Healthcare Science Support Worker

The Pathology Departments of both North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust and South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust are working collaboratively to develop a joint service from all hospital sites. Though the department is based at The James Cook University Hospital, this position may require cross site working as appropriate.

An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic Healthcare Science Support Worker to join Microbiology department. The department is UKAS accredited and has IBMS training approval. CPD is actively encouraged., Receiving and assign samples for relevant tests, under supervision of Biomedical Scientists.

The accurate sorting, labelling, preparation, and storage of specimens both pre and post analysis.

Pre-analytical processing of samples to include the receipt and preparation, including data entry, which includes exposure to category 2 and less frequently category 3 organisms.

To reject specimens which do not conform to established protocols and prioritise specimen types as to their perceived urgency, under supervision of Biomedical Scientists.

In accordance with established SOP's and the direction of the (Senior) Biomedical Scientist team, process clinical specimens received into the laboratory. Specimens can include body fluids (blood, urine CSF, etc.), solid tissue, faeces, sputum, swabs from anybody site, and a variety of artificial devices (heart valves, contact lenses, coils, etc.) within Standards of Proficiency, to ensure accurate and excellent quality.

Prioritise "Urgent Specimens" and process accordingly. To check the specimens are adequately matched i.e. patient data on the forms match the patient data on the sample bottles.

Scan all Request Forms using the Form Scanner, following data entry.

The vacancy is 37.5 hours per week, permanent term post working as Healthcare Science Support Worker within Microbiology department. Candidate must have some experience working in a clinical laboratory.

The department operates a 24/7 shift system at A4C rates. It is expected that the post holder will participate in shift working after a suitable period of training.

A high standard of patient confidentiality is required.

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust have come together to form University Hospitals Tees. As a result, post holders may be required to work across sites within both organisations.

Across University Hospitals Tees, our ambition is to be the best place to work, ensuring we have the right staff in the right roles at the right time to deliver outstanding patient care and experience.