The position entails working 37.5 hours per week, with a requirement for weekend and holiday shifts on a rotational basis. The Microbiology department operates under a comprehensive service model, processing over 600,000 specimens annually and is located near Dartmoor with good transport links. The Trust values diversity and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, offering a range of benefits including competitive annual leave, occupational health services, and a strong commitment to staff development.
We are delighted to be able to recruit an Associate Practitioner to work within the Clinical Microbiology department (Exeter site) of the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust.
The Department of Microbiology provides a comprehensive Microbiology service to the RDUH Trust and local Population across Northern and Eastern Devon. The Department employs approximately 80 staff across two laboratories based at North Devon District Hospital and Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. The department provides a comprehensive diagnostic bacteriology, mycology, serology/virology and molecular microbiology service and processes in excess of 600,000 specimens per annum. The service operates 24/7 including weekends and overnight cover is provided by an on-call service. The Microbiology department eastern site is situated on the edge of Dartmoor, in the city of Exeter with easy access to the M5 corridor and excellent transport links to the open countryside and Devon coastline. There is an on-site restaurant, crche facilities and a choice of coffee/tea outlets.
We are looking for a highly experienced Microbiology Biomedical Support Worker who is who is self-motivated, professional and able to work under pressure. You must have excellent organisational and communication skills and the ability to supervise and coordinate the work of a team of support staff in an approachable and supportive manner.
For more detail about the main duties of this role, please see the job description section below. As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients to stay healthy, when they need it most.
About us
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
Working as an integral part of the laboratory team you will assist the Biomedical Scientists in the investigation of patient samples. You will rotate throughout the laboratory and your role will include checking sample integrity prior to analysis, processing clinical specimens and operating and maintaining laboratory equipment in Bacteriology, Virology and Molecular departments. You will also undertake other tasks including receiving specimens, booking specimens onto the laboratory computer system, answering telephone queries and laboratory housekeeping duties. Working on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, on a rotational basis is also required for this post. To be the successful the candidate, as well as being friendly and reliable, you will need a flexible attitude towards work with strong IT, communication and organisational skills, and an acute attention to detail.
As an Associate Practitioner you will be responsible for designated areas of the laboratory, maintaining equipment, managing workflow and supervising, training and performing competency assessment of Biomedical Support Workers. You will need to liaise with the other Associate Practitioners and the Biomedical Support Staff Manager to ensure smooth running of the support staff team. Under guidance from the Support Staff Manager you will review the support staff rota and assist in their performance review and return to work meetings. You will be trained to read MRSA cultures and will play a lead role in coordinating staff to ensure that Quality Controls are undertaken.
Working Pattern: Current Laboratory opening hours are 8 am to 6pm, however this is under review. Core hours are from 09:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday (37.5 hours per week, part time would be considered), working on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, on a rotational basis.
Interview Date: WC 10th February 2025.
For further information please contact: Roz Debenham, Support Staff Manager, on .
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
Benefits
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.
You will also have access to other benefits including:
National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
Car lease schemes.
The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.
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