Job overview
Associate Practitioners work as part of a team supporting the Biomedical Scientific staff in the effective provision of the Blood Sciences service. Biomedical Scientists process/ analyse blood, body fluids, tissues and cells to support in determining the presence or absence of abnormal pathology. This information can then be used to enable diagnosis and monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
Using the knowledge and experience gained through training to Foundation degree level, staff will process work through the Department. They will report results according to agreed protocols to scientific staff in the department, supporting the delivery of a professional and efficient research service.
After appropriate training, the R&D Associate Practitioner will be required to carry out a range of laboratory procedures. The Associate Practitioner will participate in the preparation of specimens for testing (this may include running automated analysers and preparing and processing blood films for analysis), preparation of solutions and maintaining stock levels and also assisting in maintaining of records and files.
The post holder will also be required to work as part of the administration team transferring participant data and tests requirements from request forms.
Concentration, accuracy and attention to detail are essential to these processes and R&D Associate Practitioners are expected to provide a helpful and professional service to patients and staff within the Trust
Main duties of the job
To plan and organise their work within the demands of the team, assisting new staff to become fully informed of the routine laboratory procedures performed by R&D Associate Practitioners.
b. Upon receipt uniquely identify, label and prepare specimens for analysis including those specimens for clinical trials.
c. Preparation of slides for microscopy.
d. The regular cleaning, sterilisation or disinfection of work areas and equipment.
e. The safe disposal of specimens, stains, solutions, glass and confidential waste in accordance with department policy and Health and Safety regulations.
f. To assist with the labelling, filing and storage of completed specimens and data files.
g. To partake in the answering of telephone enquiries in accordance with department policy and liaise with other healthcare professionals using the laboratory service.
h. Be responsible for receiving, checking, logging and storage of incoming goods in accordance with laboratory SOP and good laboratory practice.
i. To perform the re-packaging and sending of samples away for referral analysis.
j. The preparation of stains, reagents and solutions with minimal supervision.
k. The maintenance of daily quality assurance logs.
Working for our organisation
Our vision is to provide outstanding care for every patient. Patient care is at the heart of what we do at our three sites: Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester and Andover War Memorial Hospital. Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides medical and surgical services to a population of approximately 600,000 people across Hampshire and parts of West Berkshire.
Our cultural ambition is to have a culture that places people at the heart of all we do, where we all belong, and where learning, improvement and excellence thrive.
We provide specialist services to people across the UK and internationally. We are one of only two centres in the UK treating pseudomyxoma peritonei (a rare form of abdominal cancer) and we are leaders in the field of tertiary liver cancer and colorectal cancer.
The trust employs more than 9,000 staff and has a turnover of over £500 million a year. As a Foundation Trust, we are directly accountable to our members through the governors. The Council of Governors represent the interests of their constituencies and influence the future plans of the Foundation Trust.
Tackling Climate Change: Hampshire Hospitals aims to embed sustainability and net zero carbon principles into the delivery of care across all its services. To find out more, search or .
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To undertake a range of manual laboratory investigations and procedures with minimal supervision.
b. To adhere strictly to standard operating procedures (SOP’s) used within the laboratory. Drawing to the attention of Biomedical Scientists the loss of performance of quality control material and or equivocal laboratory results.
c. To operate and carry out the maintenance on selected laboratory equipment.
d. Be able to do basic troubleshooting for assays being run and decide when a more experienced member of staff should be informed following standard operational SOP’s
e. To undertake pre and post analytical checks to audit the accuracy of specimen results.
f. The operation of laboratory equipment adhering to set protocols and procedures
Person specification
Training & Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Good sound general education up to A level/vocational NVQ3 or equivalent knowledge and experience
Desirable criteria
2. IBMS accredited Biomedical Science BSc
Experience & Knowledge
Essential criteria
3. Develop a knowledge of the importance and relevance of laboratory investigations into patient welfare
Desirable criteria
4. Previous laboratory or hospital experience
Skills & Ability
Essential criteria
5. Able to provide data accurately to other Healthcare Professionals
Desirable criteria
6. Willingness to develop and train as the skill mix extends or alters