Biomedical Support Worker - Modern Apprenticeship - 2 posts - 18139

Contract: Permanent
Salary: £25,468 - £27,486 per annum (subject to qualification)
Employer: NHS Lothian      
Closing Date: Friday 9 June

Based within the Department of Laboratory Medicine, this 2 year apprenticeship will train and support you to undertake pre analytical duties within the laboratory. You will be expected to attend the School of Health, Science and Technology on a day release basis to work towards an HNC in Applied Science and SVQ Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities (SCQF Level 7).

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Employer:       
 
NHS Lothian is responsible for meeting the health needs of circa 800,000 people living in and around Edinburgh and the Lothians. We employ approximately 27,000 staff and provide a comprehensive range of primary, community and acute care services for the populations of Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian and West Lothian. Across all areas of care, we seek to provide specialist and general services fairly and efficiently and to the highest standards. NHS Lothian offers excellent career prospects and a wide range of job opportunities for potential employees. NHS Lothian is proud to offer all staff members opportunities for training and development as well as excellent staff benefits. 
 
Environment:
 
The Department of Laboratory Medicine provides laboratory services to primary and secondary centres throughout Lothian. These services are currently delivered from 4 sites: the Western General Hospital (WGH), the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (RIE), the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (RHSC) and St John’s Hospital. Blood Sciences employ approximately 200 staff and covers Biochemistry, Haematology and Blood Transfusion.
 
You will be based in the reception areas of one of the blood science laboratories and will work as a member of NHS Lothian Blood Science team. 
 
What might a day in this role look like?
 
As part of a multidisciplinary team you will:

• undertake a range of routine and non-routine clinical laboratory support duties including sample processing, storage and retrieval, assigning investigation and test codes within the laboratory information management system, preparation of complex reagents, and use of basic analysers and equipment e.g. centrifuges, pipettes
• undertake basic troubleshooting on basic equipment e.g. pipettes/centrifuges to ensure effective operation of the equipment and the safety of all users escalating more complex problems to the Assistant Practitioner/Biomedical Scientist
• be responsible for stock control, including reagents, within the laboratory reporting any shortages to the Assistant Practitioner/Biomedical Scientist to ensure availability of consumables at all times
• maintain up to date written and electronic records and reporting results as and when required, maintaining patient confidentiality at all times
• be responsible for ensuring personal ongoing training as required, ensuring skills / competencies are maintained
• work within defined standards, protocols, policies and procedures including Health and Safety regulations for laboratory area, to ensure safe working procedures, health and safety of other staff and visitors to the department and maintain the highest level of service at all times
• assist in training and mentoring of new staff providing guidance as and when required
• provide cover for reception as and when required
• support NHS Lothian’s values of quality, teamwork, care and compassion, dignity and respect, and openness, honesty.

 
What will I learn?

• SVQ Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities (SCQF Level 7)
• HNC Applied Science
• Extend on your existing laboratory skills and experience to work autonomously within a community setting and work closely with senior staff to provide first class care to patients
• Enhance communication skills to ensure effective engagement with all stakeholders in patient care
• Confidently establish a rapport with the multidisciplinary team
• Make best use of resources including time, to achieve agreed goals for service delivery, taking responsibility for own actions
• and self-development
• Deal with queries from various internal and external customers confidently and effectively
• Gain valuable knowledge and experience within Healthcare Science to enable progression to further education within this field.

 
What qualifications/skills are required?

• Higher Chemistry and Biology and National 5 Maths, all at grade C or above, or NC Applied Science Level 6
• 16 - 24 years of age (or up to 29 if you have a disability/care experienced)
• Prior experience and a passion for working with patients with Mental Health issues in a healthcare environment
• Effective team player and contribute to working as part of a wider team across the organisation
• Positive approach and willing to continuously learn and grow
• Have health & safety awareness within a laboratory setting
• Passion for working in Healthcare and Healthcare Science Services
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Understand and possess the NHS Lothian Values
• Advanced interpersonal skills

• Ability to work under pressure in a demanding role
• Ability to carry out delegated responsibilities and work using own initiative when working autonomously.

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