Associate Healthcare Scientist: Point of Care Testing (Thanet CDC)

East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust; Margate; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust in Margate is seeking a part-time Band 4 professional to support its expanding Point of Care Testing (PoCT) team. The role involves device maintenance, quality control tasks, and training. Ideal for health professionals from ward or theatre backgrounds. The Trust is committed to providing comprehensive training and offers opportunities for career growth. Applications must be submitted by 19 September 2025.

Qualifications

• Experience in health professional roles, particularly in wards or theatre environments.
• Full training will be provided for PoCT device management.

Responsibilities

• Support the PoCT Coordinator and Biomedical scientists in governance frameworks.
• Perform device maintenance, evaluations, and quality control tasks.
• Administer external quality assessment programmes and audits.

Job description

Overview

A Vacancy at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust. Point of Care Testing (PoCT) in East Kent is expanding and this is an exciting opportunity to join our dynamic PoCT team. We are recruiting a part-time 18.75 hpw Band 4 position to enhance and support the existing team at QEQM Hospital in Margate. The role will rotate and travel across the 3 acute sites in East Kent (EKHUFT), and to Estuary View Urgent Treatment Centre, and to the new Thanet Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in Broadstairs. PoCT testing devices are used to produce rapid clinical results that enable clinical staff to make immediate treatment decisions for our patients. The post holder will contribute to the quality of these clinical decisions by supporting the existing PoCT team to deliver advice, training and perform quality tasks to ensure the quality of the results produced. The POCT service is working towards accreditation to ISO15189 and engages with community settings to provide these services at locations outside the Trust such as Virtual Wards provided by community trusts and CDCs.

The role would also suit existing health professionals working in ward or theatre environments. Full training will be provided in the use and management of our PoCT device portfolio and the associated IT solutions. The PoCT department is linked to our ISO accredited laboratories and is embedded within the Pathology quality management system.

Responsibilities

• Support the PoCT Coordinator and Biomedical scientists in providing a proactive, professional and quality governance framework to ensure patient safety in respect of PoCT activity.
• Device maintenance and troubleshooting, device evaluations, documentation, and performance of internal quality control.
• Administration of external quality assessment programmes, training and audits.
• Assist with quality assurance tasks and contribute to continuous improvement within the PoCT service.

Organisation and Context

Kent and Medway Pathology Network (KMPN) is a formal partnership of seven sites across three pathology services in four acute Trusts. Our 1,000 colleagues provide services across the health and care sector to a population of nearly 2 million. We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is "great healthcare from great people" and we operate under the values: People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called ‘We care’ to empower frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day.

KMPN are developing a joint venture across the four Trusts to lead transformation, with projects including IT, procurement and digital initiatives to meet growing demand. You will have opportunities to grow your career in KMPN, with a network academy for education and training across the network. You will not be expected to work at sites outside of EKHUFT, but there will be opportunities for collaborative working within the network.

How to apply

Please scroll down to access the full Job Description and Person Specification located in 'supporting documents'. For queries contact the line manager using the details below. Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used then the application may be rejected as this document is an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking support with applications for any declared disability.

Please note visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

This advert closes on Friday 19 Sep 2025