Point of Care Testing Section Lead
| Posting date: | 14 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £47,810.00 to £54,710.00 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £47810.00 - £54710.00 a year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 28 January 2026 |
| Location: | Plymouth, PL6 8DH |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | C9216-26-0042 |
Summary
Managerial Responsibilities Lead and manage POCT technical services, ensuring scientific and technical excellence.Maintain high professional standards and ensure staff meet speed, quality, and accuracy requirements.Oversee induction, training, and competency records for all staff.Manage staffing levels to allow mandatory training while maintaining safe service.Support training for junior medical staff and Clinical Scientists.Collaborate and supervise staff, working with senior management as needed.Develop and maintain continuous service review and quality improvement programs.Ensure compliance with UKAS ISO15189 and MHRA standards.Establish and audit procedures and protocols within your section.Manage stock control and ordering, ensuring safe and tidy storage.Promote efficiency measures and share best practices.Produce and maintain SOPs, protocols, and policies.Implement procedural changes and communicate updates.Maintain security and confidentiality of documents and records.Ensure accurate record-keeping and equipment maintenance.Provide statistical and workload data as required.Ensure adherence to internal and external quality control procedures.Establish flexible working systems to optimize equipment use.Promote health and safety compliance and investigate incidents. Financial Responsibilities Ensure value for money in purchasing and maximize supplier discounts.Support income generation initiatives.Conduct monthly budget checks and monitor contract spend.Maintain and provide financial data for management and charging purposes. Human Resources Complete annual appraisals, set objectives, and monitor progress.Manage annual leave and ensure adequate staffing.Recruit staff and manage sickness in line with policy.Promote teamwork and uphold Trust values.Monitor staff conduct, timekeeping, and safety.Support change management initiatives. Communication Respond to complaints and report to senior management.Communicate meeting content and operational updates to all staff.Maintain clear communication lines and attend relevant meetings.Liaise with clinical staff and suppliers to ensure service quality.Act as mentor during staff induction and ensure daily handovers.Verify and validate POCT methods for patient safety. Scientific & Professional Evaluate new equipment, methods, and techniques.Plan and prioritize workload, perform urgent analyses, and troubleshoot complex equipment.Oversee POCT equipment use and maintenance across Trust and Primary Care.Ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations.Maintain instruments, quality control, and service logs.Deliver POCT training and support healthcare professionals.Process biological samples and authorize results for diagnosis and treatment.Perform complex analytical techniques and report sensitive results.Understand pathology and clinical significance of results.Identify abnormal results and request additional tests as needed.Operate and maintain analytical equipment and prepare calibration materials.Ensure quality control procedures and corrective actions.Participate in CPD, audits, research, and teaching programs.Implement new technology and working practices.Prepare Clinical Governance reports and support income generation. Working Relationships Accountable to Laboratory Manager via Lead BMS.Collaborate with clinical teams, NHS colleagues, and POCT suppliers.Foster a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing. Other Requirements Adhere to Trust policies, confidentiality, and governance standards.Attend mandatory training and maintain professional development.Comply with safeguarding, infection control, and risk management policies.Participate in 24/7 rotas if applicable. ***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***