Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant-Biochemistry

Job description

Job summary

We are seeking to recruit anenthusiastic Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant who will join our friendly andconscientious Biochemistry team at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

The Biochemistry department at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals offers a widerange of diagnostic testing facilities at both Worcestershire Royal Hospitaland The Alexandra Hospital, Redditch. The Department is UKAS accredited and isrecognised by the IBMS for HCPC pre-Registration and Specialist Diplomatraining in Clinical Biochemistry.

Our laboratories are equipped with a wide range of modern analyser, including the Beckman Coulter DXI 800, DXI 9000, DxC 700, AU5800, DxA fully automated tracksystem, DxA 5000 FIT Automated track, Cobas e411, Sebia Capillarys 3 Tera,Sebia Hydrasys, Optilite, BIO-FLASH, HM-JACKarc, UVIKON spectrophotometer,Osmometer, and Nova prime electrolyte analyser.

This department offers training and development opportunities for the rightcandidates to further develop their skills and ambition.

Main duties of the job

The successfulcandidate will work primarily at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcesterto perform tasks within the automated laboratory assisting BiomedicalScientists with urgent and routine analysis of specimens on our automationplatforms.

The main duties ofthe job include the day to day running, maintenance and troubleshooting of theBeckman Coulter DxA 5000 track. The candidate will be expected to work closelywith the Biomedical Scientists and Associate Practitioner staff in checking,recording and preparation of samples using computer laboratory systems andautomated analysers. They will also be expected to participate in thelaboratory quality management system, process patient samples, load and unloadpatient samples from analysers.

About us

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is a largeacute and specialised hospital trust that provides a range of local acuteservices to the residents of Worcestershire and more specialised services to alarger population in Herefordshire and beyond.

The Trust operates hospital-based services fromthree sites in Kidderminster, Redditch and Worcester

Our workforce is more than 7,000 strong, and ourcaring staff are recognised as providing good and outstanding patient-centredcare. You could be one of them.

We are committed to recruiting the best people towork with us. Our values, which we ask all staff to demonstrate, underpin oureveryday work and remain firmly at the heart of all we do.

Being open and honest

Ensuring people feel cared for

Showing respect to everyone

We are committed to developing a culture of continuous improvement by embedding the principles of our Improvement System.

We are proud to have achieved Timewiseaccreditation - this means we are committed to embedding flexible workingwithin our organisation as a flex positive employer.

DBS Checks and Costs

Any applicants who are offered posts requiring aDBS check as part of their employment check will have the cost of this check(at the current rate) deducted from their salary. Please see link in SupportingInformation section for more details on DBS checks and costs.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Toassist in the provision of an efficient and smooth running service within BloodSciences. To work in the laboratory alongside qualified staff and those intraining to carry out designated tasks. Inthe interest of the department, carry out routine procedures as required andunder supervision. Toensure that laboratory equipment is maintained fit for purpose and ready foruse. To work in accordancewith the departmental Quality Management System.

Individualswill be required to participate in the extended working day.

Key Duties:

Dealwith samples within the section using own initiative and dealing with mattersindependently where possible, referring to senior members of staff for guidancewhen necessary. This includes checking all samples before processing foridentification, status and suitability for diagnostic investigation.

Operatepre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical equipment as defined by StandardOperating Procedures.

Carryout routine equipment maintenance, calibration and basic troubleshooting onanalysers throughout the laboratory to ensure correct functioning and to completelog sheets as required.

Performquality control analysis according to SOPs to ensure accuracy and precision ismaintained.

Logany errors or incidences and record remedial action taken.

Trainingof staff as and when required.

Supervisingjunior staff in allocation of duties.

Identifyand expedite urgent and priority specimens.

Assist inperformingbiochemical analysis of biological specimens to aid the diagnosis and monitoring of, or screeningfor, a disease process, thereby assisting in the effective clinical managementof patients by medical and nursing staff.

Toundertake biomedical analysis on specimens using either manual or automatedtechniques.

Tocheck, locate and process specimens identified from work outstanding or overduelists.

Assistin audit and risk assessment.

