Apprentice Healthcare Science Support Worker

To sort all specimens entering the departments as required and to send other departments specimens to the appropriate laboratory areas. To prioritise all urgent specimens and to communicate these effectively to all staff to enable immediate action to be taken. To de-bag, check and label all specimens in line with current SOPs, ensuring any inaccurate details or incorrect specimens are dealt with appropriately in line with current SOPs. To accurately enter patient demographic details onto the laboratory information system. On request from service users to add tests to existing requests, retrieving these specimens from
storage as required, ensuring that all current SOPs and procedures are followed, asking for guidance from a senior staff member if required. To aliquot samples as required for testing performed by external laboratories in line with current SOPs. To centrifuge specimens as required and load onto the sample sorter as part of the initial stages of sample analysis. To load analysers with sample racks on a regular basis to maintain workflow. To re-cap and store all specimens, scan, and file request forms in line with current SOPs. In accordance with current SOPs and Health and Safety Legislation, discard previously analysed specimens and request forms. Perform a range of cleaning and disinfection duties, including benches, equipment, and fridge areas on a regular basis. Attention to detail and accuracy is required in a busy environment where there is very little time allocated to each sample to maintain turnaround times for samples from both primary and secondary care. To carry out procedures to package and document specimens which need to be sent to external organisations in line with current SOPs. Ensure all procedures to maintain service provision, during routine or emergency technical or electrical failures/shutdowns, are in place and are reviewed regularly. Responsible for ensuring completion of own daily workload to ensure effective and efficient running of the service daily. Liaise with Laboratory staff regarding pre-analytical processing of samples and with staff from other departments regarding shared use of equipment, samples etc. Participate in change management projects associated with this role as and when required to support service improvement and development. Participate in internal and external audit activities as directed by the audit schedule. Arrange external transport as needed (i.e. couriers, blood bikes).

Please refer to the job description in the advert for further details.

Training:

As an apprentice you will receive all the training you need to be able to carry out this role fully and competently and you will undertake the Healthcare Science Assistant Level 2 apprenticeship standard. You will be released for study to achieve this qualification (location to be confirmed).

Training Outcome:

Following the successful achievement of the apprenticeship standard, opportunities will be available for the apprentice to progress.

Employer Description:
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the largest hospital trust in the Tees Valley with two acute hospitals and services in a number of community hospitals. Our workforce of almost 10,000+ provides a range of specialist regional services to 1.5million people.

Working Hours :
The department operates a 24/7 shift system. While his role will mostly involve working between the hours of 8am and 8pm, there may be occasional requirements for out-of-hours working, depending on the needs of the service.

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Administrative skills,Team working,Initiative,Flexible,Able to work under pressure