QC Laboratory Assistant Technical Officer and Van Driver

At North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, our main priority is providing safe and high-quality care to our patients every day; the kind of care we would want for ourselves and our loved ones. If you share our passion then apply for this opportunity and help us make our patients’ experience the best it can possibly be.

The post holder is responsible for processing samples received by the laboratory for testing and collection and delivery of items between hospitals. Within the laboratory, this includes the handling and maintaining of supplies, maintenance of equipment, ensuring that the laboratory is clean and tidy, preparing goods for delivery to laboratory users and recording goods and tests in IT systems. When performing the van driving element of the role, this includes ensuring that goods are transported in an appropriate and timely manner.

• Processing of laboratory samples
• Responding to customer enquiries
• Accurate recording of data
• Transportation of goods from the Laboratory to customer’s premises
• Successfully liaise with customers regarding this service

• As appropriate, author controlled forms and approve procedures, forms, methods and specifications.
• Accurate entry of data onto Microbiological Reporting System.
• Logging samples and goods into the laboratory database and ensuring the correct paperwork is attached to the request for analysis sheet.
• Ensuring all associated paperwork is completed, up to date and filed appropriately.
• Despatch results to customers and other general office duties.
• Checking standing orders.

• Transportation of goods from the Laboratory to customer’s premises.
• Be responsible for the vehicle and contents including safe transportation of samples between hospitals.
• Ensuring samples and consumables are stored in the appropriate location.
• Assembling deliveries for customers, ensuring drivers receive all items in a timely manner, taking into account schedules when dealing with urgent orders.
• Disinfect items into a clean room following standard operating procedures.
• Cleaning of equipment as specified in the cleaning schedule.
• Ensure own area is clean and safe for use.
• To be responsible for ensuring the above workload is completed by team working and planning for expected absences and increased workloads etc.
• To inform Internal Operations Lead about any upcoming problems that cannot be solved within the team.
• Be responsible for loading a van with all goods and items required to be transported.
• Liaise with other laboratory staff regarding the delivery of items to customers, in conjunction with the required van schedule.

• Communicate with customers regarding the delivery of items to the Quality Control Laboratory and other healthcare premises taking into account the urgency of the request, the van schedules and movement of other laboratory staff.

• Advise the Head of Internal Service or Duty Manager if any van fault or accident occurs.
• Maintain the QC vans ensuring they are in a clean and roadworthy condition and liaising with garages and recovery firms regarding maintenance and repair.
• Where necessary make decisions with regards to routes, taking into account current traffic and weather conditions.
• Maintain all equipment according to schedule accurately and to the required standard to ensure performance is maintained.
• Monitoring stock levels and expiry dates and ordering as required to ensure that adequate supplies are always available, assessing preparation and delivery times as appropriate.

• Ability to use a Computer to input and obtain data
• Travel knowledge of the delivery area (North East England, Cumbria, Yorkshire).

• Full Driving Licence
• GCSE Grade D (or equivalent) or higher in English language, maths and a science
• NVQ 2 in a laboratory environment

• Driving up to a Long Wheel Base Transit size van
• Proven ability to drive long distances and perform multi drop routes
• Experience of laboratory work
• Experience in a QC laboratory

Everything we do is shaped by our values: Respect, Support, and Collaborate. At University Hospitals Tees we want our workspaces to be places where everyone feels welcome, valued and safe. We treat people with respect, and we celebrate the differences that make each of us unique.

We welcome applications from everyone, no matter your age, background, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family circumstances or beliefs. We are here to support you throughout your application and at every stage of your career with us.