Dealingwith telephone queries and giving out authorised results according to protocolsthat protect patient confidentiality.

Undertakegeneral house keeping as specified in the SOPs. Including stock control,ordering, receipt and distribution or storage of stock deliveries and safedisposal of specimens and materials according to departmental policies.

Toprepare biological specimens for analysis, ensuring that samples are correctlymatched with request forms and handled in a manner appropriate to theinvestigation requested and urgency indicated, thereby ensuring optimum sampleintegrity and a response that meets clinical need. Also, to ensure samples frompatients identified as posing a high-risk are labelled with appropriatestickers and are handled in accordance with departmental procedures, therebyminimising risk to other staff members as well as oneself.

Toaccurately enter patient and request data onto the departmental LaboratoryInformation Management System (LIMS), making suitable amendments as required,so as to enable the performance of appropriate or indicated investigation(s) ofbiological samples, and the issue of reports to the source of the request,within identified timescales. To be proficient in the routine use of the LIMS.

Tooperate pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical instrumentation in accordance withdepartmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure that such itemsare used in a manner which enables accurate and valid biochemical data to beproduced in a timely fashion thereby assisting medical and nursing staff in thecare of patients.

Inthe event of instrument failure / breakdown, to attempt remedial interventionwithin limits of knowledge and capability; otherwise, having sought advice fromsenior staff within the department, to promptly contact supplier for advice /support. In the event of an extended period of instrument inactivity, to informChief Biomedical Scientist and Clinical Scientists / Consultants regardingservice implications and to implement departmental contingency plans.

Toprepare chemical reagents and stock solutions for use in the analysis of biologicalspecimens as directed and according to departmental procedures.

Tostore and retain all samples in accordance with departmental procedures so thatif additional investigations are necessary the sample is readily available in acondition fit for analysis. To take appropriate steps for the storage anddisposal of identified high-risk samples.

General Duties

Todiscard patient samples and confidential information in accordance withdepartmental procedures and timescales, ensuring clinical waste isappropriately identified for correct means of disposal to minimiseenvironmental impact.

Towork in accordance with and maintain adherence to the safety standards outlinedin the departmental Health and Safety Policy thereby ensuring that thelaboratory complies with regulatory requirements and is a safe, secure, cleanand tidy working environment.

Towork in all sections of the laboratory, as directed or according to plannedrotation

Towork to and ensure the maintenance of high analytical standards throughout thedepartment enabling the timely issue of accurate, relevant and valid reports tomedical and nursing staff.

Toact in accordance with departmental Internal Quality Control (IQC) proceduresso that results generated are issued with confidence in their validity.

Tomaintain an up-to-date awareness and understanding of data provided byparticipation of the laboratory in appropriate External Quality Assurance (EQA)schemes.

Todevelop an understanding of the function and use of Information Technology andto apply this knowledge in day-to-day practice. This includes the use ofspreadsheets, databases, word processing tools and electronic communications.

Torespond to telephone calls from medical and nursing staff within the hospitalor staff from surgeries and clinics so that requests for results, additional /urgent investigations and technical advice are dealt with to the satisfactionof the caller within limits of personal knowledge, capability and authority,referring calls to senior staff as appropriate. To give out results, bothauthorised and unauthorised (where appropriate), but only to appropriate staffas identified in the departmental Telephoning of Results procedure. To referrequests for clinical advice to Clinical Scientists / Consultants, asappropriate, so as to ensure correct information is relayed to service users.To respond to any complaints that arise courteously, resolving issues inaccordance with ability and authority, or to refer complainants to appropriatesenior staff.

Toassist staff in, or visitors to the laboratory asdirected, providing support and utilising organisational skills, therebyenabling staff to work to required standards.

Toparticipate in mandatory training thus enabling the Trust to satisfy itsregulatory requirements as an employer.

Toparticipate in and contribute to regular general departmental meetings, whichinvolve all staff to ensure that clear lines of communication are establishedand maintained, thereby enabling discussion of and appropriate reaction to allissues pertaining to service provision and staff interests.

Towork in conjunction with all other staff, as directed, to achieve and maintainUKAS accreditation status, which demonstrates that the work carried out withinthe department is to clearly defined and nationally recognised high standards.

