Associate Practitioner - Clinical Biochemistry

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Opportunity: Associate Practitioner - Clinical Biochemistry

Location: Worcestershire Royal Hospital and Alexandra Hospital Department: Clinical Biochemistry Contract: Permanent Hours: 37.5 hours per week Salary: AFC Band 4

About Us

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is a leading provider of acute/specialist healthcare services in Worcestershire and beyond. We are committed to delivering outstanding, high-quality, and accessible healthcare, and we are looking for passionate individuals to join our team and contribute to our vision. We pride ourselves on our collaborative work environment and dedication to continuous improvement and patient care.

The Role

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Associate Practitioner to join our Clinical Biochemistry Department. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, assisting in the routine and urgent analysis of patient specimens using a variety of manual and automated techniques. You will play a vital role in delivering high-quality diagnostic services and ensuring the smooth operation of our laboratory facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Analytical Duties: Perform accurate preparation, analytical, and post-analytical procedures. Undertake manual, semi-automated, and fully automated analysis of specimens, including high-risk samples. Identify and expedite urgent and priority samples, ensuring timely and accurate results.
• Equipment Management: Conduct routine maintenance, calibration, and quality control of laboratory analysers. Act as a first-line problem solver for equipment issues, both in the laboratory and at point-of-care locations.
• Data Management: Accurately enter and retrieve data from laboratory information systems and manual records. Prepare and pack samples for dispatch to other laboratories, ensuring compliance with current regulations.
• Quality Assurance: Participate in internal and external quality control/assurance procedures. Contribute to achieving accreditation against relevant ISO standards and comply with national POCT guidelines.
• Team Collaboration: Work autonomously and as part of a team, prioritizing and planning your workload. Supervise and train junior staff, including doctors, nurses, and healthcare assistants, ensuring adherence to SOPs and quality standards.
• Communication: Liaise with other Pathology departments, wards, GPs, and service users regarding non-analytical problems with samples. Maintain good communication within the Point of Care team and with clinical staff using Point of Care equipment.
• Stock and Resource Management: Monitor stock levels of reagents and consumables. Order supplies as needed and manage inventory to ensure efficient use of departmental resources.

Qualifications and Experience

• Essential: Relevant qualifications in clinical biochemistry or a related field. Experience with manual and automated laboratory techniques and equipment maintenance. Strong analytical skills and the ability to manage urgent samples and prioritise workload.
• Desirable: Previous experience in a clinical laboratory setting. Knowledge of relevant ISO standards and quality control procedures. Excellent communication skills and the ability to train and supervise junior staff.

Our Values

At Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, we live by our signature behaviours:

• Do what we say we will do
• No Delays, every day
• We listen, we learn, we lead
• Work together, celebrate together

Why Join Us?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected healthcare provider and make a meaningful impact on patient care. We offer a supportive work environment, opportunities for professional development, and a chance to work with cutting-edge laboratory technologies. As a member of our team, you will be part of a diverse and dedicated group of professionals committed to excellence in healthcare.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about clinical biochemistry and are looking for a challenging and rewarding role, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience.

Closing Date: TBC

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• The requirements are for a foundation degree in any science related field

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.

Employer details

Employer name

NHS Professionals Limited

Address

Worcestershire Royal Hospital

Charles Hastings Way

Worcester

WR5 1DD

Employer's website

https://www.nhsprofessionals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)