Rotational Associate Practitioner - POCT | Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
| Posting date: | 03 September 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | £27,485 - £30,162 Per annum |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 03 October 2025 |
| Location: | Milton Keynes, MK6 5LD |
| Company: | Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 7456622/430-CC25-372A |
Summary
Rotational Associate Practitioner - Point of Care Testing
Department: Point of Care Testing – MKUH Pathology
Band 4
Hours: 37.5 -all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
The Point of Care Testing (POCT) Team, part of the Pathology Department at MKUH, are seeking an engaging and enthusiastic individual to help support the service we provide to the wards and other clinical areas throughout the Trust, including community-based projects. Amongst other tasks the post holder will aid with the following:
· Manage 200+ POCT devices throughout the Trust, ensuring they are regularly maintained, serviced and repaired when needed.
· Run control checks (IQC and EQA) as required.
· Provide user training to clinical staff using the devices for patient testing.
· Carry out regular audits on the POCT services and equipment currently in use
· Aid POCT in meeting ISO 15189 standards.
In addition, the post holder will periodically rotate into the blood sciences laboratory. There they will assist in the delivery of a diagnostic service analysing blood, urine, faeces and other materials to achieve the objectives of efficient and effective patient care, and effective resource management within the hospital.
Further details can be found in the attached job description but if you have further questions or would like to arrange an informal visit please contact Phill Dickson, POCT coordinator (phillip.dickson@mkuh.nhs.uk)
This is a new role and will involve rotation through Point of Care Testing (POCT) and also Blood Sciences laboratories. There are therefore 2 elements to the job description, Part A as the Associate Practitioner for Point of Care Testing and Part B – as an Associate Practitioner in Blood Sciences.
It is envisaged that the rotation period will be 6 monthly.
The post holder will be part of a team delivering Point of Care Testing Services, maintaining devices, training staff in their use and providing the necessary support required to achieve the objectives of efficient and effective patient care, and effective resource management within the hospital. (Rotation A)
The post holder will be part of a team of Associate Practitioners assisting in the delivery of a diagnostic service analysing blood, urine, faeces and other materials to achieve the objectives of efficient and effective patient care, and effective resource management within the hospital. (Rotation B)
The post holder will undertake their responsibilities within the Pathology department to meet all required national and Trust standards. They will be required towork both alone and as part of a departmental team. To attend departmental and other meetings as required and also attend external training and educational courses when required, i.e. instrument troubleshooting and repair.
73.8% of this team wouldstronglyrecommend their organisation as an excellentplaceto work. (Staff Survey, 2024).
We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute
Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a “Good” rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.
As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.
We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre.
Further investment is underway, including the construction of Oak Wards – a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards – and the recently approved Women and Children’s Centre, set to open by 2030.
Visit our website to explore the latest news and opportunities at MKUH -News - Milton Keynes University Hospital-
Main duties and responsibilities of the Point of Care Associate Practitioner (rotation post A)
Main Responsibilities.
To organise and liaise with the rest of the Point of Care Team, daily duties, duties out of the Department, and cover for absences within the Team, and the organisation of own work patterns.
To perform maintenance and troubleshooting of all point of care testing analysers supported by MKUH POCT, maintaining the operational effectiveness of the devices.
To maintain consumable stocks on board analytical equipment ensuring minimum down time.
Support
To ensure the operational effectiveness of the department is maintained, i.e. maintaining levels of consumables, keeping the department neat, tidy, and safe etc.
To deal with telephone enquiries in relating to Point of Care testing.
To prioritise workload, and deal with urgent issues appropriately.
Training
To provide training sessions in line with current SOPs in the correct use of Point of Care Testing equipment.
Maintain database of trained staff.
Main duties and responsibilities of the Blood Sciences Associate Practitioner (rotation post B)
Main Responsibilities
To organise and liaise with the rest of the Blood Sciences Technical Team to cover daily duties, out of hours duties, duties out of the department, and cover for absences within the Technical Team.
To run Internal Quality Controls through analysers to demonstrate the clinical suitability and reliability of results, and to follow SOPs when unacceptable results occurand carry out remedial action if indicated.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
This advert closes on Wednesday 17 Sep 2025