Job responsibilities
. JOB PURPOSE
To
collect, receive and assist in the processing of clinical diagnostic
specimens for biological testing
To
undertake routine clinical technical investigations, this may involve
operating complex equipment following standard operating procedures. Some of
this work may be under supervision.
To
enter and retrieve patient demographic details using the laboratory
information system
To
communicate effectively with colleagues and other healthcare staff
. JOB DIMENSIONS
As
the job holder you will be required to work as a member of the departmental
team. As part of the team, you will be expected to perform a range of routine
tasks in support of biomedical, scientific and medical staff. You will have
problem solving skills that will allow you to make judgements and decisions
about job related situations. You will be required to communicate
information, some of which may be related to patient management and care, to
colleagues, healthcare staff and other organizations.
. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
REQUIRED
Numeracy,
literacy and basic computer skills are essential requirements of the job. In
order to carry out the job sufficiently and successfully the job holder will
require a level of theoretical knowledge and understanding of routine and
non-routine procedures. To achieve
this you will undergo a period of in-house training supplemented by on-going
attendance at relevant training courses. Additional skills will be acquired
by experience.
. THE LEEDS WAY VALUES
Our
values are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this
as a strength, as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our
staff and set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are:
Patient-centred
Collaborative
Fair
Accountable
Empowered
All
our actions and endeavours will be guided and evaluated through these values
Additionally
the following are core values which relate specifically to this post:
As
a healthcare worker dealing with sensitive (patient related) information the
importance and value of personal honesty and integrity as a commitment to
patient service and confidentiality will be recognised. In contributing to
the quality of a technical clinical service you will understand the
requirement to continuously develop appropriate skills and accumulate
relevant knowledge whether by formal or in-house training.
. CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS
In
order to work effectively in the role the job holder must be able to
demonstrate a number of attributes. These abilities will include:
- to become an integral member of a
team providing a clinical technical service
- to communicate clearly and
effectively whether orally, graphically or electronically
- to work independently when and as
directed by supervisors
- to plan the designated workload
- to work with precision and follow
accurately the documented laboratory standard operating procedures
- to operate complex laboratory
equipment safely and efficiently
- to input and extract patient data
from the laboratory computer system
- to demonstrate relevant tasks to
others as appropriate
- to contribute actively towards the
improvement of service quality by participation in relevant discussions with
other team members
- to remain competent in established
procedures and to develop new skills as experience is accrued.
- to gain new knowledge through
experience and participation in relevant training schemes
- to participate actively in the
departmental appraisal scheme
- to take account of changes in
service delivery by demonstrating a flexible approach to work
. CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
As
the job holder you will acquire sufficient knowledge and understanding to:
- Carry out a range of basic
technical procedures. This will include instruction in the safe and effective
use of complex laboratory equipment. The level of knowledge and understanding
achieved will be consistent with that to allow you to recognise system failures
and errors. In this way you will be contributing to service quality.
- Participate in the maintenance of a
safe working environment. This will include an awareness of the hazards
associated with your work. In addition you will be made aware of any suitable
actions to take in the event of breaches in health and safety. Such hazards
include fire, manual handling, breaches of security, controlled and
uncontrolled exposure to chemical, biological and radioactive materials.
- Maintain patient confidentiality.
You will recognise the absolute requirement to protect sensitive information
that is related to patient care.
- Observe the requirements of
departmental policies relating to service provision, for example sample
labelling and adverse event reporting.
. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF
RESPONSIBILITY
- To perform appropriate technical
laboratory procedures and tasks that are consistent with the job holders
levels of knowledge, skills and experience. These tasks may vary from day to
day but examples would include:
receiving
diagnostic samples into the laboratory
preparation
of samples prior to processing, including sample collection when appropriate
preparation
of chemical reagents
processing
of certain clinical samples
safe
disposal of clinical / laboratory waste
- To prepare materials for
distribution to clinical areas
- To enter and retrieve patient
information using the laboratory computer system.
- To respond to telephone enquiries
from users of the service in a manner that is in accordance with departmental
procedures
- To assist in the day to day
monitoring, cleaning and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- To contribute to general
departmental management by assisting in the ordering, receipt and control of
consumables
- To demonstrate relevant job related
tasks to new or more junior staff
- To participate in laboratory audit
processes
Health
and Safety/Risk Management
All
staff are responsible for working with their colleagues to maintain and
improve the quality of services provided to our patients and other service
users. This includes complying at all
times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Policies, including Health
and Safety policies, in particular by following agreed safe working
procedures, and reporting incidents using the Trust Incident Reporting
system.
Infection
Control
The
jobholder must comply at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS
Trust Infection Control policies, in particular by practising Universal
Infection Control Precautions. Hand hygiene must be performed before and
after contact with patients and their environment.
Equality
and Diversity
The
jobholder must comply with all policies and procedures designed to ensure
equality of employment and that services are delivered in ways that meet the
individual needs of patients and their families. No person whether they are staff, patient
or visitor should receive less favourable treatment because of their gender,
ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc.
Patient
and Public Involvement
The
Trust has a statutory duty to involve patients and public in evaluating and
planning services. All staff have a
responsibility to listen to the views of patients and to contribute to
service improvements based on patient feedback.
Training
and Personal Development Continuous Professional Development
The
jobholder must take responsibility in agreement with his/her line manager for
his/her own personal development by ensuring that Continuous Professional
Development remains a priority. The
jobholder will undertake all mandatory training required for the role.
Respect
for Patient Confidentiality
The
jobholder should respect patient confidentiality at all times and not divulge
patient information unless sanctioned by the requirements of the role.
. COMMUNICATION & WORKING
RELATIONSHIPS
As
the job holder you will communicate and work directly or indirectly with a
diverse range of other staff. Those shown below are examples:
Internal
- Colleagues, supervisors and
managers within the speciality
- Pathology staff working in other
specialities
- Members of clinical teams including
nurses, doctors and other practitioners
- Administrative and secretarial
staff
- Estates and facilities staff
External
- Staff in primary care facilities
- Staff in other hospitals
- Staff in non NHS organizations (for
example suppliers of consumables)
- Patients
