Associate Practitioner
The closing date is 29 March 2026
As an Associate Practitioner in histology, the post holder is responsible for a variety of tasks to assist in the smooth operation of the section in order to deliver a specialised, diagnostic service that contributes to the clinical care of the patient.
The post holder will carry out procedures in the Pathology Department that do not require HPC registration, handling body fluids and materials including high‑risk specimens (e.g., HIV and Hepatitis B patients). They will perform appropriate scientific investigations for patients in the diagnosis of pathological disease. Using knowledge and experience gained through training to Foundation or BSc degree level, staff will process work through the Department. The post holder will act under supervision or without supervision, following competency assessment directed by senior staff.
You will be responsible to and liaise closely with senior staff in the department, providing a high‑quality technical service that builds on the standards defined by UKAS. You will be expected to develop and maintain close working relationships with all grades of staff, both scientific and medical, to ensure the effective delivery of the technical service.
The job will involve exposure to body‑fluid samples, human tissue samples and harmful chemicals.
Accommodation offer
Your Next Career Move Made Easier - Accommodation May Be Offered
We understand relocating can be a big step. Hampshire Hospitals may be able to provide accommodation options for successful candidates, depending on availability. If this is something you would like to explore please contact Southern Housing on 02080 360017
Main duties of the job
* Participate in the routine Cellular Pathology rotas. Rotate through all areas of the laboratory as directed by senior staff, including:
o Specimen reception
o Cut‑up assist
o Embedding
o Microtomy
o Haematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) staining
o Internal Quality Control (IQC)
o Specimen decalcification
o Special stains
o Immunohistochemistry
* Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at all times.
* Participate in the departmental training programmes, gaining competence in all areas of routine Cellular Pathology.
* Receive, label and prepare specimens prior to processing; check the validity of sample labelling and type. Assist in the Specimen Reception section when required to meet operational needs of the department.
* Resolve simple laboratory problems: mislabelled samples, poor performing assays/equipment, queries from service users.
* Adhere to Trust Policy regarding Data Protection, Information Governance and Freedom of Information.
* Adhere to Trust and Departmental Health & Safety policy, including wearing of PPE when required.
* Maintain and promote high standards of Health & Safety within the workplace.
* Dispose of specimens and other material in accordance with H&S guidelines, RCPath recommendations and local Pathology protocols.
* Support the Health & Safety Leads with implementing policies and audit procedures.
* Support the Quality Lead in audits, EQA, raising and closing non‑conformities on Q‑Pulse and reviewing documents.
* Support the Training Lead with delivering the training programme where appropriate.
* Report and remedy, within scope of practice, any instance or event which may cause a service delivery failure.
* Report any risks, clinical and non‑clinical accidents and incidents/potential incidents promptly to senior members of staff and using the DATIX system if appropriate and cooperate with any investigations undertaken.
* Support the Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA) or other trainee staff, and assist qualified Associate Practitioners and Biomedical Scientists in their roles.
* Package and send away samples for referral when required.
* Maintain adequate storage of samples and correct disposal at the appropriate time.
* Perform routine operative maintenance on laboratory instruments and undertake corrective maintenance and troubleshooting when appropriate.
* Undertake manual, semi‑automated and fully automated laboratory investigations, following set protocols and procedures to prepare and quality‑control stained histology tissue slides.
* Progress to performing specimen transfer of RCPath Category A specimens following a period of training and competency assessment.
* Prepare reagents required for use in the laboratory and other related areas. Weekly/Monthly stock control duties of laboratory supplies and reagents.
Person Specification
Training and qualifications
Essential
* Literacy and numeracy to at least GCSE or equivalent level evidenced.
Desirable
* Has a science related degree.
Experience and knowledge
Essential
* Experience of dealing with sensitive information evidenced.
Desirable
* Previous laboratory or NHS experience.
Skills and abilities
Essential
* Ability to work both individually or as part of a team.
* Ability to follow complex procedures is evidenced.
Desirable
* Evidence of strong communication skills.
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
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Royal Hampshire County Hospital
Romsey Road
Winchester
SO22 5DG
Employer's website
https://www.hampshirehospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
£27,485 to £30,162 a year pro rata
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