Healthcare Science Support Worker (Higher Level) - Microbiology

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

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Job summary

PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY

We are looking for a hard working enthusiastic person to join our Pathology team working in the Microbiology department. This is a role where you will learn a broad range of skills whilst processing specimens from patients.

You must be a careful, conscientious and reliable worker. Following induction and training you will be able to work without close supervision in a busy environment, have a good telephone manner and be at ease using the computer system and laboratory instrumentation.

As a team-player and excellent communicator, you will need to demonstrate attention to detail whilst processing patients' specimens and entering data into the computer systems. There are also a wide range of other tasks that form part of this varied and interesting job.

Hours of work include early shifts 8:00am to 16:30pm and late shifts 12:30pm to 21:00pm. These shifts are part of a rolling program that includes weekend working. When contracted hours are worked at weekends, rest days are provided during the week.

Experience of working in the NHS would be desirable and you do not need to have a scientific or medical qualification.

Darent Valley Hospital has rapid links via a Fastrack bus network to Dartford Station (40 mins to central London), Bluewater Shopping Centre and Ebbsfleet International Station.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will be expected to perform a range of routine and non routine tasks within Microbiology, for example, performing standard tests on clinical samples, entering patient results into the Laboratory system, labeling clinical samples, communicating with patient and Trust Users by supporting with queries and advising on appropriate samples and containers for specific clinical tests , working with a selection of Microbiology analysers as well as supervising and / or training less experienced staff in their own area.

The department welcomes individuals who are keen to learn and develop their skills. Working with a vibrant team supporting environment with a passion dedicated to patient care , quality and safety.

The Microbiology department provides training and support to staff and demonstrates great work ethics and encourages advancement. We are a culture of continuous improvement and achievements. Great support network within the department and throughout the Trust.

About us

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities.

If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all of our staff are double vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and our patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.

Date posted

09 February 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,008 to £25,553 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

252-5791639-A

Job locations

Darent Valley Hospital

Darenth Wood Road

Dartford

DA2 8DA

Job description

Job responsibilities

Technical responsibilities:

Adhering to Trust and departmental policies, guidelines and quality standards.

Supporting the work of BMS staff working within the laboratory.

Working at all times according to departmental Standard Operating Procedures.

Preparing and processing a range of clinical samples for testing, running automated tests on laboratory analysers as well as processing manual tests.

Entering test results on to the Laboratory information system.

Performing daily, weekly and monthly maintenance on all analytical equipment within the laboratory.

Analysing daily and weekly quality control tests and only accepting values within defined criteria.

Informing BMS staff of any issues, inconsistencies or inaccuracies with QC analysed

Preparing and processing External Quality Assessment samples.

Maintaining and checking the daily stocks of reagents, kits and consumables required for and loading reagents on to analysers.

Monitoring stock levels within the Department and advising BMS staff if supplies fall below minimum stock levels.

Participating in audits

Assisting with the maintenance of UKAS accreditation

Assisting in the maintenance of departmental procedures, policies and documentation

Liaising with service users, laboratory personnel and other Trust personnel.

Dealing effectively, professionally and politely with telephone enquiries.

Dealing with unsuitable samples and / or requests.

Maintaining test turnaround times by dealing with samples in a timely manner.

Undertaking appropriate tasks, new techniques or other developmental activities as required by the line manager.

Performing any other duties appropriate to the post and grade, as required directed by the line manager.

Ensuring that the department is kept clean, tidy and safe at all times.

Professional responsibilities:

Developing and maintaining skills appropriate to the post.

Dealing with telephone and personal enquiries, referring to the relevant department as appropriate.

Communicating all relevant issues effectively, including good ideas, constructive criticism, observations and problems.

Escalating problems to the appropriate senior person.

Education and development responsibilities:

Participating in the Personal Development Review process.

Participating in supporting work experience placements and volunteers by demonstrating own duties.

Supervising and / or training less experienced staff in their own area.

Participating in appropriate staff training programmes.

Attending mandatory Trust courses.

4. General responsibilities:

Trust policies and procedure

To adhere to the Trusts agreed policies and procedures.

Equal Opportunities

To promote and develop the equality of opportunity in accordance with the Trusts Equal Opportunities Policy

Confidentiality

To protect the confidentiality of information relating to the Trust, Patient and Staff or other agencies

Quality

To provide a quality service to internal and external agencies and participate/develop clinical governance within sphere of responsibility.

Infection Control

All Trust employees are required to be familiar with, and comply with, Trust polices and guidelines for infection control and hand hygiene in order to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections. For clinical staff with direct patient contact, this will include the uniform and dress code policy, the use of personal protective equipment guidance, the guidance on aseptic techniques and the safe handling and disposal of sharps. All staff are required to attend mandatory training in Infection Control and be compliant with all measures known to be effective in reducing healthcare-associated infections.

Health and Safety

To share responsibility for abiding by health and safety policies and regulations, infection prevention and control policies and act in accordance with the Risk Management Policy.

Sustainability

It is the responsibility of all staff to minimise the Trust's environmental impact by recycling wherever possible, switching off lights, computers, monitors and equipment when not in use, minimising water usage and reporting faults promptly.