Toparticipate in departmental Quality Management activities in a mannercommensurate with post.

To be familiar with the Pathology DirectorateQuality Policy and to ensure its consistent application to all departmentalactivities.

To work under the direction of the departmentalQuality Manager and/or Quality Leads in ensuring the effective implementationof the departmental Quality Management System (QMS).

To maintain familiarity and practise inaccordance with the SOPs for all relevant laboratory procedures.

To participate in departmental qualityimprovement initiatives.

To participate in scheduled audit activities.The programme of activities shall include horizontal, vertical and examinationaudits, in addition to internal audit of the QMS.

To identify and alert senior staff to anynon-conformances to optimal / required practice.

To participate in the implementation and reviewof appropriate remedial, corrective and/or preventative measures in response toreported non-conformances.

To participate in the maintaining of records,for all staff of whatever grade, which indicate both training received and theoutcome of any assessment(s) of competence, for all relevant laboratoryprocedures.

To participate in training activities so thatown competence to practise in the laboratory is demonstrably maintained throughon-going assessment, as appropriate.

Toensure sufficient supplies of reagents and laboratory consumables are always instock in area of work and to take appropriate action or inform Senior/ChiefBiomedical Scientist if reduced quantities are observed so that servicedelivery is not compromised.

Toactively respond to service developments within the department..

To maintain awareness ofthe Trusts Major Incident Plan and respond appropriately if the plan isinvoked at any time whilst on duty.

Any other duties deemed necessary to maintainan efficient Clinical Biochemistry service.

This job description will be subject to annualreview and may be amended as necessary following consultation with thepost-holder.

Job description
Job responsibilities

Toassist in the provision of an efficient and smooth running service within BloodSciences. To work in the laboratory alongside qualified staff and those intraining to carry out designated tasks. Inthe interest of the department, carry out routine procedures as required andunder supervision. Toensure that laboratory equipment is maintained fit for purpose and ready foruse. To work in accordancewith the departmental Quality Management System.

Individualswill be required to participate in the extended working day.

Key Duties:

Dealwith samples within the section using own initiative and dealing with mattersindependently where possible, referring to senior members of staff for guidancewhen necessary. This includes checking all samples before processing foridentification, status and suitability for diagnostic investigation.

Operatepre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical equipment as defined by StandardOperating Procedures.

Carryout routine equipment maintenance, calibration and basic troubleshooting onanalysers throughout the laboratory to ensure correct functioning and to completelog sheets as required.

Performquality control analysis according to SOPs to ensure accuracy and precision ismaintained.

Logany errors or incidences and record remedial action taken.

Trainingof staff as and when required.

Supervisingjunior staff in allocation of duties.

Identifyand expedite urgent and priority specimens.

Assist inperformingbiochemical analysis of biological specimens to aid the diagnosis and monitoring of, or screeningfor, a disease process, thereby assisting in the effective clinical managementof patients by medical and nursing staff.

Toundertake biomedical analysis on specimens using either manual or automatedtechniques.

Tocheck, locate and process specimens identified from work outstanding or overduelists.

Assistin audit and risk assessment.

Dealingwith telephone queries and giving out authorised results according to protocolsthat protect patient confidentiality.

Undertakegeneral house keeping as specified in the SOPs. Including stock control,ordering, receipt and distribution or storage of stock deliveries and safedisposal of specimens and materials according to departmental policies.

Toprepare biological specimens for analysis, ensuring that samples are correctlymatched with request forms and handled in a manner appropriate to theinvestigation requested and urgency indicated, thereby ensuring optimum sampleintegrity and a response that meets clinical need. Also, to ensure samples frompatients identified as posing a high-risk are labelled with appropriatestickers and are handled in accordance with departmental procedures, therebyminimising risk to other staff members as well as oneself.

Toaccurately enter patient and request data onto the departmental LaboratoryInformation Management System (LIMS), making suitable amendments as required,so as to enable the performance of appropriate or indicated investigation(s) ofbiological samples, and the issue of reports to the source of the request,within identified timescales. To be proficient in the routine use of the LIMS.

