Associate Practitioner

The Microbiology Department at RSCH and PRH receives over 650,000 specimens per year and undertakes all routine microbiology procedures including specimen analysis, results interpretation and report generation. This includes a recently set up COVID-19 testing service for our patients.

As an Associate Practitioner, the post holder will undertake a range of complex investigations in the Virology laboratory to provide skilled assistance in the diagnosis of disease, and monitoring of treatment. These investigations include manual, semi-automated and automated techniques on specialised analytical equipment. They require a high level of accuracy and presentation, which may include interpretative comments and/or suggestion of further pathology investigations, aiding the clinician in making a diagnosis and/or patient management.

This is a full time post (37.5 hours). Flexibility with start and finish times is required as Associate Practitioners participate in a seven day rota. Cross site working (RSCH and PRH) may be required.

The successful applicants must be flexible, conscientious, enthusiastic and able to liaise confidently with colleagues within the department and beyond. All successful applicants will be expected to work rostered weekends including bank holidays and also late nights on a rota.

These are full time posts (37.5 hours per week) but consideration for part time working will be given if it can successfully support the shift patterns and rotas.

Join us at UHSussex, every day is different, you can be the change, better never stops

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

**Improving lives**: We are a vibrant and inclusive organisation, with hardworking, talented and dedicated individuals, who work together towards a common goal, to always put our Patient First. Our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and no matter the role at UHSussex, you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex. 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.

**Build a career with us**: 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.

ROLE CONTEXT

The Microbiology and Infection Service provides high quality, value for money pathology services to UHSx and other Trusts including teaching and district general hospitals, PHE and GP commissioners, forging closer customer relationships along with developing new commercial opportunities.

This position will cover two sites at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; the Royal Sussex County Hospital at Brighton and the Princess Royal Hospital at Haywards Heath. The post holder will be expected to attend both sites as required. The post-holder will be held accountable to the HR policies and procedures of UHSx.

Microbiology and Infection Service

The Microbiology service operates 24hours/day and 7days/week. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the service is expanding and implementing more rapid testing solutions alongside our initial Covid-19 testing service and our routine microbiology.

As an Associate Practitioner, the post holder will undertake a range of complex investigations to assist in the diagnosis of disease, and monitoring of treatment. These investigations include manual, semi-automated and automated techniques on specialised analytical equipment.

The post holder must undertaking personal continuing professional development. They may also participate in the training and development of other staff.

JOB PURPOSE

Primarily the post holder will support UHSx in implementing and maintaining rapid testing solutions for SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) at both its hospital site. This new service will require 24/7 cover to support the hospitals with the management of their patients.

This will include, but not limited to device maintenance and troubleshooting, performing testing for SARS-CoV-2 and Covid-19, managing consumable stocks, documentation and communication of patient results and adherence to infection control policies.

In conjunction with the Head of Service or his/her deputy, and other senior staff, to supervise and train Medical Labo