Reproductive Science Practitioner

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Practitioner to join the Leicester Fertility Centre team. Daily laboratory support involves culture system preparation and carrying out clinical procedures like egg collections and sperm preparation efficiently and safely. The service encompasses diagnostic andrology, fertility treatment, fertility cryopreservation for oncology and transgender patients and in house sperm, egg and embryo donation, with a bank holiday/ weekend rota.
The post-holder will assist with quality control and audit, ensuring compliance with our governing body's (HFEA) code of practice and relevant legislation, supporting maintenance of our 5/5 HFEA inspection rating and ISO 9001 certification.
The ideal candidate is motivated, resilient and hard-working. You should be a clear, confident communicator, both with patients and colleagues. The successful applicant will be given extensive training and in addition to following protocols, will be expected to use their initiative and be calm under pressure.
We are a friendly, dedicated team of multi-disciplinary professionals, committed to high quality care and have helped people to have families for over 35 years. We embrace technology, using electronic witnessing and e-consent. The clinic is expanding to purpose-built facilities within five years.
For the right candidate there is the possibility of in-service STP training (subject to NSHCS approval). For more information or a visit, please get in touch., + Culture dish preparation, egg collection, insemination for IVF
+ Semen analysis, preparation and freezing
+ Conduct witnessing of patient samples meeting HFEA requirements
+ Data entry and treatment form submission to HFEA
+ Checking patient notes for valid consents and required test results prior to treatment
+ Setting up and measuring laboratory equipment parameters
+ Maintaining clean and tidy laboratory environment, following Health and Safety and Infection Control policies
+ Maintaining liquid nitrogen levels in cryotanks and gas supply to incubators
+ Stock level control, traceability of batches, ordering goods, reporting issues with deliveries
+ Booking appointments, giving instructions to patients attending for a semen analysis
+ Answering phone and conveying messages
+ Ensure legal compliance and adherence to professional guidelines
+ Assist in monitoring key performance indicators e.g. success rates, activity targets
+ Assist with audit of stored samples and contact patients whose consent is expiring to ascertain their wishes
+ Attend regular team meetings
+ Effective communication within the laboratory team, liaising with the multi-disciplinary team
+ Previous laboratory or research experience would be an advantage., + Administrators, Counsellors, Nurse Specialists, Scientific team, Consultant Gynaecologists, Quality Manager
+ Oncology, urology, genetics
+ HFEA, UKAS
+ GPs
SERVICE DELIVERY & DEVELOPMENT
Embryology & Andrology
+ Setting up the laboratory, dish preparation.
+ Oocyte identification and culture, insemination of sperm for IVF.
+ Diagnostic semen analysis, preparation of samples for treatment including thawed specimens.
+ Semen freezing including donor samples.
+ Data entry of results.
+ Give instructions to GP's and patients.
+ Book appointments.
Laboratory Practice
+ Prioritise daily duties, rotating flexibly between activities under direction of HCPC registered staff.
+ Check patients' notes before treatment for consent forms and all necessary test results.
+ Maintain high standard of cleanliness and sterility, including equipment, surfaces and floor.
+ Witness samples and patient procedures according to protocols, in line with HFEA requirements.
+ Monitor stock levels, rotate consumables by expiry date, colour code batches for traceability, order goods under direction of senior staff in a timely manner to minimise waste, unpack deliveries including temperature measurements of refrigerated items, scan delivery sheets, escalate issues to senior staff e.g. damaged packaging.
+ Handle biological samples in line with guidelines, taking clinical waste to holding area for disposal.
+ Periods of concentration when performing complex sample processing, including multiple aliquot requirements to ensure the right sample is pipetted into the right numbered tubes.
+ Label dishes, vials, straws and canes appropriately.
+ Aliquot media using sterile technique.
+ Organise courier services for transport of samples between clinics.
Laboratory Equipment
+ Regularly monitor highly specialised equipment to set up laboratories for clinical work and prepare the environment for handling specimens.
+ Maintain records of equipment checks, log and escalate technical issues, organise engineer visits at the direction of senior staff.
