Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Associate Practitioner with good interpersonal skills and a committed team member to join the integrated RMH Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service (SIHMDS), working across central specimen reception, Haematopathology and Immunophenotyping. The SIHMDS at the Centre for Molecular Pathology (CMP) in Sutton, provides an expert diagnostic service for both RMH clinicians and also for those from other NHS and private organisations as well as participating in clinical trials.
The key roles of an associate practitioner consist of sample collection, data entry, sample prioritisation and distribution. The post holder will be the first point of contact for internal and external clinical users and couriers. The specimen reception is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm and so the post holder will be required to participate on a shift system on a rotational basis to provide this cover.
In addition to the specimen reception role the post holder would be required to rotate into the Haematopathology and Immunophenotyping laboratories to perform laboratory support duties.
The Trust encourages and supports continuing professional and personal development and Pathology runs a CPD Club. Staff benefits include child care facilities, car parking at Sutton and various sports and social activities.
Main duties of the job
The key roles of an associate practitioner consist of sample collection, data entry, sample prioritisation and distribution. The post holder will be the first point of contact for internal and external clinical users and couriers. The specimen reception is open from 8.30 to 5.30pm and so the post holder will be required to participate on a shift system on a rotational basis to provide this cover.
In addition to the specimen reception role the post holder would be required to rotate into both the Haematopathology and Immunophenotyping laboratories to perform laboratory support duties described in the ‘Key areas of responsibility’ section below. The laboratories are open between 8AM-6PM and the post holder will be required to participate on a shift system on a rotational basis to provide this cover once trained to do so.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For more information please refer to the job description and personal specification
To collect different types of biological samples from the main Pathology laboratories, minor procedures, theatres and switchboard during the day; including late samples and maintaining all relevant audit trails
To receive and check samples from referral hospitals, laboratories and wards. To verify ID against request forma and liaise with appropriate staff where errors or omissions exist. To log samples on the audit trail
To safely deal with High Risk samples according to policy
To prioritise samples according to SOPs and laboratory requirements
To input patient-related data received from external referral hospitals, wards and clinical areas including test requests, using the Pathology LIMS systems/ local database/ NHS tracing system on a daily basis;
Person specification
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
1. Ability to write clearly
2. Evidence of intermediate IT skills and data entry accuracy
3. GCSE in Mathematics
4. Ability to collect & distribute biological samples across the Sutton hospital site
Desirable criteria
5. Knowledge of medical terminology
Personal Qualities
Essential criteria
6. Ability to undertake a support role
7. Able to follow written instructions including SOPs
8. Attention to detail & accuracy
Specific Experience
Essential criteria
9. Good education to include A levels, including a science subject
10. A recognised qualification in Maths & English
11. Willing to undergo relevant training
12. Experience of working within a relevant laboratory
13. Experience & knowledge of duties required to support senior staff gained by experience in a similar role
14. Able to understand and follow Standard Operating Procedures
15. Awareness that role involves handling of biological samples and willingness to be trained in this area
16. Awareness of and ability to follow laboratory H&S practice for handling pathological specimens or willingness to undergo training in this area
17. Good understanding of task prioritisation & demonstration of practice
18. Basic understanding of quality management & experience of delivering good quality of service
Desirable criteria
19. BSc degree in Biological Science
20. Knowledge of theory & practice of laboratory techniques
The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.
Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.
Flu Vaccination – What We Expect of our Staff
At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease.
The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the upmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient-facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.
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