Job Description

JOB TITLE: Associate Practitioner

BAND: 4

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Associate Director of Operations (ADO) for Clinical Support Services &
Women and Children Services

RESPONSIBLE TO: Laboratory Manager

PATIENTS FIRST – SERVICE STANDARDS

At West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust we promise to put Patients First. Our commitment to every patient,
every day, doing our best to ensure they feel safe, in a clean and comfortable environment with highly
professional staff who work together to achieve this.

We want our patients to feel cared for, with a courteous and respectful attitude from kind and helpful staff who
have the time to listen and keep them informed at every step. We want them to feel confident that their
treatment is provided by skilled and compassionate teams who will involve them in their care and who
understand their time is valuable.

The Trust delivers services to patients seven days a week and aims to provide equality of treatment and outcome
regardless of the day of the week. To meet these aims and changing service requirements, the Trust may need
you either to work temporarily outside of your core hours or to permanently change your core working days and
hours. The Trust will give you reasonable notice, where possible, of temporary changes to your days or hours of
work and will consult with you and/or your staff representatives about substantial permanent changes, but
ultimately, these are changes which may be required of you.

JOB PURPOSE:

• Performs a number of healthcare science clinical/technical/scientific activities under supervision, e.g.

performs standard biochemical/haematological tests.
• Maintains clinical records in relation to activities carried out; may input/interrogate test results of others.
• May be required to supervise, organise and allocate work and/or train less experienced staff in own
area.
• To work flexibly in reflection of service needs which may include an extended working day and/or
participation in delivery of a 24 hour, 7 days per week service.
• The work of the service brings staff into constant contact with human body fluids, tissues and
hazardous chemicals. This may include blood, pus, urine, faeces, and respiratory secretions.
• Maintain and promote professional image of the pathology department.

NB: Post holder must not work outside their defined field of competence
KEY TASKS:

Technical and scientific:

• Under supervision, perform manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations
accurately and efficiently.
• Undertake quality control procedures and the processing of quality control material as per established
protocols.
• Participate in the day to day management of stock control and usage. This may include maintaining Blood
Transfusion stock levels and records and monitor usage to ensure efficient use where appropriate.
• Be aware of current advances and assist in the introduction of new techniques.
• Clean and maintain equipment to achieve the optimum instrument performance and maintain a clean and
safe working environment.
• Perform basic troubleshooting in line with established protocols and report any faults to a biomedical
scientist.
• Participate in processing samples for Research and Development, clinical trials and equipment testing.

Communication:
• Communicates with colleagues and clinicians about test results and provides instruction to groups of
health service staff, as appropriate.
• Communicates with service users, including patients as appropriate.

Information Resources:
• Record test results and maintain integrity, accuracy of laboratory data, including data entered by self.
• Be able to record test results on the computer and manual systems in accordance with agreed
standard operating procedures.
• To ensure patient confidentiality and conformance to Data Protection Act and Caldicott Guidelines.
• Be able to use Laboratory Information system, email, internet and automated operating systems, and
other software packages as required.

Quality/Governance/Risk Management:
• Follow policies and procedures ensuring compliance with the Pathology quality management system.
• Comment on proposals for change to policies and standard operating procedures within own area.
• Assist in audits and where appropriate, propose service improvements for own area.
• When incidents occur, take immediate appropriate action, inform senior staff and ensure incidents are
reported. Contribute to investigations as directed.

Education, Training and Development:

• Support less experienced and other staff where required and provide practical training to small groups.
• Participate in appraisal process in line with current policies.
• Responsible for personal education, training and competencies to ensure recorded continual
professional development.

Leadership and line management responsibilities:

• Prioritises own workload and that of others as and when required.
• Supervise, organise and allocate work for less experienced staff when required in own area.
Addendum – Blood Transfusion:

Specific communication requirements when working in the Blood Transfusion laboratory:

• To liaise with the NHS Blood and Transport (NHSBT) and users of the service.
• To liaise with the Transfusion Practitioners.

To assist with quality issues within the blood transfusion laboratory to ensure compliance with the Blood Safety
and Quality Regulations 2005 (and amendments) including:

• Day to day maintenance of the cold chain and temperature controlled facilities by:
o Checking that temperature probes, charts and LED readings are within the designated ranges and
recorded on the daily temperature monitoring form.
o Notifying an appropriate Biomedical Scientist (BMS) if any readings are outside the designated
acceptable limits.
• Ensure completion of own transfusion training and competency.
• Ensure completion of own annual update in good manufacturing practice (GMP).
• Participation in local Trust and national audits in transfusion.
• Reporting any transfusion incidents.

