Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant
Job overview
Applications are invited for the above post within the Biochemistry department. We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our hard working and friendly team.
We operate a busy 24/7 365 service supporting the Acute Trust and Primary care. Core hours are 9 am – 5:30 pm, however flexibility is required and the successful candidate may be required to work between the hours of 8am-8pm.
The department currently processes approximately 350,000 requests per year and 5 million tests per year. To meet this demand the laboratory is well-equipped with a varying degree of tracked and standalone automation. The department is approved for training by the IBMS, and all staff are encouraged to participate in CPD.
Main duties of the job
To work alongside qualified staff to prepare samples for analysis, undertake sample testing and to performance maintenance on complex equipment to ensure continuous service provision. The successful candidate will work with a variety of sample types including blood, urine, stool and cerebrospinal fluid.
Working for our organisation
Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a caring and compassionate organisation that is both ambitious and innovative. We are committed to delivering the best outcomes for our patients and providing a positive experience of our staff.We aspire to be outstanding for our patients, our communities and our staff and are committed to being a great place to receive healthcare, work and learn.
Straddling the neighbouring boroughs of Warrington and Halton we are part of the Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care system. Our hospitals are ideally situated to meet the growing healthcare needs of the 330,000 population of these boroughs.
Warrington Hospital is home to our emergency, critical care and maternity services, Halton Hospital is focused on elective procedures and the Runcorn Urgent Treatment Centre, although many services are offered at both sites and in community hubs.
A CQC-rated ‘good’ organisation with ‘outstanding’ features, we are working towards university hospital status, having achieved teaching hospital status in 2019.
Our workforce of nearly 5,000 across both sites comprises more than 50 nationalities. We strive to be an equal, diverse and inclusive employer, which is recognised as a pioneer in its equality, diversity and inclusion work. The Trust is proud to have achieved numerous external accreditations and is working towards achieving the Anti-Racist Organisation Framework, recognising the importance of anti-racism in all that we do.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities- Perform complex tests on patient samples or quality control material in accordance with SOPs independently or under the direction and/or supervision of qualified staff.
- Maintain adequate records of tests performed.
- Prepare samples and specimens for analysis in accordance with SOPs and document accordingly.
- Prepare reagents for various analytical techniques
- Set up and check complex equipment for correct and safe operation.
- Undertake maintenance on complex equipment according to current SOPs.
- Have input into departmental technical/scientific procedures & policies.
The Biochemistry laboratory is fully automated with a Siemens Aptio track and analysers, connected to a number of pre and post analytical modules. In addition the are a number of stand alone analysers.
The post holder will be responsible for the maintenance and daily set up of a number of standalone analysers, along with communication of patient results.
The Laboratory uses CGM MOLIS as the laboratory information management system.
Please see the attached JD and Person Specification for a full Job Description.
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria- Laboratory experience
- Laboratory experience at NHS level
Qualifications
Essential criteria- NVQ level 3 in Lab Skills or equivalent competencies
Skills, knowledge and competencies
Essential criteria- Experience with I.T and keyboard systems
- Attention to detail
Physical skills
Essential criteria- Able to follow written instructions (SOP’s)
- High degree of manual dexterity
- Able to work on own
Working conditions
Essential criteria- Able to handle and work with biological materials
You can find more information on the Government website. Please review your eligibility and the eligibility of the role before submitting your application.