Healthcare Science Assistant Point of Care Testing (POCT Band 3)

Staffline are Hiring On Behalf of WHSCT ,

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE Healthcare Science Assistant Point of Care Testing (POCT)

BAND 3

INITIAL LOCATION Altnagelvin Hospital

JOB SUMMARY

To assist in the effective performance of POCT in the Western Health & Social Care Trust. To assist in the maintenance, evaluation, staff training and documentation of all POCT equipment under the guidance of the Biomedical Scientist Point of Care Testing (POCT) Specialist. To assist in ensuring that equipment is maintained and controlled so as to be available in order to provide a rapid and timely turnaround time for patient care.

This post will be primarily based at Altnagelvin Hospital but will require the post holder to visit other sites in the Western Trust on a regular (weekly) basis, sometimes at short notice.

The post is based in the Pathology Department but work of a multidiscipline nature will be required.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

All of these duties must be carried out in accordance with the Point of Care Testing Standard Operating Procedures and Health and Safety Policy.

• To assist in maintaining and running Point of Care equipment in line with Trust Policy and to standards required by UKAS ISO 15189 and ISO 22870.

• To assist in maintaining adequate stock levels of Point of Care consumables, both within the Department and at each POCT site. To ensure that all storage areas are safe and tidy. To minimise wastage of materials by appropriate stock rotation and by good laboratory technique.

• To assist in the monitoring of Point of Care equipment and to ensure that it is functioning correctly. To troubleshoot and repair as necessary and report any faults/problems to the Biomedical Scientist Point of Care Testing (POCT) Specialist.
• To assist in maintaining the asset register for POCT equipment.

• To ensure that Internal Quality Control is performed prior to the analysis of patient samples.
• Receipt of POCT stock ensuring they are recorded and appropriately stored in the relevant POCT areas or fridges.
• Preparation and replenishing of reagents on automated equipment.
• Maintenance of the Blood Gas analysers in the POCT setting.
• Maintenance, calibration, processing of quality control checks of POCT analysers.
• Maintenance of other laboratory equipment as assigned by the Lead BMS.

• General maintenance, cleaning and decontamination of POCT instruments in compliance with written protocols

• To assist in the training of staff in the use of POCT equipment, including the arrangement of training, booking rooms and preparation of training materials.
• To assist in the production, review and maintenance of all standing operational procedures, protocols and policies in POCT as necessary.
• To assist in implementing any procedural changes required by the Biomedical Scientist Point of Care Testing (POCT) Specialist and disseminate information relating to them.
• To assist in ensuring that the necessary standards of security are maintained throughout the POCT service
• To assist in the adequacy of maintenance, repair, servicing and safety of all equipment within the section and record information as necessary.

• To assist in the participation in and adherence to the procedures for both internal and external quality control (including National External Quality Assurance Schemes), thereby providing quality assurance in test results produced.
• To participate in the quality management programme within POCT and Pathology by carrying out departmental and ward audits as necessary.
• Attend relevant meetings including meetings of the POCT core team and the Northern and Southern Sector POCT Committees.
• Clerical duties - preparation of EQA distributions and data input of EQA returns - data retrieval for audits and POCT meetings.
• Help ensure that the POCT service adheres to the Health and Safety policy.

The post holder must obey the Trust dress code for working in clinical areas and also obey the hand hygiene improvement protocol

Other duties may be assigned to the HSA at the discretion of the Biomedical Scientist Point of Care Testing (POCT) Specialist.

Experience

At least one year laboratory experience

Or At least one year experience working in a clinical setting

Qualifications/ Registration

5 GCSEs (or equivalent) to include English Language and one science subject or Equivalent

Other

Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment.

Skills / Abilities

Ability to work within a team

To be able to use initiative and organise own work.

Clear, effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Have a positive and patient focused attitude.

Reliable and a clear understanding of confidentially.

Ability to travel between hospital sites as and when required

Participation in weekend and bank holiday Rota

Knowledge

Health & Safety Awareness

Computer skills

Upload your cv to the following email address - [email protected]