Job overview

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 in the examination of a wide range of clinical samples from patients, in order to determine the laboratory diagnosis, and appropriate treatment, for patients.  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.***

Main duties of the job

The post holder will provide vital technical and operational support within the Blood Transfusion department, ensuring the timely and accurate processing of samples and test requests. They will be responsible for a wide range of duties including sample preparation, operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment, stock control, data entry, and support for Biomedical Scientists.

In addition, the role includes coordinating and line managing support staff, including rota management, training, supervision, and performance monitoring. The post holder will uphold departmental protocols, contribute to service improvement initiatives, maintain high standards of health and safety, and support quality assurance through active participation in the Quality Management System.

Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently both independently and within a team are essential. The role also involves participation in a 24/7 shift rota and occasional cover for Assistant Technical officer (ATO) staff, along with responsibility for the department's lease vehicles.

You will need to have a full clean driving licence with 2 years of driving experience.

The applicant may be required to work nightshifts and additional weekend hours at an enhanced pay rate.

Working for our organisation

We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE 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 recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.