Other responsibilities:

The post-holder will be expected to participate in the delivery of specific duties and/or specialised
responsibilities in line with the banding of the post. These responsibilities will be agreed with the post holder,
will be subject to regular review and may be amended at any time with the post holder’s agreement.
 Person Specification

REQUIREMENTS ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE Evidence

Values and Interview
behaviours –
these will be
discussed and Willing to start every interaction with
assessed “Hello, my name is…” in order to build
throughout the good working relationships and
selection communication links with colleagues,
process patients and their families.

Keen to put patient care at the heart of

work to improve outcomes and service
delivery.

Motivated to deliver the highest possible

standards and quality outcomes.

Willing to “be the best you can be”,

continually looking for ways to improve
and develop in order to reach full
potential.

Confident to encourage others to

develop themselves and the service
through improvement, innovation and
continuous development.

Able to work effectively in conjunction

with others (patients, colleagues,
families) to contribute to the delivery of
high quality healthcare.

Build positive working relationships,

respecting and valuing the contributions
made by others and acting in a
considerate, helpful and inclusive
manner at all times.

Education & • Appropriate NVQ 3/diploma or Working towards Foundation degree Application
Qualification equivalent or equivalent
• Additional theoretical or applied
training to diploma equivalent level
Experience & • Demonstrable knowledge of a range • Practical experience of working Application
Knowledge of routine and non-routine in a Biomedical Science Interview
healthcare science duties laboratory References
• Knowledge of Pathology IT
systems
• Knowledge of Quality
Management Systems
• Previous relevant experience of
working in the NHS

Skills & Abilities • Willingness to undertake cross • Written communication skills Application
training to extend skill set to deliver Interview
role References
• Good communication skills,
• Demonstrable interpersonal skills -
can work as part of a team or
independently
• Ability to supervise less experienced
staff, including supporting the
training of staff.
• Ability to organise and allocate work
to less experience staff to meet
needs of the service
• Ability to concentrate for prolonged
periods of time
• High degree of manual dexterity to
perform standard laboratory
techniques
Personal • High level of accuracy and attention • Credible and effective leadership Application
Qualities to detail qualities. Interview
• Integrity and personal credibility. References
• Strives for excellence.
• Self-motivated and able to motivate
others.
• Ability to be flexible and respond to
the needs of the service,
• Ability to work under pressure and
meet deadlines where there are
competing demands.
• Puts the patient first in everything
that is undertaken
• Awareness of self and impact on
others
• Able to work with body fluids and
hazardous materials
Our FIRST Trust values

First for patients and community We will provide the highest possible quality service
and care for our patients and their relatives within
the available resources

Integrated team working We will adapt our skills and attitudes as needs
change and develop, working in partnership with
colleagues and service users in an environment
conducive to learning

Respect and courtesy We will show understanding and respect for each
other, being open and honest in our communication
with colleagues and service users

Supporting and valuing staff We will provide equipment, training and an

appropriate working environment for all staff, to
help them do their job effectively and progress in
their personal development

Two way open communication We will take responsibility for maintaining a two way
flow of communication and providing a welcoming,
safe and secure environment for patients and staff,
providing information about changes to our
processes when they happen.
Find out more about our visions and values

Putting You First

By creating a safe, supportive and honest environment; by caring for each other, listening and being helpful
and by working together, valuing each other’s time and contribution we can create a working environment
in which every member of staff can thrive.

In support of our culture of Putting You First, we ask all of our teams to make it the norm for everyone
working at West Suffolk Hospital to start every interaction with “Hello, my name is…” It is a small gesture,
but one that really makes a difference. It’s the least we can do as part of building good working relationships
with both patients and other colleagues. It is the first rung on the ladder to providing compassionate care
and often getting the simple things right, which means the more complex things will follow more easily and
naturally.

Find out more about Hello, my name is...

To help us achieve our vision and values, we also have a set of Patients First Service Standards. As a
member of our team, you will need to live these standards, placing them at the heart of everything you do.

