Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• A Healthcare Science Associate is part of a clinical support team whose purpose is to provide timely and accurate high quality scientific information that will assist service users from the hospital and community, in the establishment of a clinical diagnosis and monitoring of patient treatment. 
• The Healthcare Science Associate will use practical skills to carry out tasks associated with the pre-analytical preparation of specimens as well as direct analysis of samples for a limited range of tests using rapid molecular techniques, blood sciences platforms and some culture-based investigations. 
• Specimen reception: To deal with the reception, sorting and labelling of patient specimens, identifying inadequate and mislabelled specimens and ensuring urgent samples are prioritised. 
• To ensure correct and timely transfer of microbiology and virology samples between testing sites. 
• Data entry, preparing specimens for analysis, including booking in-patient and specimen details, storing, retrieving and disposing of specimens. 
• To analyse a limited range of patient samples to detect microbial pathogens such as SARS-COV-2, Influenza A Virus, Strep A and MRSA in line with departmental SOPs. 
• To provide contingency support to ED-Runner service if capacity allows 
• To load/unload blood culture bottles from automated blood culture system and ensure positive bottles are transported appropriately. 
• To learn new tasks appropriate to role of healthcare science associates as scope of role expands to meet the needs of service delivery. 
• Operate, maintain and basic trouble shoot departmental analysers, in line with departmental SOPs. 
• To undertake simple analytical procedures under guidance, maintain and operate laboratory equipment in accordance with departmental SOPs. 
• To manually transcribe and record laboratory data, input to and manipulation of the laboratory computer system and derivation of worksheets 
• To receive requests for information by telephone and respond appropriately. 
• To prepare and reconstitute reagents and control materials and other processes as required, recording stock levels, maintenance of instruments and equipment, and keeping appropriate records both manually and electronic. 
• To manage the day-to-day Quality Assurance for rapid testing provision by conducting, monitoring and resulting tests on appropriate schemes. 
• To support in the management of Point of Care Testing (POCT) devices across the Trust, including training, audit and quality control. 
• To work in compliance with local health and safety rules to ensure a safe working environment for yourself, colleagues and visitors. To adhere to department and Trust Health and Safety policies (including COSHH, Risk assessments and Standard Operating Procedures) and to report any non-compliances to a senior member of staff. 
• Supporting in the training of new members of HCSA staff. 
• The post holder will be required to support provision of 24/7 Hot Lab service by working evening shifts, weekend shifts and night shifts once trained on 1:8 rota. The post holder will be required to work in microbiology at the Freeman site on a rotational basis.

As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.

Please note it is a requirement of The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that all successful candidates who require a DBS for the post they have been offered pay for their DBS certificate. The method of payment is a salary deduction from your first month’s pay.