Rotational Associate Practitioner - POCT

NHS

  • Milton Keynes
  • £27,485-30,162 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 day ago
Rotational Associate Practitioner - Point of Care TestingDepartment: Point of Care Testing - MKUH PathologyBand 4Hours: 37.5 - all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible workingThe Point of Care Testing (POCT) Team, part of the Pathology Department at MKUH, are seeking an engaging and enthusiastic individual to help support the service we provide to the wards and other clinical areas throughout the Trust, including community-based projects. Amongst other tasks the post holder will aid with the following:Manage 200+ POCT devices throughout the Trust, ensuring they are regularly maintained, serviced and repaired when needed.Run control checks (IQC and EQA) as required.Provide user training to clinical staff using the devices for patient testing.Carry out regular audits on the POCT services and equipment currently in useAid POCT in meeting ISO 15189 standards.In addition, the post holder will periodically rotate into the blood sciences laboratory. There they will assist in the delivery of a diagnostic service analysing blood, urine, faeces and other materials to achieve the objectives of efficient and effective patient care, and effective resource management within the hospital.Further details can be found in the attached job description but if you have further questions or would like to arrange an informal visit please contact Phill Dickson, POCT coordinator (phillip.dickson@mkuh.nhs.uk)Main duties of the jobThis is a new role and will involve rotation through Point of Care Testing (POCT) and also Blood Sciences laboratories. There are therefore 2 elements to the job description, Part A as the Associate Practitioner for Point of Care Testing and Part B - as an Associate Practitioner in Blood Sciences.It is envisaged that the rotation period will be 6 monthly.The post holder will be part of a team delivering Point of Care Testing Services, maintaining devices, training staff in their use and providing the necessary support required to achieve the objectives of efficient and effective patient care, and effective resource management within the hospital. (Rotation A)The post holder will be part of a team of Associate Practitioners assisting in the delivery of a diagnostic service analysing blood, urine, faeces and other materials to achieve the objectives of efficient and effective patient care, and effective resource management within the hospital. (Rotation B)The post holder will undertake their responsibilities within the Pathology department to meet all required national and Trust standards. They will be required to work both alone and as part of a departmental team. To attend departmental and other meetings as required and also attend external training and educational courses when required, i.e. instrument troubleshooting and repair.73.8% of this team would strongly recommend their organisation as an excellent place to work. (Staff Survey, 2024).About usWe care We communicate We collaborate We contributeMilton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre.Further investment is underway, including the construction of Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards - and the recently approved Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.Visit our website to explore the latest news and opportunities at MKUH - News - Milton Keynes University Hospital -DetailsDate posted03 September 2025Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 4Salary£27,485 to £30,162 a year Per annumContractPermanentWorking patternFull-timeReference number430-CC25-372AJob locationsGeneral Pathology (Dept)Milton KeynesMK6 5LDJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesMain duties and responsibilities of the Point of Care Associate Practitioner (rotation post A)Main Responsibilities.To organise and liaise with the rest of the Point of Care Team, daily duties, duties out of the Department, and cover for absences within the Team, and the organisation of own work patterns.To perform maintenance and troubleshooting of all point of care testing analysers supported by MKUH POCT, maintaining the operational effectiveness of the devices.To maintain consumable stocks on board analytical equipment ensuring minimum down time.SupportTo ensure the operational effectiveness of the department is maintained, i.e. maintaining levels of consumables, keeping the department neat, tidy, and safe etc.To deal with telephone enquiries in relating to Point of Care testing.To prioritise workload, and deal with urgent issues appropriately.TrainingTo provide training sessions in line with current SOPs in the correct use of Point of Care Testing equipment.Maintain database of trained staff.Main duties and responsibilities of the Blood Sciences Associate Practitioner (rotation post B)Main ResponsibilitiesTo organise and liaise with the rest of the Blood Sciences Technical Team to cover daily duties, out of hours duties, duties out of the department, and cover for absences within the Technical Team.To run Internal Quality Controls through analysers to demonstrate the clinical suitability and reliability of results, and tofollow SOPs when unacceptable results occur and carry out remedial action if indicated.Please refer to the job description for further details. Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesMain duties and responsibilities of the Point of Care Associate Practitioner (rotation post A)Main Responsibilities.To organise and liaise with the rest of the Point of Care Team, daily duties, duties out of the Department, and cover for absences within the Team, and the organisation of own work patterns.To perform maintenance and troubleshooting of all point of care testing analysers supported by MKUH POCT, maintaining the operational effectiveness of the devices.To maintain consumable stocks on board analytical equipment ensuring minimum down time.SupportTo ensure the operational effectiveness of the department is maintained, i.e. maintaining levels of consumables, keeping the department neat, tidy, and safe etc.To deal with telephone enquiries in relating to Point of Care testing.To prioritise workload, and deal with urgent issues appropriately.TrainingTo provide training sessions in line with current SOPs in the correct use of Point of Care Testing equipment.Maintain database of trained staff.Main duties and responsibilities of the Blood Sciences Associate Practitioner (rotation post B)Main ResponsibilitiesTo organise and liaise with the rest of the Blood Sciences Technical Team to cover daily duties, out of hours duties, duties out of the department, and cover for absences within the Technical Team.To run Internal Quality Controls through analysers to demonstrate the clinical suitability and reliability of results, and tofollow SOPs when unacceptable results occur and carry out remedial action if indicated.Please refer to the job description for further details.Person SpecificationQualifications and knowledgeEssential
  • Minimum of five GCSEs (A-C) including English Language, mathematics and a science subject.
  • Level 3 qualification (A-level equivalent) in a science subject OR NVQ3 or equivalent experience in relevant discipline.
  • Foundation Degree Course in Science or equivalent qualification.
  • Knowledge of the principles of Health & Safety at Work
ExperienceEssential
  • Experience in Pathology laboratory.
  • Practical experience of a range of diagnostic pathology techniques and equipment.
Desirable
  • Experience of working unsocial hours shift patterns
SkillsEssential
  • Good organisational skills
  • Able to achieve high standards of technical duties.
  • Hand eye co-ordination and accuracy when performing tests.
  • Ability to work unsupervised in a managed environment
Personal and people developmentEssential
  • Ability to work under pressure.
  • Ability to work in a team and be supportive to other team members.
  • Concentration and attention to detail.
  • Flexible approach
  • Forward thinking
  • Able and willing to work unsocial hours as required of the role
CommunicationEssential
  • Good communication skills including a clear command of written and spoken English.
  • Must have Information Technology skills
Specific requirementsEssential
  • Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
Person SpecificationQualifications and knowledgeEssential
  • Minimum of five GCSEs (A-C) including English Language, mathematics and a science subject.
  • Level 3 qualification (A-level equivalent) in a science subject OR NVQ3 or equivalent experience in relevant discipline.
  • Foundation Degree Course in Science or equivalent qualification.
  • Knowledge of the principles of Health & Safety at Work
ExperienceEssential
  • Experience in Pathology laboratory.
  • Practical experience of a range of diagnostic pathology techniques and equipment.
Desirable
  • Experience of working unsocial hours shift patterns
SkillsEssential
  • Good organisational skills
  • Able to achieve high standards of technical duties.
  • Hand eye co-ordination and accuracy when performing tests.
  • Ability to work unsupervised in a managed environment
Personal and people developmentEssential
  • Ability to work under pressure.
  • Ability to work in a team and be supportive to other team members.
  • Concentration and attention to detail.
  • Flexible approach
  • Forward thinking
  • Able and willing to work unsocial hours as required of the role
CommunicationEssential
  • Good communication skills including a clear command of written and spoken English.
  • Must have Information Technology skills
Specific requirementsEssential
  • Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations

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