Job summary
- Main area
- Cytology/HPV
- Grade
- Band 4
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 339-CCS2558-CCC
- Employer
- North Bristol NHS Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Southmead Hospital
- Town
- Bristol
- Salary
- £26,530 - £29,114 per annum (FTE) or pro-rata for part time roles
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 09/07/2025 23:59
Employer heading
Higher Associate Practitioner HPV/Cytology Band 4
Band 4
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Job overview
Using the Hologic Tomcat and Panther analysers to test Cervical Screening samples for Human Papilloma Virus.
To supervise the HPV team ensuring efficient workflow.
Main duties of the job
Working as part of a team and under the direction of senior staff, participate in the day - to-day support work of the Cytology Laboratory, Cellular Pathology.
Assist in undertaking routine and advanced preparation and processing of clinical
(cervical smears and diagnostic, non-gynae) specimens for biological testing.
Participate in data-entry and retrieval activities and other general clerical duties.
Undertake personal training and development appropriate to the position
Working for our organisation
North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from our award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.
North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
With respect to both the cervical screening and the non-gynae cytology sections of Cytology, the post-holder will,
1. Participate in the receipt, recording and storage of cervical cytology (Liquid Based Cytology) screening specimens and Diagnostic (non-gynae) specimens, ensuring that they meet quality standards of identification and preservation as defined in Standard Operating Procedures. Identify and prioritise specimens appropriately.
2. Participate in the HPV testing of LBC samples using molecular techniques using semi-automated and fully automated processes.
3. Prepare samples ready for testing. Complete all necessary documentation.
4. Prepare Aptima HPV assays for use, perform maintenance on TomCats and
Panthers and update paperwork
5. Run calibrators and QC samples and escalate any issues to a senior member of staff.
6. Perform trouble-shooting on TomCats and Panthers making service calls if necessary.
7. Run environmental monitoring and NEQAS EQA samples as scheduled and record results.
8. Participate in the partial preparation of diagnostic samples under the supervision of
BMS staff.
9. Participate in the processing of LBC samples and the preparation of slides for microscopic examination ie loading cell processor, staining, cover-slipping, collation of work
10. Participate in the preparation, cleaning, decontamination, calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment and working areas.
11. Facilitate the disposal of samples according to protocol.
12. Participate in the preparation of reagents for routine laboratory use
13. Input data to departmental and other IT systems and from paper records. Code and verify data. Retrieve information from other systems. Undertake this work to ensure the accuracy of the permanently stored patient records
14. Provide assistance to departmental Failsafe Officer.
15. Deal with telephone enquiries to the department
16. When relevant, contact individuals and agencies within and external to NBT to seek information necessary for service provision
17. Ensure the maintenance of adequate stocks of reagents, chemicals and consumables. Participate in acceptance testing, initiate the ordering of stocks as required
18. Notify senior staff of all problems encountered in the performance of duties, particularly the reporting of accidents and potential hazards
19. Work according to the Standard Operating Procedures and established Health and
Safety guidelines documented
20. To plan own daily workload and carry out the tasks and instructions of senior staff in a manner conducive to the provision and development of an efficient Cellular Pathology service.
21. Suggest and comment on changes to SOPs, undertake the integration of new SOPs into the department and to identify and suggest changes to current working practices in order to ensure a high quality service.
22. Participate in Continuing Professional Development including a structure training programme to acquire core competencies and the participation in regular competency assessment
23. Participate in the training of staff as appropriate
24. Perform general laboratory duties, e.g. checking instruments.
25. Participate in staff appraisal / PDP according to Trust policies and procedures
Person specification
Qualification
Essential criteria
- Diploma/Higher National Certificate or Foundation Degree in relevant science subject, or equivalent.
Experience
Essential criteria
- Working knowledge of lab procedures/ SOPs
- Technically competent in receipt, preparation and processing of samples
- Working Knowledge of operating sample analysers
- Knowledge of MS office including Outlook, Word and Excel
- Experience of working in a team
Desirable criteria
- Working knowledge of the computer system used and key board skills
- Knowledge of basic medical terminology
Knowledge
Essential criteria
- Good interpersonal skills
- Good communication skills both verbal and written
- Good organisational skills
- Ability to concentrate for long periods
- Possess manual dexterity and ability to work accurately
- Knowledge of health and safety within the workplace
Desirable criteria
- Understand the use of environmental monitoring
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Andrew Bird
- Job title
- Deputy lead BMS
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01174149889
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