About this role
Job summary
Please note - THIS POST IS ONLY OPEN TO KENT AND MEDWAY PATHOLOGY NETWORK STAFF (I.E. THOSE EMPLOYED BY DARTFORD AND GRAVESHAM NHS TRUST, MEDWAY NHS TRUST, EAST KENT HOSPITALS NHS TRUST, MAIDSTONE AND TUNBRIDGE WELLS NHS TRUST). ANY APPLICATIONS FROM PEOPLE NOT EMPLOYED BY THE NETWORK WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED
The role of the Healthcare Science Support Worker (HSSW) is primarily to support the department's Biomedical Scientists (BMS) and provide administrative assistance in the processing of patient specimens. This will primarily include: preparing specimens, processing specimens, loading analysers, running and maintaining analysers and dealing with phone calls. Additional responsibilities within this role include blood transfusion traceability.
Participation in the 24/7 out of hours shift cover system is expected.
Main duties of the job
To identify and load patient samples and begin analytical test procedure according to SOPs.
To perform daily tasks recorded on checklists. Including daily, weekly and monthly maintenance on all analytical and non-analytical tasks within the laboratory.
To maintain and check the daily stocks of reagents, kits and consumables required for the analytical equipment and load reagents on to analysers.
To monitor all stock levels within the department on a weekly basis and advise BMS staff if supplies fall below minimum stock levels.
To liaise with clinical staff over the phone
About us
We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer, creating a workplace where everyone can thrive regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or belief, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or experience. We value different perspectives and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds to help us reflect the communities we serve and deliver the best possible care.
We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community. As a Disability Confident employer, we offer guaranteed interviews to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria in the person specification.
Our Continuous Quality Improvement approach drives ongoing improvements to our services and helps us maintain high standards of patient care.
As an NHS employee, you may work with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage staff to keep up to date with COVID-19 and annual flu vaccinations to help protect patients, colleagues, and themselves, supporting our commitment to providing safe, high-quality care.
Job description Job responsibilities
Technical Responsibilities:
Support the work of BMS staff working within the laboratory.
Book in samples for testing within the department or referral to other departments.
Prepare samples for testing on automated and manual laboratory analysers, identify and load patient samples and begin analytical test procedure according to SOPs then unload, sort and store samples appropriately.
Maintain test turnaround times by dealing with samples in a timely manner
Perform daily tasks recorded on checklists. Including daily, weekly and monthly maintenance on all analytical and non-analytical tasks within the laboratory such as temperature chart changes, checking of massive blood loss bleep, laboratory mobile and alarms.
Inform BMS staff of any issues, inconsistencies or inaccuracies within the department.
Perform a second demographic check on all samples (if required) prior to loading on to automated analysers.
Maintain and check the daily stocks of reagents, kits and consumables required for the analytical equipment and load reagents on to analysers.
Monitor all stock levels within the department on a weekly basis and advise BMS staff if supplies fall below minimum stock levels.
Receive, unpack, log and store all reagents used within the laboratory.
Please see attached job description for further information.
Person Specification
Education and Training Essential
Numerate and literate to NVQ level 3 (or equivalent pathology / laboratory experience) Grade C or above GCSE English and Mathematics or equivalent.
Knowledge and Skills Essential
Use of Laboratory Information System Ability to work well within a Team Computer literate with good keyboard skills Ability to multitask Good communication / interpersonal skills Ability to operate and maintain automated laboratory analysers Good telephone manner Excellent organisational skills Ability to manage demanding workload and produce results in a timely manner
Experience Essential
Worked with biological specimens in a previous role Previous work experience in a similar role, preferably in the NHS
Desirable
Previous experience of working in a Pathology department
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 Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
Address Darent Valley Hospital
Darenth Wood Road
Dartford
DA2 8DA
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.dgt.nhs.uk/working-for-us (Opens in a new tab)