Job overview
Can you make a difference to each patient’s experience of the NHS?
If you are looking to provide outstanding patient care, happy to go the extra mile and can adapt to a quick paced environment – then you are who we are looking for.
We are very happy to talk informally during your application or would be happy to provide a tour of the Emergency Department.
There are full and part time opportunities available working various shift patterns including weekends, nights and Bank Holidays
Following the successful implementation of an effective point of care testing team to support Covid-19 testing for all patients being admitted to the Royal Cornwall Hospital, the team will now become a permanent feature and expanded to support a wider range of testing as well as testing at community sites.
Main duties of the job
Working primarily within the Emergency Department you will be responsible for the end to end provision of a range of point of care testing to ensure patients receive their care in the most appropriate place from the start of their journey.
It is not essential to have worked within the Emergency Department or to have experience of working with point of care testing systems to apply for this position. We work together to create a positive team spirit, recognising achievements and celebrating success. We know that happy patients start with happy staff.
Monitor consumable stock levels including updating, checking, storing, reporting and initial stock control.
To be responsible for the cost-effective use of consumables and equipment in the immediate area of work.
To contribute to the care, maintenance and security of laboratory premises and equipment.
Staff
To work as part of a team providing technical laboratory support to the laboratories.
To participate in the training of support staff.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
PLEASE NOTE: To view the full Job Description and Person Specification, please click the supporting document on the right-hand side.
To be an employee of the NHS you need to successfully complete the following:
- Identity Checks
- Professional registration and qualification checks
- Employment history and reference checks
- Occupational Health clearance
- Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check
- Right to work in the UK
For further information please visit:
https://www.nhsemployers.org/topics-networks/employment-standards-and-regulation
We reserve the right to close this advert early.
We may be able to offer flexible working. Please discuss at interview.
We may be able to offer sponsorship but this is not guaranteed.
Applicant requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Person specification
Skills
Essential
- Capable of frequent and extended periods of concentration
- Naturally accurate and shows attention to detail
- Knowledge of the correct balance between initiative and limits of authority
- Good verbal communications at all levels
- Should be able to distinguish between all colour ranges
- Awareness of audit and quality issues
Desirable
- Excellent memory
Training
Essential
- Previous Laboratory knowledge and skills
- Willing to continue the learning process through practical routes and CPD
- Mandatory training
Experience
Essential
- Knowledge of safety systems
- Experience of working in a patient facing role
Desirable
- Previous medical laboratory experience
- Knowledge of laboratory computer systems
- Experience of working with point of care systems
Disposition
Essential
- Ability to work alone or in a team, relating effectively with all colleagues.
- Calm and logical under pressure and able to meet deadlines.
- Flexible and able to change priorities at short notice.
- Progressive and self-motivated.
- Good interpersonal skills (e.g. pleasant manner, approachable)
Desirable
- Calm under pressure.
- Generally quiet demeanour.
Qualifications
Essential
- Good general education with at least 5 subjects at GCSE at grade 5 or above (or equivalent) including Maths, English and a science based subject.
- Knowledge of range of non-routine healthcare science duties acquired through training, experience to Vocational Qualification Level 3 or equivalent level plus additional theoretical or applied training in specific discipline to diploma equivalent level.
Desirable
- Further education, e.g. A Level or relevant scientific Degree.
Additional circumstances
Essential
- A criminal record check satisfactory to the organisation.
- Ability to undertake duties
- Evidence of manual dexterity. Capable of moving small loads.
- Post-holder must comply with professional code of conduct and/or code of conduct for NHS managers where applicable.
- Flexibility. Able to cope with evening and weekend work.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Associate Practitioner with Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust in Royal Cornwall Hospital. It is listed as a Band 4 role. The advertised salary is £28,392 - £31,157 pa pro rata. The contract type is Fixed term: 15 months (Maternity cover). The application deadline is 30 Aug 2026.
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