+ Ensure cryotanks containing patient samples are regularly measured and filled with liquid nitrogen and stored in accordance with HFEA regulations. Escalate any rapid drop in level to senior staff for investigation in case of tank failure.
+ Ensure an adequate supply of liquid nitrogen, take empty dewars to pathology, use PPE to safely fill dewars with liquid nitrogen, return full dewars, follow Health and Safety procedures.
+ Change over gas cylinders, take empty cylinders to pathology, bring full cylinders, liaise with senior staff to ensure more cylinders are ordered when stock reaches critical level.
+ Assist with ensuring the alarm system and auto dialler fitted to incubators and nitrogen fridges undergo regular tests, report unexpected alarms urgently for investigation.
+ Assist with equipment validation.
Team
+ Participate in the multi-disciplinary aspects of the team's work including taking telephone calls and enquiries.
+ Attend regular laboratory and team meetings.
Training
+ Participate in training of other staff.
+ Undergo induction, training, appraisal and performance review.
+ Carry out duties in line with protocols, under supervision of HCPC registered clinical scientists for clinical decision making.
+ Acquire and maintain competence in the performance of all duties.
GOVERNANCE
Quality Management
+ Carry out duties appropriately and safely as required by the HFEA code of practice and CQC standards, ISO 9001 certification, Trust and national policy, relevant legislation including Health and Safety, Infection Control and COSHH, and professional guidelines. Record evidence to demonstrate ongoing compliance.
+ Assist with monitoring the laboratory culture media system and outcomes, identify and rectify anomalies immediately.
+ Adhere to strict quality control procedures, assist with internal and external quality assessments, under supervision of senior staff to resolve issues.
+ Assist in co-ordinating the audit of stored patient gametes and embryos, ensure adequate consent is in place, report findings.
+ Assist with auditing laboratory performance against KPIs, collect data for analysis.
+ Assist with QMS audits, and document review, for approval by senior staff.
+ Maintain confidentiality at all times about staff, patients and company business as per the HFE Act (1990), Data Protection Act (1984) and Access to Health Records Act (1990).
+ Assist management team with incident reports and action plans.
+ Ensure adequate version-controlled lab paperwork is available, file reports, prepare patients notes.
+ Maintain security of the laboratory and centre records.
+ Maintain accreditation standards in the work area.
+ Update standard operating procedures under supervision
+ Maintain gamete storage databases, prepare and send notification letters to patients at specified time periods, complete and submit HFEA forms via PRISM, in an accurate and timely manner.
+ Perform all duties as per the HFE Act (1990) and HFEA Code of Practice.
+ Follow procedures, standards and protocols to the highest standard, ensure the best possible clinical outcomes, pay meticulous attention to detail.
+ Involvement with daily operations and governance of the laboratory, contribute to the provision of an accurate and timely service for patients, acquire technical specialised knowledge of complex instruments, processes and tests, and their principles.
+ Perform risk assessments.
Data Collection & Record Keeping
+ Complete laboratory forms accurately and update and maintain confidential patient records for all laboratory procedures.
+ Participate in maintaining the computerised fertility database system.
+ Ensure that patient record forms for notes are easy to understand so that fates of gametes and embryos can be readily followed.
+ Assist in annual audits of data collection and record keeping.
+ Ensure that laboratory data is accurately collected and completed including submission of PRISM forms within HFEA deadlines. Assist in correcting PRISM errors and preparing statistical reports for HFEA returns. Follow up pregnancy outcomes, report to the HFEA.
+ Participate in HFEA and ISO inspections.
+ Accurate maintenance of the cryostore records including donor and patient samples.
+ Ensure appropriate consents are in place, including for gamete usage in the event of death / mental incapacity.
+ Use a standard operating procedure to keep accurate records of expiry dates of HFEA consents for cryopreserved material. At the direction of HCPC registered staff, contact patients prior to the expiry to determine their wishes regarding continued storage or disposal of frozen samples, update databases.
+ Assist HCPC registered staff to ensure all stored material for disposal or allocation to research/ training are dealt with according to HFEA guidelines and documented appropriately.
