Associate Practitioner

Undertake routine and non-routine tests or activities as identified by individual laboratories.
Responsible for monitoring and performing daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance of laboratory equipment.
Perform various technical and quality control processes within their scope of competencies.
Use scientific knowledge to recognise and act on non-conformances or unexpected outcomes.
Perform basic troubleshooting tasks on laboratory equipment.
The post holder will be a part of a team of Biomedical Scientists and Biomedical support workers delivering a high-quality Pathology Service.
The post holder will participate in all quality activities and be expected to attend departmental huddles on a regular basis.
The post holder will be required to train/teach staff within the scope of their competencies.
The post holder will be required to undertake their responsibilities within any of the sections of Pathology to comply with national standards e.g., ISO15189 and HTA
The post holder must have some experience in working in a histology lab and have an understanding of histology processes
Be able to interpret and follow standard operating procedures.
Perform biomedical investigations to the point of technical validation as specified by the Senior BMS including:
- Automated techniques
Semi-automated techniques
Manual techniques
Be responsible for stock control of reagents and other consumables.
Be responsible for resolving outstanding work lists.
Be responsible retrieving retrospective specimens.
6. Check and confirm the identify and quality of specimens/samples at all relevant stages in line with established procedures and protocols including the checking of anomalous or abnormal results.
**Handle and deal with specimens/samples in a way which**:
- is consistent with the indicated degree of risk or urgency.
maintains the required quality and integrity.
maintains their unique identification and their links to relevant records/documentation.
is appropriate to the nature and stage of the investigation.
8. Assess the process and outcomes of investigations using the correct quality control criteria referring anomalous results to the biomedical scientist staff.
Store and prepare and use reagents according to manufacturers’ instructions.
Participate in the introduction of new methods in the laboratory.
Refer to biomedical scientist staff in the case of incidents which put health and safety or the quality of specimens at risk.
Comply with legislation, policies, and procedures.
Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.
Our Excellence Values
Compassion
Accountability
Respect
Integrity
Courage
We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone’s full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities.
We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.
We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.
Communication
Communicate in a manner that is consistent with legislation policies and procedures.
Communicate effectively with all members of the Pathology staff, clinicians and visitors to the department.
Improve communication by the use of communication skills.
Be aware of possible barriers to communication and how to overcome them.
Deal sensitively with patient/ clinician enquiries in stressful situations.
Ensure confidentiality of all written verbal and electronic information.
Keep accurate and complete records in line with legislation, policies and procedures.
Provide approved departmental information and advice to other healthcare professionals, patients and the public, referring on appropriate specialist request for information outside their area of responsibility.
Be able to use all relevant forms of communication.
Attend and participate in departmental meetings.
Personal and People Development
Take responsibility for own personal development and take an active part in learning opportunities.
**A portfolio must be maintained to demonstrate**:
To record that the post holder is keeping up to date with current scientific and technical developments including participation in scientific meetings as appropriate.
Be required to have achieved the appropriate qualification, e.g Foundation Degree in Healthcare Science.
Be required to assist in the training and development of Biomedical Support Workers, in th