Associate Practitioner: Sponsorship Available

Job summary

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 theEmergency 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.

Person Specification

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.

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

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

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.

Training

Essential

• Previous Laboratory knowledge and skills
• Willing to continue the learning process through practical routes and CPD
• Mandatory training

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.

Closing Date: 30 August 2026