Higher Biomedical Support Worker

We are looking for an experienced Biomedical Support Worker who would like to develop their skills and knowledge within our Blood Sciences R&D / Central Services and referral department at CHFT to become a Higher Biomedical Support Worker.
We are open to considering a wide range of flexible working arrangements. There are opportunities to flex the days of the week, hours and times of work and place of work including: part-time, job-share, flexible working hours and the possibility to work from home when appropriate. Please talk to us during the interview process to discuss any flexibility that you may require.
Post Description
Higher Biomedical Support Workers are members of a large multidisciplinary laboratory team, therefore good team-working skills and a flexible approach to work are essential. Keyboard skills are important as there is a significant element of computerised specimen requesting and result handling.
Main Tasks
To demonstrate politeness, courtesy and sensitivity when dealing with patients, services users, colleagues and members of the public.
To promote a positive image of the Pathology and Calderdale & Huddersfield Foundation Trust at all times.
To work cohesively with colleague, including external laboratories to ensure we give excellent patient care at all times.
Working collaboratively with the wider Blood Sciences team to ensure safe and efficient daily operation of service.
To greet and welcome all visitors to Pathology. This may involve escorting visitors to the correct location, taking receipt of samples from patients or service users, offering help or advice to colleagues or receiving deliveries of goods into the department.
Ensure deliveries into the department are done safely following manual handling protocols and ensuring the correct use of equipment.
To follow standard precautions for Infection Prevention Control at all times, including good hand hygiene.
To receive and sort clinical samples on arrival, ensuring the receipt time is documented clearly following laboratory policy.
To check samples for integrity and priority ensuring urgent, time limited or unstable samples are processed or stabilised immediately on receipt.
Follow policy to reject any samples that do not meet the MDS policy e.g. unlabeled, incorrectly labelled, missing or mislaid samples
To label samples and request forms with laboratory barcodes. If the samples are already labelled with EPR barcodes ensure they are labelled correctly with the correct corresponding labels to tubes.
Be aware of and process samples in line with agreed turnaround times for reporting results.
To correctly store, retrieve and dispose of clinical specimens.
To print and manage Work files for referral work, ensuring samples are processed in a timely manner.
To create shipment and shipping manifests in NPEX for referral work.
To electronically dispatch specimens prior to transporting them.
Be responsible for the preparation and packaging to P650 transportation standard for biological specimens when being referred to a referral laboratory’s for analysis.
To ensure all samples that have been referred for analysis are marked as ‘Pending’ in the LIMS system.
To maintain adequate levels of laboratory consumables within the department.
Participate in flexible working arrangements as required by the needs of the service.
To provide confidential, specialised and sensitive diagnostic test results over the telephone to service users.
To accurately retrieve and or relay details from the LIMS when answering telephone or other queries. Ensuring patient confidentiality is maintained at all times.
Training and Development
Comprehensive training will be provided; all Higher Biomedical Support Workers must be willing and able to learn new skills and techniques
Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of routine work and maintain competency levels.
Competency assessments and reassessments will be in place for all areas of activity.
Records will be kept of all training and competency assessments carried out in this role.
To assist with the training and development of new starters.
To participate in continued professional development.
Health and Safety
Wear PPE provided and follow IPC measures, including hand hygiene at all time.
Follow the health and safety training you have been given.
Ensure adherence to the safety policies of Pathology and the Trust.
Be aware of the inherent hazards in the workplace, and to take adequate precautions to prevent them.
To work with great care at all times and to report any new risks encountered or accidents to the Laboratory Manager and the Pathology Health and Safety Manager.
Take care of your own and other people’s health and safety within the laboratory and wider workplace.
To observe and adhere to the Pathology security policy.
Disposal of clinical waste in accordance with Health and Safety and COSSH Guidelines.
Follow correct procedure with regards to biological spills and leaked samples.
Follow COSHH assessments for laborato