
12. Clerical duties as directed (filing, photocopying, labels etc.).
13. To take responsibility for own learning and development by recognising and taking advantage of all opportunities to learn, including full participation in appraisal, supervision and action.
14. To undergo all training as required for the above duties and any others that may be specific to individual departments.
Technical
1. Sort specimens on arrival in the laboratory.
2. Primary technical processing of samples including inoculating culture plates, setting up smears for microscopy, staining of smears etc.
3. To use laboratory equipment under supervision and ensure it is maintained correctly.
4. To operate certain analysers within the department under supervision of Biomedical Scientist staff.
5. Responsible for setting up and processing of specified ELISA & Molecular Assays on automated equipment.
6. Responsible for setting up antibiotic sensitivity tests under supervision of BMS.
Governance & Quality
1. Comply with quality standards determined by UKAS including provision of support for audit programmes as identified.
2. Work within Quality Management System, departmentally agreed policies and SOPs.
3. Report any deficiencies in Quality promptly to the Quality Lead and/or Quality Manager.
4. Verify that full patient details are provided and that they correlate between sample and request.
5. Verify that correct samples are received for the tests requested.
6. Ensure compliance with Trust policies, procedures and guidelines for self and others.
7. Ensure that laboratory equipment used is maintained properly.
8. Conduct basic audits as directed by senior staff.
9. Expected to comment on and suggest changes to working practices in their area which would improve service and benefit the team.
10. Responsible for completing documents in accordance with ISO 15189 requirements.
11. Responsible for maintaining competency in all laboratory sections.
12. Responsible for safe packaging of samples for referral to other laboratories, in accordance with legal requirements for transport of biohazardous samples.
Person Specification
Knowledge and experience
Essential
* Understanding of the Data Protection Act.
* Understanding of Health & Safety in the workplace.
* Understanding of Standard Operating Procedures.
Desirable
* Science Background.
* Use of the Winpath LIMS (laboratory information management system).
* Experience of Excel spreadsheets.
* Experience working in a Microbiology Lab.
Qualifications and training
Essential
* Strong interest in science (at least 1 GCSE in a science subject) OR previous laboratory experience.
* GCSE English.
* GCSE Maths.
Desirable
* A level in a science subject.
* Knowledge across range of laboratory procedures acquired through training to NVQ3 level or equivalent.
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.
Employer details
Employer name
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Microbiology Torbay Hospital
Lawes Bridge
Torquay
TQ2 7AA
Employer's website
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