Rotational Associate Practitioner - POCT | Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare institution in Milton Keynes is seeking a Rotational Associate Practitioner for Point of Care Testing. The role involves managing over 200 POCT devices, providing user training, and rotating duties in the blood sciences lab. Candidates should have relevant qualifications and experience in supporting clinical services. This position offers opportunities for flexible working arrangements and professional development.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing medical devices.
• Ability to provide training and support to clinical staff.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for technical issues.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain Point of Care Testing devices across the Trust.
• Assist in blood sciences laboratory for diagnostic services.
• Organize daily duties and cover for team absences.

Skills

User training for clinical staff

Maintenance of POCT devices

Organizational skills

Education

Relevant healthcare qualification

Tools

Analysers for Point of Care Testing

Job description

Overview

Rotational Associate Practitioner - Point of Care Testing

Department: Point of Care Testing – MKUH Pathology

Band 4 • Hours: 37.5 per week. All MKUH roles considered for flexible working.

The Point of Care Testing (POCT) Team, part of the Pathology Department at MKUH, are seeking an engaging and enthusiastic individual to help support the service we provide to the wards and other clinical areas throughout the Trust, including community-based projects.

• Manage 200+ POCT devices throughout the Trust, ensuring they are regularly maintained, serviced and repaired when needed.
• Run control checks (IQC and EQA) as required.
• Provide user training to clinical staff using the devices for patient testing.
• Carry out regular audits on the POCT services and equipment currently in use.
• Aid POCT in meeting ISO 15189 standards.

In addition, the post holder will periodically rotate into the blood sciences laboratory, assisting in the delivery of a diagnostic service analysing blood, urine, faeces and other materials to achieve efficient and effective patient care and resource management within the hospital.

Further details can be found in the attached job description. If you have questions or would like to arrange an informal visit, please contact Phill Dickson, POCT coordinator ([e-mail]).

This is a new role involving rotation through Point of Care Testing (POCT) and Blood Sciences laboratories. There are two elements to the job description: Part A – Associate Practitioner for Point of Care Testing and Part B – Associate Practitioner in Blood Sciences. The rotation is envisaged to be 6 monthly.

Main duties – Rotation A (POCT)

• Organise and liaise with the Point of Care Team, manage daily duties, cover for absences, and organise own work patterns.
• Perform maintenance and troubleshooting of all point of care testing analysers supported by MKUH POCT; maintain operational effectiveness of devices.
• Maintain consumable stocks on analytical equipment to ensure minimum downtime.
• Ensure operational effectiveness of the department (consumables levels, cleanliness, safety).
• Deal with telephone enquiries related to Point of Care testing.
• Prioritise workload and manage urgent issues appropriately.
• Provide training sessions in line with current SOPs for correct use of POCT equipment.
• Maintain database of trained staff.

Main duties – Rotation B (Blood Sciences)

• Organise and liaise with the Blood Sciences Technical Team to cover daily duties, out-of-hours duties, and absences within the team.
• Run Internal Quality Controls through analysers to demonstrate clinical suitability and reliability of results; follow SOPs for unacceptable results and carry out remedial action if indicated.
• Please refer to the job description for further details.

This advert closes on Wednesday 17 Sep 2025.

About Milton Keynes University Hospital

Milton Keynes University Hospital, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through research and education. The hospital has a Good rating from the CQC and ongoing investments to expand facilities and services, including a new Radiotherapy Centre and a Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre. Investments also include Oak Wards and the Women and Children’s Centre planned for opening by 2030.