Assistant Technical Officer - Derriford Combined Lab inPlymouth inPlymouth PUBLISHED 11 DEC 2023

1. Working with colleagues ensure the reception area delivers a timely processing of samples and test requests.
2. Following Standard Operating Procedures ensure that all send-away samples are packaged and despatched in compliance with special postal regulations.
3. Ensure senior staff, are made aware when stock levels are low.
4. Competent in the use of office equipment including computers, printers, fax machines and photocopiers.
5. To use the laboratory IT system to input results of tests and to deal with enquiries for results, and to use the Trust PIMS system in order to look up patient details.
6. To operate complex laboratory analysers in order to carry out investigations
7. Will assist senior staff in the training of new staff.
8. Assist in the receipt, processing and storage of all samples derived from clinical trials including those for which the department derives income.
9. Remove samples and request forms from their plastic bags whilst checking the data on the sample matches that on the request form.
10. To bring to the attention of senior staff all rejected samples due to inadequate patient ID or incorrect sample type for the test requested, or to contact the necessary persons, in accordance with the SOP for the area, to resolve any non-compliance with policy.
11. Informing patients of the venepuncture procedure to be carried out in a caring reassuring manner that is aimed at their level of understanding.
12. To undertake work for which they have been trained which may take up to 2 months shadowing a trained member of staff.
13. To have sufficient knowledge and competence to rotate through sections of the laboratory as required.
14. Following SOPs record and inform requestors of rejected samples.
15. Prepare samples for analysis using techniques applicable to the areas of work this may include attaching bar code labels, centrifugation, separation and prepare aliquots as required.
16. Book test requests into the laboratory computer system
17. To assist in the safe disposal of used specimens and waste products and the daily cleaning of laboratory work surfaces.
18. Assist in performing print runs of reports and their sorting for distribution as necessary. Assist in the maintenance of both hard copy and computer held reports.
19. To extract slides, reports and all necessary items for the multiple clinical and non-clinical meetings.
20. To participate it the collection, receipt and safe storage of reagents and other supplies.
21. To maintain an adequate supply of clean glassware, make up solutions and collect chemicals from the various stores as required.
22. Participate in the maintenance of the safe storage of diagnostic material.

For further details please see attached JD&PS.

We require an Assistant Technical Officer to work as part of a team within the Combined Laboratory reception area.

Applicants must have good basic dexterity, numeracy and literacy skills; technical aptitude, proven knowledge of Health and Safety Issues; basic IT skills; be able to work within a busy environment within a team and have an eye for detail.

You will be part of a team working with scientific staff providing a valuable support function to our Diagnostic Service, handling and processing patients' samples as part of the analytical process, with a particular role in the management of samples and results referred to hospital clinicians, general practitioners and external laboratories.

The successful applicant will take part in the 24/7 rotas for evenings, weekends, bank holidays and overnight shifts as appropriate. Additional payments are made for these duties.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

1. The receipt of samples, sample preparation, request data entry, presentation for analysis and dispatch to tertiary centres as appropriate.

1. To make and receive routine telephone calls to/from GP's, medical, nursing and other healthcare staff.

1. To prepare biological material collected from patients, including blood samples for analysis and analyse these following a Standard Operating Procedure.

1. To partake in the 24/7 rota which will include covering a 7 day, 24hr service in reception.