On the next page, you will find some further information on our Patients First Service Standards. If you are
invited to attend for a job interview, you will be asked to talk about one of our Service Standards,
explaining why you think it is relevant to the position you have applied for and how you would
incorporate it into your everyday working life.

Patients First Service Standards – Putting You First

Putting You First recognises the importance of both patients and staff members. When patients and staff
work together with mutual respect and understanding, real achievements can happen.
Our ten behavioural standards underpin this value. Our staff members play an important role in ensuring
that the behavioural standards become a way of working. Paying attention to detail, embracing diversity,
listening to ideas, being open, honest and aware – these are just some of the key principles we ask of our
staff. Hospitals can be daunting places to come, and it is up to us to ensure that the experiences of those
people having treatment here and working here are as pleasant as possible. When recruiting new staff
to our teams, we look for people who will place these standards at the heart of everything they do.

Find out more here

1. Clean – patients are safe

We will be vigilant across all aspects of safety, practice hand hygiene and show attention to detail for a
clean and tidy environment wherever we work.

2. On stage – patients feel safe

At all times, we will look and behave professionally, acting as an ambassador for the Trust so that patients,
families and carers feel safe and are never unduly worried.

3. Honest – patients stay safe

We will be confident to speak up if standards are not displayed, appreciative when they are and we will be
open to ‘positive challenge’ by colleagues.

4. Courteous and respectful

Whatever our role, we will be polite, courteous and positive in the face of adversity and we will always be
respectful of people’s individuality, privacy and dignity.

5. Communicate and listen

We will take the time to listen, asking open questions and keeping people informed of what’s happening,
providing smooth handovers.

6. Helpful and kind

We will keep our “eyes open” for (and will not avoid) people who need help; we will take ownership of
delivering, ensuring that we are all people that others can rely on.

7. Informative

We will involve patients as partners in their own care, helping them to be clear about their condition, choices,
and care plan and how they might feel and we will answer their questions without using jargon.

8. Timely

We will appreciate that other people’s time is valuable and offer a responsive service to keep waiting to a
minimum, helping patients to get better quicker and spend as little time in hospital as appropriate

9. Compassionate

We understand the important role that patients and families feelings play in helping them feel better and will
be compassionate, gentle, reassuring and considerate of patients’ pain.

10. Improving is everyone’s job

We will look to simplify processes, eliminate waste and increase efficiency by putting patients first. We will
 seek out and act to solve patients’ frustrations and take part in evidence-led quality improvement. We will
be happy to be measured and held accountable for our own roles, quality for patients and Trust
performance.

GENERAL NOTES

CHANGES TO JOB DESCRIPTION

The duties outlined above are subject to changes, after consultation with post holder, which meet the needs of the
service as a result of the full implementation of the Trust Plans.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Staff are expected to develop the IT skills necessary to support the tasks included in their post. They will, therefore
be required to undertake any necessary training to support this.

MAJOR INCIDENTS
The post holder is required to conform to the Trust's Policy, Strategy, Plans and Procedures for Business
Continuity Incidents, Critical Incidents and Major Incidents (including for Security and Fire incidents), and is to
contribute to the planning for such events. This is to apply to all Trust areas of responsibility, including the
Community. Furthermore, the post holder is to attend mandatory training sessions and validation exercises as
required.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust recognises the importance of having happy, healthy staff in order to deliver the
outstanding care we are so proud of. The Trust offers a wide range of benefits to help staff maintain and improve
their health and wellbeing. The post-holder will be expected to prioritise their own health and to make use of the
facilities and services available to them. Every member of staff also has a responsibility to contribute to creating a
happy, healthy work environment for others and to look out for colleagues’ health and wellbeing.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Continuous quality improvement is a core responsibility for everyone. Every member of staff’s work ultimately
impacts upon the quality and safety of the care we provide. All staff are expected to participate in continuous
quality improvement in their immediate work areas. Training and support is provided.

FREEDOM TO SPEAK UP / TO IMPROVE

It is the pledge of the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust to never walk by an opportunity
to make things better for staff, patients and relatives. It is the responsibility of all staff to highlight
any areas of concern.

CONFIDENTIALITY
In the course of their duties employees will have access to confidential material about patients and members of
staff. On no account must information relating to patients/staff/individuals be accessed by anyone unless there is
a legitimate reason, for example, medical staff in relation to direct patient care, investigation of a complaint. If there
is any doubt as to the whether access is legitimate, advice must be sought from the Information Governance Team.
Breach of this policy will be regarded as gross misconduct and could result in disciplinary action.