Tooperate pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical instrumentation in accordance withdepartmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure that such itemsare used in a manner which enables accurate and valid biochemical data to beproduced in a timely fashion thereby assisting medical and nursing staff in thecare of patients.

Inthe event of instrument failure / breakdown, to attempt remedial interventionwithin limits of knowledge and capability; otherwise, having sought advice fromsenior staff within the department, to promptly contact supplier for advice /support. In the event of an extended period of instrument inactivity, to informChief Biomedical Scientist and Clinical Scientists / Consultants regardingservice implications and to implement departmental contingency plans.

Toprepare chemical reagents and stock solutions for use in the analysis of biologicalspecimens as directed and according to departmental procedures.

Tostore and retain all samples in accordance with departmental procedures so thatif additional investigations are necessary the sample is readily available in acondition fit for analysis. To take appropriate steps for the storage anddisposal of identified high-risk samples.

General Duties

Todiscard patient samples and confidential information in accordance withdepartmental procedures and timescales, ensuring clinical waste isappropriately identified for correct means of disposal to minimiseenvironmental impact.

Towork in accordance with and maintain adherence to the safety standards outlinedin the departmental Health and Safety Policy thereby ensuring that thelaboratory complies with regulatory requirements and is a safe, secure, cleanand tidy working environment.

Towork in all sections of the laboratory, as directed or according to plannedrotation

Towork to and ensure the maintenance of high analytical standards throughout thedepartment enabling the timely issue of accurate, relevant and valid reports tomedical and nursing staff.

Toact in accordance with departmental Internal Quality Control (IQC) proceduresso that results generated are issued with confidence in their validity.

Tomaintain an up-to-date awareness and understanding of data provided byparticipation of the laboratory in appropriate External Quality Assurance (EQA)schemes.

Todevelop an understanding of the function and use of Information Technology andto apply this knowledge in day-to-day practice. This includes the use ofspreadsheets, databases, word processing tools and electronic communications.

Torespond to telephone calls from medical and nursing staff within the hospitalor staff from surgeries and clinics so that requests for results, additional /urgent investigations and technical advice are dealt with to the satisfactionof the caller within limits of personal knowledge, capability and authority,referring calls to senior staff as appropriate. To give out results, bothauthorised and unauthorised (where appropriate), but only to appropriate staffas identified in the departmental Telephoning of Results procedure. To referrequests for clinical advice to Clinical Scientists / Consultants, asappropriate, so as to ensure correct information is relayed to service users.To respond to any complaints that arise courteously, resolving issues inaccordance with ability and authority, or to refer complainants to appropriatesenior staff.

Toassist staff in, or visitors to the laboratory asdirected, providing support and utilising organisational skills, therebyenabling staff to work to required standards.

Toparticipate in mandatory training thus enabling the Trust to satisfy itsregulatory requirements as an employer.

Toparticipate in and contribute to regular general departmental meetings, whichinvolve all staff to ensure that clear lines of communication are establishedand maintained, thereby enabling discussion of and appropriate reaction to allissues pertaining to service provision and staff interests.

Towork in conjunction with all other staff, as directed, to achieve and maintainUKAS accreditation status, which demonstrates that the work carried out withinthe department is to clearly defined and nationally recognised high standards.

Toparticipate in departmental Quality Management activities in a mannercommensurate with post.

To be familiar with the Pathology DirectorateQuality Policy and to ensure its consistent application to all departmentalactivities.

To work under the direction of the departmentalQuality Manager and/or Quality Leads in ensuring the effective implementationof the departmental Quality Management System (QMS).

To maintain familiarity and practise inaccordance with the SOPs for all relevant laboratory procedures.

To participate in departmental qualityimprovement initiatives.

To participate in scheduled audit activities.The programme of activities shall include horizontal, vertical and examinationaudits, in addition to internal audit of the QMS.

To identify and alert senior staff to anynon-conformances to optimal / required practice.

To participate in the implementation and reviewof appropriate remedial, corrective and/or preventative measures in response toreported non-conformances.

