Associate Practitioner | North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

The pathology departments at NTH and STH are working collaboratively to develop a joint service with services being delivered on both hospital sites. This will require cross site working as appropriate.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for 2 Associate Practitioners at 37.5 and 21 hours per week. Associate Practitioners provide a support function to Biomedical Scientists by performing a range of routine laboratory techniques according to protocols.

A Foundation Degree (Healthcare Practice) or equivalent is essential, as is a basic understanding of human biology and medical terminology and proven experience of working in a laboratory. Good communication skills, teamwork and an aptitude for problem solving are essential, as is a flexible attitude to work and willingness to adapt to changes in working practice.

The department has full UKAS accreditation and IBMS training approval. CPD is actively encouraged. The department operates between 07.00 - 18.00, Monday to Friday with a 1 in 5 Saturday rota. The post holder is expected to work flexibly within these hours, with the possibility of extended working in the future.

Under the direction of the Pathology Management Team and Cellular Pathology Senior Biomedical Scientist(s), the post holder will be required to provide a support function to Biomedical Scientists by performing a range of routine laboratory tasks according to protocols. In addition, the post holder will be required to use practical skills to carry out tasks associated with analysis which are more advanced than those of a Medical Laboratory Assistant. You will have the skills necessary to contribute towards the provision of an accurate and timely service for patients. You will be expected to acquire technical knowledge including specialised knowledge of complex instruments and test principles to support BMS staff.

At North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, our main priority is to provide safe and high quality care to our patients every day; the kind of care we would want for ourselves and our loved ones. We want our organisation to be the best place to work with the right staff, in the right roles, at the right time, to ensure we deliver exceptional patient care and experience.

We will support staff through providing an inclusive and supportive workplace with health and well-being initiatives, staff benefits and opportunities for personal and professional development. Staff recognition is very important to us; as well as performance reviews and appraisals, we recognise staff through Star and Team of the month, colleague recognition – a note of thanks, Managers Awards, Shining Stars and Service Awards. We actively encourage staff involvement with staff networking events and staff survey.

Competently deal with all sample types received into the department including those which may carry transmissible infection risks and follow the appropriate protocols for handling such specimens. Triage specimens ensuring urgent specimens are prioritised and inadequate and mis-labelled specimens are identified in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. Accurately record specimen dissection descriptions and subsequent update of computerised patient records. Participate in the storing, retrieving and disposal of specimens and specimen records in accordance with legislation, policies and procedures. Undertake “house-keeping” duties as necessary including cleaning, basic maintenance of equipment and support the maintenance of stock levels. Support dispatch of samples to other laboratories which may have complex requirements.