+ Maintain up-to-date statistics for treatments, including computer entry of data, trouble shooting audits.
+ Send appropriate forms and letters to patients, including annual storage reminders, follow up patients that do not reply.
+ Liaise with finance officer to ensure correct billing for patients' frozen samples.
+ Carry out general laboratory administration duties such as photocopying, scanning, printing and laminating
+ Be computer literate with good keyboard skills.
+ Assist with the digital transformation of the service.
Continued Professional Development
+ Take all necessary steps to update and apply personal knowledge and expertise in the discipline, keep abreast of current literature, participate in courses, meetings and seminars as required or directed by the Consultant Embryologist.
+ Register and participate in training programmes for Continuing Professional Development.
+ Maintain statutory and mandatory training via UHL HELM platform.
Patient/ Customer Service
+ Assist other team members with the solution of problems to promote the efficient running of the department.
+ Liaise with other team members to ensure accurate, timely, proper and efficient delivery of the highest possible quality of service.
+ Be polite and friendly when dealing with patients, escalating concerns to senior staff.
+ Liaise with centres outside of the Trust regarding transfer of samples between centres.
+ Handle difficult conversations.
+ Proactively manage administrative processes attached to patient pathways, ensure an effective, efficient service for both the multidisciplinary team and patients, deliver a high-quality, positive patient experience, including validation, appointment bookings and solving queries.
+ Identify potential delays or issues with a patient pathway or potential breaches, take preventative steps to avoid these e.g. chasing test results.
Research
+ Participate in research projects, including clinical trials.
+ Ensure that patient consent forms regarding the fate of spare gametes, including donation to research/ training are strictly adhered to.

Patients are at the heart of all we do. Our outstanding staff have a strong team ethic and take pride in our high quality safe care. To achieve our goals, we need high calibre applicants with potential and enthusiasm.

UHL is the largest UK NHS Trust and the clinic is expanding to purpose-built facilities within 5 years. Staff benefit from salary sacrifice schemes, NHS pension, Blue Light discount, 27-33 days annual leave plus BHs, free bus service, exercise classes and physiotherapy. Leicester has many cultural attractions, only 5 minutes from the M1.
Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).
We have four primary goals:
+ high-quality care for all,
+ being a great place to work,
+ partnerships for impact, and
+ research and education excellence
We will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.
Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:
+ we are compassionate,
+ we are proud,
+ we are inclusive, and
+ we are one team
This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.
http://www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/work-for-us/current-vacancies

Please submit your application form without delay to avoid disappointment; we will close vacancies prior to the publishing closing date if we receive a sufficient number of completed application forms.
Please check the email account (including your junk mail) that you supplied as part of your application on a regular basis following the closing date and throughout the recruitment process, as this is how we will communicate with you.
UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria.
Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible.
UHL is committed to helping colleagues balance the demands of both their work and personal needs through flexible working arrangements wherever reasonably practicable and subject to service needs.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
Please note if you are successful in obtaining this position and the post involves regulated activity you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check.
The Trust will pay for the check initially and the money will then be deducted from your salary over a three month period commencing on your first month's payment.
The current price of a check is £38 for an enhanced and £18 for a standard check.
COVID 19 Risk Assessment
Due to the current Covid pandemic we have introduced a staff risk assessment into our pre-employment process. This now forms part of the mandatory pre-employment checks that will be carried out if you receive a conditional offer.
The risk assessment is intended to ensure you are able to safely perform your duties in any of our work areas, and if you have been identified as being particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. Our main aim is to reduce risk and to ensure the safety of all new starters to the Trust as well as current staff, patients and visitors.
If it is identified that you are within a vulnerable category, we will endeavor to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this through discussions with both Occupational Health and your recruiting manager.
Covid Vaccination Status
Covid-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, family, colleagues and our patients/service users from the Covid-19 virus. We therefore continue to encourage our current and potential colleagues to get vaccinated.
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust holds the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything it does and all that it stands for. We are committed to developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We welcome applications from the diverse community of Leicester, Leicester and Rutland, to help deliver healthcare services that meets the needs of our diverse communities.