Associate Practitioner Blood Transfusion

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust in the UK is seeking an Associate Practitioner to support the Blood Transfusion Department. The role involves managing a team, handling various laboratory tasks, and assisting Biomedical Scientists in clinical examinations. Ideal candidates should possess NVQ Level 3 in Laboratory Science or equivalent with proven experience in a related field. This full-time permanent position offers a salary range between £27,485 and £30,162 annually, promoting a teamwork-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in training or mentoring staff.
• Understanding of basic biomedical principles specific to Blood Transfusion.

Responsibilities

• Manage timely processing of blood transfusion samples.
• Assist in storing and processing samples in accordance with SOPs.
• Book test requests into the laboratory computer system.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Developed IT skills

Knowledge of quality assurance procedures

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Laboratory Science or equivalent

Job description

Job Summary

Applications are invited to join the busy Blood Transfusion Department of Combined Labs at University Hospitals Plymouth, as an Associate Practitioner (AP). This post will be based in the Blood Transfusion Department in Derriford hospital. The AP position directly manages a small team of 6 dedicated Transfusion ATO staff, who carry out support duties essential for the smooth running of the Department. The AP also assists the Biomedical Scientists with the examination of a wide range of clinical samples from patients, to determine the laboratory diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The role is interesting, varied, and full training and supervision is provided.

Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and ‘At Risk’ status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.

Responsibilities

• Work with colleagues to ensure timely processing of all blood transfusion samples and test requests.
• Plan, prioritise, and carry out own work efficiently and accurately, following departmental procedures and SOPs.
• Ensure stock levels of reagents, consumables, and stationery are maintained and reorder/alert appropriate members of staff to supply issues as necessary.
• Assist in receipt, sorting, barcoding, processing, and storage of all samples received in the section.
• Be aware of pre‑analytical variables, sample acceptance criteria, and handle discrepancies according to SOPs. Use professional judgment to identify courses of action taking into account analysis and a range of options.
• Book test requests into the laboratory computer system (LIMS) and enter patient/test information, checking for previous results to optimise processing.
• Prepare samples for analysis, including centrifugation, separation, aliquoting, attaching barcode labels, and completing documentation for special tests dispatched to reference labs following postal regulations.
• Support Biomedical Scientists in preparation, running, maintenance, and de‑contamination of analysers and other equipment.
• Operate analytical and other laboratory equipment safely and competently, including start‑up, shutdown, scheduled maintenance, and running internal quality controls.
• Answer telephone enquiries and provide advice on test requests, sample types, emergency requests, and results, adhering to telephone SOPs.
• For further details please see attached JD&PS.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• NVQ Level 3 in Laboratory Science or equivalent qualification, or demonstrate proven equivalent experience to this level of technical achievement.
• Proven demonstrable experience of training or mentoring or line management duties.
• Excellent communication skills, being able to deal with staff and patients.
• Developed IT skills.
• Knowledge of quality assurance procedures and the Quality Management System.
• Understanding of the basic biomedical principles underpinning the Blood Transfusion assays performed within the section.

Desirable

• Supervisory qualification.
• Managers passport.
• Significant demonstrable experience in a hospital laboratory.
• Proven technical skills in a Pathology laboratory.
• Proven knowledge of all assays performed and sent away by the department.
• Proven knowledge of all relevant Health & Safety legislation and its application to the Section.
• Proven demonstrable experience of Service Improvement within the NHS.
• Good interpersonal skills.

Other Requirements

• Full clean driving licence with 2 years of driving experience.
• Ability to work night shifts and occasional weekend hours at an enhanced pay rate.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Employer Details

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Derriford Road
Plymouth
PL6 8DH
Website: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/

Additional Information

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC. CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support, including reasonable adjustments with the application process, please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams.

Pay and Contract

• Pay Scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 4
• Salary: £27,485 to £30,162 a year
• Contract: Permanent
• Working Pattern: Full‑time