JOB DESCRIPTION POST TITLE: POST REFERENCE: Bank Medical Laboratory Assistant (Blood Sciences) BAND: AFC Band 2 ACCOUNTABLE TO: RESPONSIBLE TO: LINE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR: BASE: Laboratory Manager, Blood Sciences HCS For Central Services / Central Services Team Leader/ Senior MLA Not applicable Pathology CHFT 1. THE POST 1.1 Post Description To assist in the work of the Department of Blood sciences by undertaking routine technical and clerical duties. Training will be given to ensure competency in all areas of activity. Records will be kept of training received. The jobholder will be expected to follow all the protocols and SOPs appropriate to their work. The post is likely to be based primarily on one of the two sites, CRH or HRI, but there is an expectation that the individual will work on either site depending on the needs of the service. 2. MAIN TASKS REQUIRED OF THE POST 2.1 Main Tasks To take receipt of and sort clinical samples received from wards and clinics, general practitioners. To check the integrity of the sample, and to priorities urgent work and unstable sample so they can be processed straight away. To unpack the samples, with reference to Health and Safety procedures and check that the requirements of the minimum data set are met for the request form and the sample. To label the samples with laboratory numbers and input patient and sample information into the laboratory computer system. This will involve making an assessment of the samples,
sample types and clinical details before entering the appropriate tests into the computer system. To undertake with reference to departmental Standard Operating Procedures, the initial processing of the clinical samples and blood. To answer telephone enquiries from users of the service using the laboratory computer system. To give out the results of laboratory tests in accordance with laboratory procedures. To maintain adequate levels of laboratory consumables and ensure weekly order is placed with pathology stores. To be responsible, in accordance with laboratory Standard Operating Procedures and Health and safety procedures, for the safe disposal of clinical laboratory waste. To maintain a clean and safe working environment using appropriate disinfectants and cleaning materials. Training and Development Comprehensive training will be provided and MLA s must be willing and able to learn new skills. Health and Safety To ensure adherence to the safety policies of Pathology and the Trust. To know and observe all Pathology safety codes and policies. To be aware of the inherent hazards in the work and to take adequate precautions. To work with great care at all times and to report any new risks encountered and accidents occurring to the Laboratory Manager and the Pathology Health and Safety Supervisor. To have particular regard for the safety of others in the laboratory. To observe the Pathology security policy. 3. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POST 3.1 Clinical Duties There are no clinical duties required in this post. 3.2 Professional Duties Scientific and Technical Carry out such work as may be required in the different sections of the laboratory. Receipt, sorting and organisation of samples prior to testing, prioritising urgent work (Distinguishing between routine and urgent samples) Ensure that all sample and request paper adheres to the trusts minimum data set policy.
Correctly label samples with a corresponding laboratory barcode number, dedicated for individual sample types. Urine volume measurement, stabilisation and aliquots ready for analysis. Follow correct procedure with regards to infected spills and leaked samples. Perform laboratory duties as described in standard operating procedures and following health and safety guidelines. Disposal of clinical waste in accordance with Health and Safety and COSSH Guidelines. Communicate with clinical staff in G.P surgeries, wards and outpatients departments to clarify details on request paperwork and sample labelling Use of the trusts air-tube system. Maintain a personal level of competence in all areas of activity. Monitor levels of stock consumables and liaise with senior staff with respect to re-ordering. IT Use the trust and Departmental IT systems as required. Inputting patient details and test requested into the IT systems. Use of local PAS systems for retrieval of patient data. Use of enquire facilities on departmental IT systems for patients results. Produce patients report copies from the departmental IT system. Clerical and Administration Use of local IT systems to identify patients; search correct dates, sample results. Provide medical personnel with completed patient s results, within professional guidelines. Transfer incoming enquires to the relevant disciplines. Office duties include filing and distribution of reports to G.P surgeries, ward and other location as required. Produce patients report copies. 3.3 Managerial Duties There are no managerial duties required in this post. 3.4 Financial Duties There are no financial duties required in this post. 3.5 Managing Self Participate in regular supervision. Attend all mandatory training. Participate annually identifying, developing and agreeing your own development plan with your Line Manager using the Trust Appraisal. Comply with all Trust policies, procedures and protocols. Carry out duties with due regard to the Trust s Equal Opportunity Policy. Seek advice and support from Line Manager whenever necessary. Maintain professional conduct including appearance at all times.
3.6 Undertake all such reasonable other duties as may be required as part of the role. 4. HEALTH AND SAFETY 4.1 Healthcare Associated Infection Healthcare workers have an overriding duty of care to patients and are expected to comply fully with best practice standards. You have a responsibility to comply with Trust policies for personal and patient safety and for prevention of healthcare-associated infection (HCAI); this includes a requirement for rigorous and consistent compliance with Trust policies for hand hygiene including the naked below the elbow approach, use of personal protective equipment and safe disposal of sharps. Knowledge, skills and behaviour in the workplace should reflect this; at annual appraisal you will be asked about the application of practical measures known to be effective in reducing HCAI. The Trust has the responsibility of ensuring that adequate resources are available for you to discharge your responsibilities. 4.2 Safeguarding The Trust has in place both a Safeguarding Children Policy and a Safeguarding Adults Policy in line with national legislation. The Safeguarding Policies place a duty upon every employee who has contact with children, families and adults in their everyday work to safeguard and promote their welfare. In the event that you have concerns about possible harm to any child or adult you should contact your line manager immediately or in their absence your Assistant Divisional Director. Out of hours contact should be made with the on-call manager through switchboard. The Trust has nominated Safeguarding Leads who act as contact points for support and advice if concerns are raised about a child or adult s welfare. These individuals can be reached through switchboard during office hours by asking for the Named Professionals for Safeguarding Children or Adults respectively. The policies and procedures described below are located on the intranet and internet site and you should ensure you are aware of, understand and comply with these. In addition the Trust will publicise and raise awareness of its arrangements and provide appropriate resources and training. CHFT Safeguarding Children Policy Safeguarding Board Procedures for West Yorkshire (www.calderdalescb.org.uk or www.kirklees.gov.uk/safeguarding)
CHFT Safeguarding Adults Policy CHFT Procedure for Managing Allegations Against Staff 5. PROBATIONARY PERIODS All staff new to the Trust are required to undergo a 6 month probationary period (except medical staff and staff on temporary or fixed term contracts for 6 months or less who are subject to separate arrangements). All existing Trust staff transferring internally to a new post within the Trust are required to undergo a modified probationary period of 3 months. 6. EQUALITY IMPACT Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust aims to design and implement services, policies and measures that meet the diverse needs of our service, population and workforce, ensuring that none are placed at a disadvantage over others. We therefore aim to ensure that in both employment and services no individual is discriminated against by reason of their gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or religious/philosophical belief or marital status.
PERSON SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS Good general education Experience of working as part of a team Experience of working with the public HOW IDENTIFIED Copies of Qualification Certificates EXPERIENCE TRAINING PRACTICAL / INTELLECTUAL SKILLS. Flexible attitude to working hours Willingness to comply with departmental dress code Demonstrate a commitment to and participation in continued professional development. Good IT skills Manual dexterity Ability to cope with and manage periods of high workload Experience of working in a laboratory environment References PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS Able to fulfill all physical requirements of the post with Occupational Health clearance Good communication and interpersonal skills Health at Work questions and answers. GENERAL Must be eligible to work in the UK. Ability to work in various locations throughout the network of services provided by Calderdale and Huddersfield Foundation Trust. Have an awareness of all Trust policies and procedures.