Associate Practitioner - Microbiology

The Microbiology Department at the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to work within our friendly Laboratory team.

As an Associate Practitioner (AP) you will be an integral part of the laboratory team ideally with previous experience in a pathology laboratory or a high throughput environment, however full training will be provided to undertake this demanding but rewarding role. Candidates should be accurate, proactive and self-motivated with excellent communication and organisational skills.

Associate Practitioners (APs) are high level support staff which work alongside biomedical scientists to deliver a range of scientific and technical procedures in accordance with United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). The role is versatile and you will work across the virology and bacteriology department on an individual basis and as part of a wider team.

Duties include the receipt of samples, data inputting, sample preparation, processing and analysis, the operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment, quality control, ordering stock and maintaining consumable stock levels, disposal of biological waste and other general laboratory duties. In the role you will be working with a range of specimen types, including urine, faeces and other bodily fluids. There is also opportunity to be involved in verification work for new technology and processes.

The successful applicant will be expected to provide support to the department as requirements dictate. Full training with competency and sign off will be given for all tasks undertaken.

The Great Western Hospital has modern facilities and is situated on the edge of the Cotswolds in the bustling town of Swindon with easy access to the M4 corridor and excellent transport links to the open countryside. There is an on-site restaurant, crèche facilities and a choice of coffee/tea outlets. The laboratory has its own rest area just along the corridor from the department. The laboratory uses the Winpath laboratory information system and the Q-Pulse quality management system.

Our STAR values are at the heart of everything we do. You can expect to see them in the way we act and the way we treat each other. Our values make us who we are.

Service We will put our patients first

Teamwork We will work together

Ambition We will aspire to provide the best service

Respect We will act with integrity

• At all times to act in accordance with and adhere to laboratory and Trust procedures and protocols.
• To rotate (after suitable training and competency testing) through all relevant sections of the Microbiology department.
• To be responsible for health and safety issues pertinent to diagnostic laboratory work.
• To use personal protective equipment as required by the laboratory’s health and safety procedures.
• To carry out the pre analytical processing of samples received into the Laboratory.
• To process clinical specimens for Bacteriological culture and Virology testing.
• After suitable training, to use highly technical laboratory equipment in the course of their duties including maintenance and cleaning of the equipment.
• To participate in rotas covering Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday mornings as required.
• To participate in mandatory training requirements of the Trust and attend training sessions and educational meetings as appropriate.
• To participate in annual joint review in accordance with the Trust appraisal policy.
• To be aware of and support the goal of providing a quality driven patient centred service, participating in the laboratory’s quality management procedures.
• To rectify and or bring to the attention of more senior staff/Laboratory Management any issues compromising this goal.
• To be courteous and professional when dealing with other health care professionals or patients.
• To participate in weekend/bank holiday working as required