Poct Biomedical Assistant

The POCT Biomedical Assistants (BMA) are part of a dedicated POCT team delivering an effective, high quality and responsive POCT service across the Path Links network. BMAs are involved in supporting the implementation of POCT services across multiple areas, working up validation and verification of analytical POCT devices and training staff across the trust.

The posts will be based within the Pathology departments at Pilgrim Hospital Boston and Lincoln County Hospital.

Path Links is a networked Pathology service offering a wide range of diagnostic investigations on tissue, blood, and fluid samples. All Path Links laboratories are accredited to national United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) ISO 15189:2012 standards.

Duties include performing regular IQC, checking logs, maintenance, troubleshooting, EQA analysis and review.

POCT service user management (including ongoing training/support). This will include the support, training and development of staff from various professions in the use of POCT equipment to national standards.

We’re a large organisation with three hospitals located in Scunthorpe, Grimsby and Goole. We also provide community services in North Lincolnshire. Our 6,500 members of staff care for and support a population of more than 400,000 people.

We encourage all our staff to innovate and adopt ‘best practice’ so we can deliver excellent care to our patients. We ask staff to live our values; kindness, courage and respect.

We are committed to recruiting the best people to work with us. You could be one of them.

In line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Recruitment & Workforce team will use and hold your personal data for the intended purpose and in line with the Recruitment & Workforce Privacy Statement.

“We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children/vulnerable adults and expect the same commitment from all staff and volunteers”.

Please be aware that all new employees starting work with us will be charged for the cost of their DBS check, if it is required for their role.
- Preparation of POCT analysers for use: including maintenance, calibration and quality control.
- Inputting patient data into the laboratory computer system, preparation of samples for analysis and storing them after.
- Preparation and distribution of EQA samples.
- Collating EQA results and submission, follow up issues with locations
- Prelimary ‘Troubleshooting’ problems within POCT that arise and rectifying them, or seek appropriate assistance.
- Maintaining trainer certifications across the network.
- Managing consumables
- Storage of deliveries, stock control and monitoring of storage conditions

Scientific and Clinical
- Answer telephone requests for information, advice and results from POCT users.
- Advise service users regarding suitability of sample and requests.
- Report untoward incidents and make suggestions for corrective and preventive actions

Management Responsibility
- Support of staff using POCT equipment across the network.
- Stock management, including the recording of reagent and consumable stocks as they are delivered into the laboratory, and advising appropriate personnel when stock levels are low.
- Support the monthly POCT ULH meetings

Training and Development
- Participate in training offered, including CPD, and keep up to date with current practices.
- Ensure that personal competency records are up to date for all pieces of automated equipment and manual tests undertaken in the discharge of their duties. This will include an understanding of the basic construction of the equipment, knowledge of moving parts, and an understanding of computer software used in the process.
- Deliver practical POCT training to hospital staff.
- Perform competency assessments to support the completion of POCT training records for hospital staff and trainers

Information Technology
- Undertake the appropriate training and gain the necessary knowledge to use POCT Information Systems:

- Management Systems to: - Enter patient and specimen data
- Enter test results
- Investigate errors
- Ensure that accurate records, including reagent records, maintenance logs, and records relevant to UKAS compliance are kept.
- Use of QPulse management system

We are committed to creating and maintaining a fair and supportive working environment and culture, where contributions are fully recognised and valued by all and staff feel empowered to carry out their duties to the best of their abilities. As employers we are committed to promoting and protecting the physical and mental health and well-being of all our staff. This underpins our values as set out in the NHS Constitution, supports us to be an Employer of Choice and ultimately enables our employees to support the effective care of our patients.