INFECTION CONTROL
It is the personal responsibility of the post holder to adhere to the Trust policies and procedures outlined in the
Infection Control Manual and any other Infection Control policies, procedures and practices which may be required
from time to time.

NO SMOKING POLICY
In recognition of the Trust’s commitment to health promotion and its health and safety responsibility, the Trust has a
no smoking policy that prevents all staff from smoking whilst on duty.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust aims to ensure that no employee or job applicant receives less favourable
treatment because of their age, disability, ethnicity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin or on the
grounds of gender, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, religion or
belief, sexual orientation; or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which are not justified by the job to be
done.

This also applies to patients. The Trust has a duty to ensure patients have the right to equal access, care and
treatment. All employees are expected to comply with this policy.

DATA QUALITY
The information that you record as part of your duties at the Trust must be ‘fit for purpose’, reliable and easily
accessed by appropriate/authorised personnel. To achieve this standard the information must be: accurate, legible
(if hand written), recorded in a timely manner, up to date and appropriately filed.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
As an employee of the Trust, you are required to recognise a request from the public for information in accordance
with the Trust’s Freedom of Information Policy. All requests must be sent to the Information Governance Team.

INFORMATION ASSET OWNERS (IAO)

All Corporate Managers & Heads of Department are expected;
• To understand how information assets in their departments are used and for what purposes
• How information is created, amended or added to over time
• Who has access to the information and why
• Who the information is shared with and how
• Carry out any risk assessments regarding the safe handling of information
• Ensure that staff are aware of Information Governance policy regarding handling of information
More information is available from the Head of Information Governance.

CODES OF CONDUCT FOR NHS MANAGERS

Managers are required to carry out their duties in a manner which complies with the Codes of Conduct for NHS
Managers Directions 2002.

TRUST LEADERSHIP BEHAVIOURS

The Trust is a system of interdependent parts; the success of one part often relies on another. The glue that binds
these together is a clear sense of shared values which is essential to success.

These are the standards of behaviour expected of all those in a leadership role in the Trust.

1. Demonstrate shared values

Demonstrating our leadership values will allow the organisation to achieve our Trust core values. Leaders
should work collectively to lead a connected organisation.

2. Be positive
Be positive and encourage others. There is no place for cynicism in a leader.

3. Build bridges
Commit to working across silos and breaking down barriers. Patients need seamless care, not silos.

4. Support new ideas

Support people to pursue innovations. But be clear about the difference between taking risks, which may
sometimes fail, and incompetence.
 5. Communicate well
Communicate to staff, patients and stakeholders with clarity, simplicity and honesty.

6. Say sorry and thank you

The most important words in the language of leadership. Acknowledge when you should use them and
show appreciation for a job well done.

7. Build and effective team

Develop a real insight into your weaknesses. Construct a team that compensates for any weaknesses and
challenges you where required.

STANDARDS OF BUSINESS CONDUCT & CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The NHS Code of Conduct and Standards of Business conduct for NHS Staff require all employees to declare all
situations where you or a close relative or associate has a controlling interests in a business [such as a private
company, public organisation or other NHS or voluntary organisation] or in any activity which may compete for any
NHS contracts to supply goods or services to the Trust. All such interests must be declared in the register of
interests either on appointment or when such interests are gained.

All employees are required to ensure they understand and adhere to the Trust’s governance policies, such as
Standing Orders and Standing Financial Instructions.

FRAUD, BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION

The Trust has a zero tolerance stance towards any acts of Fraud, Bribery and all staff should make themselves
fully aware and understand the contents of the Trust’s Fraud and Anti Bribery Policies. Any such activities will be
subject to disciplinary and/or criminal action by the Trust.

STANDING FINANCIAL INSTRUCTIONS

All staff must comply with the Trust Standing Financial Instructions when committing the Trust to expenditure,
including staff related costs.

SUSTAINABILITY
In supporting the Trust’s policy on Carbon Reduction it is the responsibility of all staff to minimise the Trust’s
environmental impact by recycling wherever possible, switching off lights, computer monitors and equipment when
not in use, minimising water usage and reporting faults promptly.

