Healthcare Associate Practitioner, Band 4 - Clinical Biochemistry

at  Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

• To receive and unpack a range of blood samples and other sample types - To check that the correct sample type has been received, correct sample labelling and suitability for diagnostic investigations, in accordance with Pathology laboratory policies and standard operating procedures (SOP); to take appropriate action for non-compliances - To recognise, prioritise and fast-track urgent samples to ensure minimal delay to patient treatment and waiting times. - To prepare samples for analysis. This may include barcode labelling, centrifugation, preparation of aliquots, measurement of sample volume e.g. urine; distribution of samples.
• To prepare samples for dispatch to other sites (SAS) in accordance with postal regulations including samples requiring special transport conditions. To liaise with Portering services staff, and drivers (internal and external) to arrange appropriate transportation. - Operate analysers, pre- and post-analytical equipment under the supervision of HCPC registered Healthcare Scientists. - Undertake maintenance procedures as directed by SOPs and operator manuals.
• Responsibility for ensuring all tests are performed according to established laboratory standard operating procedures and within agreed turnaround times. - To ensure the quality of the analytical service is maintained to UKAS ISO 15189 standards.. - Responsibility for ensuring safe use of expensive and complex equipment by undertaking regular in house maintenance and maintaining appropriate records. - To inform Team Leaders and/or Healthcare Scientists of any equipment or lalytical issues.
• To comply with quality control procedures. - To support the Healthcare Scientists in the supervision of Trainee Biomedical Scientists and Medical Laboratory Assistants. - To assist with the induction of new staff. - To act as mentor for new members of staff, as required - To assist in the training of Medical Laboratory Assistants.
• To be an active member of Laboratory, Section & other laboratory meetings - Responsibility to ensure the best value and cost efficient use of all reagents, Quality Control material and consumables - To help maintain appropriate financial records - Unpacking large multi reagent deliveries with appropriate record keeping and notifying Healthcare Scientist staff of discrepancies. - Regularly review the appropriate usage of all materials. - As commensurate with the access level of an Associate Practitioner Band 4 perform routine tasks on the laboratory computer system. - To contribute to the performance of all routine housekeeping tasks on the laboratory computer system.
• Use Microsoft office to produce standard operating procedures and other bench based record sheets etc. - To assist with data collection that may be required for audits, as directed by Healthcare Scientist staff - To carry out routine audits as agreed with the senior staff - To review established Standard Operating Procedures and notify senior staff of required changes where appropriate. - To be responsible for maintaining own competency to practice through CPD activities. Undertake and maintain equipment and procedural competencies.
• To be involved with the training of Trainee Biomedical Scientists and Medical Laboratory Assistants. - To keep abreast of developments in the laboratory. - To be involved with the implementation of major items of highly complex instrumentation and evaluation of new methodologies. - Full participation in all identified shifts is required and may involve some overnight working.
• You may be asked to work at both sites and this may include an element of lone working. - With reference to work undertaken, especially outside routine hours, provide advice to users of the service. - Attend laboratory meetings (including educational meetings) whenever possible but to the minimum attendance standard set by the department. - Ensure all competencies are kept up-to-date.
• Ensure Health and Safety (including Clinical Governance and Management of Risk) standards are maintained in order to create a safe environment for staff to work in. - To participate in an annual appraisal and development review meeting. - To comply with the Trust no smoking policy. - To comply with the Trusts policies with regard to kindness and respect.

The post holder will be required to communicate face-to-face and by telephone, e-mail and in writing to a wide range of health professionals and non-health professionals, including but not exclusively; - All members of the Chemical Pathology staff across both sites - Members of other pathology departments - Clinicians, GPs, Nurses and other hospital and primary care staff - Patients - Supplier representatives and engineers - Daily pressures and stresses of processing a high workload with frequent interruptions using sophisticated equipment to obtain accurate timely results. - Requirement to work with absolute accuracy and speed during periods of prolonged concentration. - Handle potentially infectious blood and body fluids, faeces etc with unpleasant smells/odours together with the risk associated in handling hazardous chemicals. - Working on contaminated equipment or work areas.

• Potential of sharps injury. - Working in hot conditions with protective clothing, coats, gloves and goggles. - Constant background noise from equipment. - Make frequent repetitive movements.
• Requirement for a considerable amount of manual dexterity in processing paediatric samples and maintaining equipment. Maintenance often involves use of delicate instruments whilst working on highly sensitive and complex analytical equipment where accuracy of setup is crucial to the delivery of correct results. - Limited amount of lifting, bending but a considerable amount of standing. - Frequent long periods of use of a VDU

Please refer the Job description for details