Job Description

A new vacancy has arisen in the Point of Care Testing team for a Band 4 Associate Practitioner.

The POCT team provide essential services for Southend and Basildon University Hospitals and associated community locations. It provides a high quality and responsive service that includes supporting equipment and training of clinical staff in the performance of POCT equipment including blood gas, blood glucose, urinalysis and pregnancy testing amongst others.

The POCT team provide essential services for Southend and Basildon University Hospitals and associated community locations. It provides a high quality and responsive service that includes supporting equipment and training of clinical staff in the performance of POCT equipment including blood gas, blood glucose, urinalysis and pregnancy testing amongst others.

The team liaise closely with the nursing and clinical teams. The work is varied and entails troubleshooting instruments, maintaining stock for POCT equipment, monitoring competency and training POCT users. Validation and verification of new equipment is required to support new projects / developments and replacement equipment.

As a member of the Point of Care team you will be required to work on both the hospital sites (Basildon and Southend) and community locations from 8am-8pm. Weekend day working is also a requirement.

Main duties include:

To perform point of care support services, within operating procedures and protocols, to provide within agreed quality standards of service delivery and turnaround times under the supervision of senior grade BMS staff

To provide support and troubleshooting services to maintain essential POCT equipment used in acute clinical areas. Equipment includes blood gas, blood glucose, urinalysis and pregnancy testing. The team liaise closely with the nursing and clinical teams

To perform validation and verification of new equipment for new projects/ developments and replacement equipment

To provide training of clinical staff in the operation of POCT equipment

To utilise data manager software to monitor and quality check POCT equipment and staff use

To continue with personal development through academic or practical experience

To perform routine biomedical investigations, and participate in the scientific and technical activities of the POCT section, which may include specimen reception functions, under supervision of Biomedical Scientists

To maintain high professional standards and conform to Health and Safety regulations

Utilise the laboratory LIMS, Q-Pulse quality monitoring system and other application software according to authorised protocols including assisting in computer data entry in all areas of the laboratory

Communicate efficiently, courteously and with clarity at all times, whether face to face, via telephone or electronic methods referring enquiries to senior staff where appropriate. Matters being communicated may include complex information and/or results

Use consumables and equipment in accordance to POCT policy and standard operating procedures (SOP) and be responsible for stock control audits and recording through approved channels as required

Report all incidents and adverse events to senior staff and enter the information in the CAPA module of Q-pulse in a timely manner as directed by senior staff

Demonstrate on going competency against training plans and participate positively in CPD (continuous professional development) activities

Qualifications, skills and experience required:

A minimum of a Foundation degree with 4 GCSEs (including Maths and English) at Grade A-C. Relevant NVQ Level 3 plus additional theoretical and applied training to Level 4 diploma equivalent level

Good degree of accuracy, numeracy & interpretive skills

Knowledge of computer applications and LIMS including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Statistical Packages

Ability to analyse and technically interpret test results

High degree of dexterity required and able to concentrate for extended periods of time

Desirable:

Experience of working within a laboratory or hospital environment

Biomedical Science degree

Current driving licence

A good knowledge of Biomedical techniques and practices

About Us

SYNLAB UK & Ireland work closely with clinicians, hospitals, occupational health providers and clinical researchers to deliver comprehensive pathology services.

We thrive in diverse environments, which is mirrored in our workforce, clients, customers, suppliers, communities, and partners. We believe that an inclusive workplace culture is essential for attracting and retaining talented individuals, and for building a sustainable, high-performing workforce.

Our staff are crucial to our mission of making a positive impact on healthcare. We foster a culture of continuous personal development, providing scientists and staff with the support and resources needed to acquire new skills and advance their careers through learning and development opportunities, coaching, and clear career pathways.

We encourage an open and collaborative culture where leaders act as role models, facilitate two-way communication, engage transparently with staff and stakeholders, and actively seek feedback and suggestions.

Please note that we reserve the right to close any adverts once we have received a sufficient number of applications. If you decide to apply for this post but do not hear back from us within two weeks of your application, please assume that you have not been short-listed on this occasion.

SYNLAB UK & Ireland is committed to equal opportunities and does not unlawfully discriminate based on any status or condition protected by applicable UK employment law.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 27,273.00-29,930.00 per year

Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 18/08/2025