Assistant Practitioner

Be part of the team that keeps care moving forward.

At DHU Healthcare, every role matters. Because every moment gives us the chance to make the difference - for patients, colleagues and communities. Wherever you join us, your compassion, commitment and skills will not only make all the difference in the moment today but also shape the care we deliver tomorrow.

Supporting people, shaping services.

With us, every moment matters. Our Urgent and Emergency Care teams deliver expert, compassionate support 24/7, across Emergency Departments, Urgent Treatment Centres, GP surgeries, and the wider community. Skilled medical, nursing, allied health, and support professionals work together to respond quickly and effectively, while youll be supported to thrive in your career.

The Assistant Practitioner for Point of Care Testing (POCT) will be part of a multi-professional/skilled team and will contribute to day-to-day delivery of the POCT service across the Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) operated by DHU Health Care CIC.

Main duties of the job

• Provide support and troubleshooting services to maintain essential POCT equipment used in acute clinical areas. Equipment includes blood analysers, blood glucose devices, urinalysis and pregnancy testing.
• Assist in management, ordering, replenishment, storage of all equipment and consumables used in POCT within the DHU UTCs.
• Assist in the delivery, maintenance and accurate recording of equipment assurance checks in line with quality requirements and agreed schedules of work.
• Assist in the delivery of equipment calibration and quality control checks as directed, and in line with quality requirements and agreed schedules of work.
• Support the effective reporting of missing or damaged equipment.

About us

For you, benefits that work.

We offer a benefits package with your health, happiness and future in mind. You'll have access to the NHS pension scheme (and we'll honour your existing NHS pension pot and holiday entitlement if you're transferring), free secure parking at most sites, birthday leave, and our Health Cash Plan for you and your family covering dental, optical, therapy costs, and 24/7 GP access after six months.

Plus, there's wellbeing perks, flexible working, a salary sacrifice Car Lease Scheme with low-emission options, enhanced maternity and paternity leave, and a rewarding referral programme.

Learning, leading, shaping healthcare.

At DHU Healthcare, we support growth at every stage of your career. With clear career paths, tailored training, and the DHU Academy, you'll have the tools and encouragement to explore new opportunities, take the next step, and make an impact. From leadership programmes and apprenticeships to essential role-specific training, development is part of how we work and shape healthcare together.

A culture where differences matter.

We believe that when everyone feels valued, respected and supported, they can do their best work. We're proud to reflect the rich diversity of the communities we serve, welcoming colleagues from all backgrounds. We're committed to supporting the Armed Forces community and, as a Disability Confident Employer, we welcome candidates to share any support or reasonable adjustments they may need during the recruitment process.

Job responsibilities

The Assistant Practitioner for Point of Care Testing (POCT) will be part of a multi-professional/skilled team and will contribute to day-to-day delivery of the POCT service across the Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) operated by DHU Health Care CIC. The post holder will have specific responsibilities for providing an efficient, cost effective and timely POCT service to equipment users. This will involve maintaining specialised POCT equipment, including trouble shooting, performing and recording internal quality control and external quality assessment processes, delivering training, and undertaking audits. Following appropriate training, the post holder will work without direct supervision, undertaking delegated tasks and reporting back to the relevant member of the clinical or management team.

Key Success Measures

Provision of comprehensive support and training to POCT equipment users.

Effective management of POCT consumables - including monitoring usage, ordering and storage of these.

Undertaking of internal and external QC processes and required documentation.

Troubleshooting and fault finding, ensuring remedial action is taken, which may involve liaising with manufacturers.

Provision and recording of training to all Point of Care equipment users.

Key Areas of Responsibility & Accountability

To provide support and troubleshooting services to maintain essential POCT equipment used in acute clinical areas. Equipment includes blood analysers, blood glucose devices, urinalysis and pregnancy testing.

To assist in management, ordering, replenishment, storage of all equipment and consumables used in POCT within the DHU UTCs.

To assist in the delivery, maintenance and accurate recording of equipment assurance checks in line with quality requirements and agreed schedules of work.

To assist in the delivery of equipment calibration and quality control checks as directed, and in line with quality requirements and agreed schedules of work.

To support the effective reporting of missing or damaged equipment.

To perform validation and verification of new equipment for new projects/developments and replacement equipment.

To provide training of clinical staff in the operation of POCT equipment.

Contribute towards the formulation of policies, standards and procedures for the POCT pathways.

To continue with personal development through academic or practical experience.

To complete mandatory training programme and always ensure compliance with this.

Attend all operational meetings including team meetings.

Develop, evaluate and share good working practice.

Report any complaints or incidents on the appropriate forms and provide further information if required in a timely manner.

To comply with all Company policies, procedures and practices and to be responsible for keeping up to date with any changes to these.

As you will expect the organisation may change from time to time and you will be expected to meet the operational requirements.

Any other reasonable duties as required from time to time.

Person Specification

The job holder will have the relevant qualifications, experience and skills to excel in this job role, as further explained in the table below.

Qualifications

Good standard of general education including 4 GCSEs Grades A-C or equivalent including English and Maths (E)

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in Clinical Laboratory Support (E)

IBMS Certificate of achievement (D)

Experience

Experienced in working with Point of Care analysers (E)

Communication with a variety of people (E)

Computer experience (e.g. Word/Excel and other packages) as well as email systems and other electronic media (E)

Previous healthcare experience essential minimum of 5 years in similar role (E)

Time management and prioritising skills (E)

Experience of training staff (E)

Experience of phlebotomy (D)

Experience of undertaking audit (D)

Practical & Intellectual Skills

Ability to effectively manage own time and prioritise own workload (E)

Ability to work as both individual and member of the wider team (E)

Ability to implement and evaluate care programme (D)

Effective communication skills with a variety of media and all levels of staff with the company as well as external agencies (E)

Ability to use initiative (E)

Excellent and accurate record keeping (E)

Excellent telephone manner (E)

Good at problem solving (E)

Ability to maintain strict levels of confidentiality (E)

Phlebotomy and cannulation (D)

Maintenance of IP&C procedures and documentation (D)

Circumstances - Personal

Full UK driving licence (E)

Ability to travel to all UTC sites (E)

Commitment to role (E)

Able to work unsocial hours (E).

Flexibility to meet service/rota needs (D)

Willingness to undergo any training/ development/ adjustment as required by the UTC leadership team and the organisation (E)

Highly motivated (E)

Flexible and adaptable as may be asked to assist other services to ensure DHU continues to provide care services (E)

Can manage multiple tasks and work streams concurrently (E)

Proven team player (E)

Responsive to feedback and proactive in the role development (E)

Able to work in high pressure environments (E)

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Address

Multiple Locations across Northants and Derby areas