ACTIVE TRAVEL
The Trust supports the Cycle2Work scheme which helps an employee acquire a bike and safety accessories to the
value of £1000, through their employer. An employee could make up to 42% savings on a brand new bike and
safety accessories as they will not have to pay any tax on the benefit. There are 246 cycle storage spaces on the
West Suffolk site.
See the travel pages on the intranet for further details.

NHS FOUNDATION TRUST

Employees of West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust automatically become staff members of the Foundation Trust,
unless they choose to opt out.

On leaving the Trust, individuals automatically transfer to public membership, subject to their remaining in the
catchment area, unless they request not to do so.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The duties and responsibilities of the post will be undertaken in accordance with the policies, procedures and
practices of the Trust, which the Trust may amend from time to time.

COMMUNITY STAFF
This also includes the policies and procedures that were in place for the community staff before they transferred
into West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.

REVIEW & MONITORING

This policy and procedure will be reviewed and monitored annually by the Executive Director of Workforce and
Communication in consultation with Trust Council

WEST SUFFOLK NHS FOUNDATION TRUST

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Band 4 Salary Scale:

Entry Level £22,549 pa

Increment 1 £22,549 pa
Increment 2 £22,549 pa
Increment 3 £24,882 pa
Increment 4 £24,882 pa
Increment 5 £24,882 pa
Increment 6 £24,882 pa

Pro rata for part time

Until such time as local pay determination policies have been agreed by the Trust and implemented, the
Trust will, in determining the salary, take due account of the pay rates for this post, in NHS employment
and any changes to those rates which the Secretary of State for Health may authorise from time to time.

New entrants will normally enter the salary scale at the minimum of the scale.

HOURS OF DUTY: See NHS Jobs advert

ANNUAL LEAVE: 202.5 hours per annum plus public holidays (This is the annual
leave entitlement for full time employees who are working 37.5
hours per week, with minimum NHS Service and will be pro rata
for part time employees)

PENSION SCHEME: All staff are eligible to join the NHS Pension Scheme. Under the
scheme, contributions are deducted at source from salary.
Deductions will automatically be made for eligible employees unless
they opt formally to withdraw from the scheme. In order to opt out,
employees should contact the Pensions Administrator at NHS
Shared Business Services on 0844 931 2005.

PERIOD OF NOTICE: Two months

TERMS AND CONDITIONS All terms and conditions of service are laid down
OF SERVICE: by the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, details of which can be
seen in the HR Department.
PROTECTION OF CHILDREN The Trust is committed to carefully screen all
AND VULNERABLE ADULTS: successful applicants who will work with children or vulnerable adults
via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS police check). These
applicants will be informed during the interview process of the
screening procedure.

RETIREMENT POLICY: The Trust does not operate a compulsory retirement age for its
employees and is committed to equal opportunities for all
employees.

The Trust operates a flexible retirement policy and employees may

voluntarily retire at a time of their choosing. Employees should inform
their Line Manager in writing of their intention to retire, giving
contractual notice in accordance with their contract of employment.

Written notification should be given even if the employee intends to

return to employment with the Trust after accessing their pension.

Employees should consider their pension provision and take

independent financial advice before making any decision in relation
to their retirement. Employees need to give the NHS Pensions
Agency a minimum of five months notice of their intention to retire
and access their pension.

LEASE CAR INFORMATION: The Trust operates a Lease Car policy, dependent on department
facility, for those staff required to travel on Trust business in excess
of 3,500 miles per year. If your department offers a ‘business only’
car, this can be provided at no cost and alongside managers
discretion, or you can select a vehicle of your choice if you wish to
have private use, and the appropriate charge will be made. Mileage
will be paid at the Agenda for Change standard rate whilst waiting for
delivery of your vehicle and, if you choose not to have a Lease Car,
your business miles will be reimbursed at the rate of 24 pence per
mile.

SOCIAL AND GENERAL: The West Suffolk Hospital has two shops on site. Reasonably priced
meals and snacks are available in the staff restaurant, and Courtyard
Café. The hospital is sited in landscaped grounds and adjoins
Hardwick Heath.

There is a swimming pool available to all staff at a subsidised rate,

at the Moreton Hall Health Club. For further details, please refer to
the Intranet.
CHILDCARE: The Trust has an on-site Nursery, ‘Busy Bees’, accepting children
from three months to five years. Enquiries can be made to the
Manager by email to [email protected].

April 2021
Human Resources and Communications Directorate