To participate in the maintaining of records,for all staff of whatever grade, which indicate both training received and theoutcome of any assessment(s) of competence, for all relevant laboratoryprocedures.

To participate in training activities so thatown competence to practise in the laboratory is demonstrably maintained throughon-going assessment, as appropriate.

Toensure sufficient supplies of reagents and laboratory consumables are always instock in area of work and to take appropriate action or inform Senior/ChiefBiomedical Scientist if reduced quantities are observed so that servicedelivery is not compromised.

Toactively respond to service developments within the department..

To maintain awareness ofthe Trusts Major Incident Plan and respond appropriately if the plan isinvoked at any time whilst on duty.

Any other duties deemed necessary to maintainan efficient Clinical Biochemistry service.

This job description will be subject to annualreview and may be amended as necessary following consultation with thepost-holder.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Experience in a clinical NHS laboratory
• Data entry experience
• Experience of using computer packages using word and excel

Desirable

• Experience of working with scientific instruments and analysers, and undertaking biochemical analysis using either manual or automated techniques.

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4 (standard pass) / Grade C or above, or equivalent.

Skills/Knowledge

Essential

• Ability to follow written instructions
• Able to speak, receive and issue instructions in English without the risk of misunderstanding
• Able to communicate face to face and via telephone and email
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide training to other members of staff
• Able to supervise junior members of staff with allocation of duties within the section, e.g. producing staffing rotas and ensuring turnaround times are met
• Awareness of health and safety issues
• Awareness of confidentiality
• Ability to undertake biochemical analysis under supervision
• Able to carry out work and record results accurately
• Good hand/eye co-ordination
• Ability to use a computer and sometimes for extended periods of time
• Ability to carry out manual handling of specimens and stock deliveries
• Ability to bend, kneel or climb a step ladder to carry out routine equipment maintenance or stock control
• Able to stand for most of the working period
• Able to work under pressure and to a deadline
• Ability to give results accurately and have patience to check they have been recorded correctly
• Able to deal with frequent interruptions
• Able to concentrate for long periods of time
• Able to carry out repetitive steps
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment, e.g. noise and heat output
• Daily contact with bodily fluids
• Daily phone contact with users of the service and dealing with conflict

Desirable

• An understanding of the function and working relationships within the department
• Knowledge of relevant analysers in laboratory such that there is a capability of maintenance, calibration, quality control and troubleshooting

Person Specification
Experience

Essential

• Experience in a clinical NHS laboratory
• Data entry experience
• Experience of using computer packages using word and excel

Desirable

• Experience of working with scientific instruments and analysers, and undertaking biochemical analysis using either manual or automated techniques.

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4 (standard pass) / Grade C or above, or equivalent.

Skills/Knowledge

Essential

• Ability to follow written instructions
• Able to speak, receive and issue instructions in English without the risk of misunderstanding
• Able to communicate face to face and via telephone and email
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide training to other members of staff
• Able to supervise junior members of staff with allocation of duties within the section, e.g. producing staffing rotas and ensuring turnaround times are met
• Awareness of health and safety issues
• Awareness of confidentiality
• Ability to undertake biochemical analysis under supervision
• Able to carry out work and record results accurately
• Good hand/eye co-ordination
• Ability to use a computer and sometimes for extended periods of time
• Ability to carry out manual handling of specimens and stock deliveries
• Ability to bend, kneel or climb a step ladder to carry out routine equipment maintenance or stock control
• Able to stand for most of the working period
• Able to work under pressure and to a deadline
• Ability to give results accurately and have patience to check they have been recorded correctly
• Able to deal with frequent interruptions
• Able to concentrate for long periods of time
• Able to carry out repetitive steps
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment, e.g. noise and heat output
• Daily contact with bodily fluids
• Daily phone contact with users of the service and dealing with conflict

Desirable

• An understanding of the function and working relationships within the department
• Knowledge of relevant analysers in laboratory such that there is a capability of maintenance, calibration, quality control and troubleshooting

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.
Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the .

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. .

Additional information
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the .

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. .

Employer details

Employer name

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
Address

Charles Hastings Way

Worcester

Worcestershire

WR5 1DD

United Kingdom

Employer's website