Job summary
The job is based within the Blood Sciences Department at University Hospitals Sussex (east site) and the post holder will be expected to work at Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton. They may also be asked to work across the University Hospitals Sussex sites, if service requires.
The post holder will be required to perform a range of tasks, to assist in the provision of an efficient and smoothly running Immunology and immunohaematology service. They will perform a wide range of biomedical investigations on samples, usually under indirect supervision and in accordance to laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) and departmental policies. These tests will be performed either by using precision manual techniques, semi-automated and fully automated assay methods. There will also be a requirement to prepare samples ready for other sections within Blood Sciences and for laboratories at other hospitals. It will be necessary to keep an up to date knowledge and understanding of Immunology and immunohaematology working practices.
Main duties of the job
We require a Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant who will primarily oversee the Immunology and immunohaematology sections at RSCH and its Medical Laboratory Assistant functions; prioritising resources to effect a smooth transition of samples through the laboratory.
The successful applicant must be conscientious, enthusiastic and able to liaise confidently with colleagues within the department and beyond.
The post holder will be required to perform a range of tasks, to assist in the provision of an efficient and smoothly running Immunology and immunohaematology service. They will be required to perform a range of tasks, to assist in the provision of an efficient and smoothly running Blood Sciences service.
About us
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Applications are invited from dynamic, motivated, reliable and organised candidates with NHS laboratory experience, for a Blood Sciences Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant within the Blood Sciences laboratories within University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust in the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and at the Princess Royal Hospital in Hayward's Heath.
The post would suit careful and accurate individuals who would work under pressure helping to provide a service that is vital to the diagnosis and treatment of patients in the hospital and surrounding community.
The ability to communicate well is and exemplary organisational kills are essential. IT skills including data input skills are an integral part of the role; previous laboratory is highly desirable but not essential.
Duties & Responsibilities include:
Scientific & analytical
- Follows Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at all times
- Undertakes routine Daily, weekly, monthly and as necessary maintenance and troubleshooting on analysers throughout the laboratory to ensure correct functioning
- Undertakes complex haematological and immunological analysis on samples by using either manual or automated techniques
- Checks all samples before processing for identification, status and suitability for diagnostic investigations.
- Performs complex haematological analysis on quality control samples to ensure accuracy and precision is being maintained
- Performs calibrations processes on highly complex and intricate analysers to ensure quality of patient data obtained by subsequent analysis.
- Performs complex haematological analysis on external quality assurance samples sent to the laboratory and then return the completed results, after clearance by a senior member of staff, to the external requesting bodies.
- Identify, centrifuge and aliquot samples into the appropriate containers, within the designated preparation area of the laboratory, ready for further investigation.
- Prepares reagents, stock solutions and laboratory disinfectants as directed.
- Receipts all reagents/stock received and performs batch acceptance where appropriate.
- Trained to work in either a specific specialised section (static) or in more than one specific section of the department (rotational).
- Required to enter demographic and test request data onto Laboratory Information Management System when required.
- Places routine stock replacement orders. Demonstrates an understanding of special requirements and urgency
- Ensure all blood storage facilities are regularly monitored and any deviations communicated to senior staff.
Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details.
Person Specification
Qualifications and experience
Essential
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
- Evidence of relevant NHS laboratory experience
Desirable
- Evidence of relevant supervisory experience
- Experience working in a role with conflicting priorities.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential
- Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
- Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
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
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)
Address
Royal Sussex County Hospital
Brighton
BN2 5BE