Associate Practioner

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

The closing date is 31 January 2025

Job summary

The Cellular Pathology Laboratory (main base RSCH, Brighton) within the newly formed University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust deals with approximately 36,000 Histology requests and 4,500 Cytology requests per annum.

In addition to routine Histology, the department also undertakes work in Immunocytochemistry (ICC), Special Stains, Electron Microscopy, Diagnostic Cytology, Frozen sections, Brain smears and Digital Pathology.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an associate practitioner to join our busy team. Applicants must be currently working in a UKAS accredited Cellular Pathology laboratory and be educated to foundation degree level, or similar.

As an associate practitioner the post holder is responsible for a variety of tasks that assist in the smooth operation of the section in order to deliver a specialised, diagnostic service, which contributesto the clinical care of the patient.

This position will be based at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, and the post-holder will be held accountable to the HR policies and procedures of University Hospitals Sussex.

Routine opening hours are 08:30 - 17:00 Monday to Friday

Applicants looking for a trainee BMS position need not apply.

Main duties of the job

The individuals' key responsibilities will include routine maintenance of all equipment, specimen data entry, supporting cut up, undertaking routine paraffin wax embedding, sectioning and H&E staining

Associate Practitioners are also delegated responsibility for managing the consumable needs of the department, including placing orders and stock management, by the Lead Biomedical Scientist.

The post holder will be expected to work closely with the departmental Health and Safety and Quality officers, ensuring the laboratory is compliant with both UKAS and HSE standards.

Full training will be provided, but the successful candidate will be expected to complete appropriate competencies within a reasonable time period as directed by the departmental training officer.

About us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/

Date posted

17 January 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£26,530 to £29,114 a year Per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

279-6883193-JAN25

Job locations

Royal Sussex County Hospital

Eastern Road

Brighton

BN2 5BE

Job description

Job responsibilities

To participate in the routine Cellular Pathology rotas. Rotating through all areas of the laboratory as directed by senior staff, including:

Specimen Reception
Cut up support
Embedding
Microtomy
Equipment maintenance and first line troubleshooting
Stock control and batch acceptance
Ordering and receipting of stock
Collation and recording of specimens that require outsourcing for external reporting
Work with Senior BMS team in expediting samples from patients on the cancer pathway
Completion of audits to ensure UKAS and HSE compliance
Work with Quality Officer with regards to root cause analysis and corrective actions
Special stains
Support the Immunocytochemistry department
Deal with telephone enquiries in a sensitive manner
Participate in the training of new staff

Job description

Job responsibilities

To participate in the routine Cellular Pathology rotas. Rotating through all areas of the laboratory as directed by senior staff, including:

Specimen Reception
Cut up support
Embedding
Microtomy
Equipment maintenance and first line troubleshooting
Stock control and batch acceptance
Ordering and receipting of stock
Collation and recording of specimens that require outsourcing for external reporting
Work with Senior BMS team in expediting samples from patients on the cancer pathway
Completion of audits to ensure UKAS and HSE compliance
Work with Quality Officer with regards to root cause analysis and corrective actions
Special stains
Support the Immunocytochemistry department
Deal with telephone enquiries in a sensitive manner
Participate in the training of new staff

Person Specification

Education and Expereince

Essential

Foundation degree, BTEC higher national Diploma or equivalent
Currently working in a UKAS accredited Cellular Pathology laboratory
Demonstrate that they understand the job role and have highlighted their transferable skills

Desirable

Experience using relevant laboratory equipment
Proven ability to use a laboratory tracking system
Experience of conducting audits within a laboratory setting
Proven ability to use Excel

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Essential

Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

Person Specification

Education and Expereince

Essential

Foundation degree, BTEC higher national Diploma or equivalent
Currently working in a UKAS accredited Cellular Pathology laboratory
Demonstrate that they understand the job role and have highlighted their transferable skills

Desirable

Experience using relevant laboratory equipment
Proven ability to use a laboratory tracking system
Experience of conducting audits within a laboratory setting
Proven ability to use Excel

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Essential

Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

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 UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

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. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information