At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vital healthcare testing and ensure quality control of medical equipment.
- Company: Join a leading public health body at Altnagelvin Hospital.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, ongoing training, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic team atmosphere with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and science, plus lab or clinical experience.
The predicted salary is between 26500 - 26500 £ per year.
Key Public Body has an exciting opportunity for a Healthcare Science Assistant (POCT) to join their Acute Directorate based at Altnagelvin Hospital. This Band 3 role sits within the vital Pathology Department, playing a central part in assisting with the effective performance, maintenance, and quality control of Point of Care Testing (POCT) equipment across the regional health trust.
As a Healthcare Science Assistant, you will work closely with a collaborative team of biomedical specialists and clinical professionals to support equipment performance, staff training, and rigorous quality standard compliance. You will play a vital role in troubleshooting equipment, managing crucial consumables, and ensuring that diagnostics are controlled and ready to deliver rapid turnaround times for critical patient care.
The Role:
- Equipment & Quality Maintenance: Assist in running, calibrating, and processing quality control checks on POCT analysers (including blood gas systems) to ensure compliance with UKAS ISO 15189 and ISO 22870 standards.
- Stock & Consumables Control: Receive, record, and maintain optimal stock levels of POCT consumables across designated areas and fridges, ensuring proper stock rotation to minimise wastage.
- Troubleshooting & Audits: Monitor equipment function, handle baseline troubleshooting, and assist in carrying out departmental and ward quality audits.
- Training Coordination: Support the training of frontline clinical staff by arranging training schedules, booking rooms, and preparing essential training materials.
- Data Management: Input data for External Quality Assurance (EQA) returns, manage data retrieval for audits, and assist in maintaining the comprehensive asset register.
- Service Mobility: Provide multi-site support by regularly visiting alternative sites within the Trust network on a weekly basis, sometimes at short notice.
Essential Criteria:
- Experience: At least one year of laboratory experience OR at least one year of experience working in a clinical setting.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including English Language and at least one science subject.
- Core Skills: Clear and effective communication skills, strong team-working abilities, a patient-focused attitude, and the ability to work under pressure using your own initiative.
- Technical Knowledge: Competent computer skills combined with a strong baseline awareness of Health & Safety practices.
- Licence & Flexibility: A valid UK driving licence with access to a car upon appointment, alongside a willingness to participate in a weekend and bank holiday rota.
The Package:
- Salary/Grade: Band 3 | £12.75/h
- Location: Altnagelvin Hospital base.
- Professional Development: Structured ongoing learning, training, and development pathways to maximise your career potential.
- Environment: Access to a supportive, fast-paced, and highly collaborative multi-discipline pathology network.
To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity, please send an up-to-date CV via the link provided or contact Corey Hillis, Specialist Technical Recruitment Consultant at MCS Group, on 02890 490 904.
MCS Group is committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion for all, being the first recruitment agency in NI to achieve Bronze Diversity Mark accreditation. If you have a disability which means you require a reasonable adjustment to be considered at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us and we will endeavour to facilitate the request.
Locations
Healthcare Science Assistant in Derry, Londonderry employer: MCS Group
Join Key Public Body as a Healthcare Science Assistant at Altnagelvin Hospital, where you will be part of a dynamic and supportive team dedicated to delivering high-quality patient care. With structured professional development opportunities and a collaborative work environment, this role not only allows you to contribute to vital healthcare services but also fosters your growth within the pathology network. Enjoy the unique advantage of working in a fast-paced setting that prioritises teamwork and innovation, all while making a meaningful impact on patient outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Healthcare Science Assistant in Derry, Londonderry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the healthcare science field on LinkedIn or at local events. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to healthcare science. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to get comfortable with your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your work or any relevant projects during interviews. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your hands-on experience in a clinical setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Healthcare Science Assistant in Derry, Londonderry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in laboratory or clinical settings. We want to see how your skills align with the role of a Healthcare Science Assistant, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team at Altnagelvin Hospital. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Team Spirit:Since this role involves working closely with a collaborative team, make sure to highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with others in past roles to achieve common goals.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at MCS Group
✨Know Your Equipment
Familiarise yourself with the types of Point of Care Testing (POCT) equipment you'll be working with. Understand how they function, their maintenance needs, and the quality control checks required. This knowledge will show your potential employer that you're proactive and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
As a Healthcare Science Assistant, teamwork is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you can support clinical staff training, as this will demonstrate your ability to fit into their collaborative environment.
✨Be Ready for Troubleshooting Scenarios
Expect questions about troubleshooting equipment and handling audits. Brush up on common issues that arise with POCT analysers and think through how you would approach these problems. Being able to articulate your problem-solving process will impress interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility
Since the role involves multi-site support, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to travel. Share any past experiences where you've adapted to changing circumstances or worked under pressure, as this will highlight your flexibility and commitment to patient care.