At SWLP, the Point of Care Testing (PoCT) department recently attained UKAS accreditation to ISO 22870 standard. The PoCT team manages a wide range of PoCT analysers and devices, connected to POCT middleware systems, across five sites and manages maintenance, training, competency, quality assurance and governance of these pieces of equipment.

The post holder will be based at our Spoke site at Croydon University Hospital. Each SWLP site has an engaged PoCT Committee with good representation from users across the hospital.

The post-holder will work relatively independently, supported by the SWLP POCT manager, BMS/MLA staff and the Principal Clinical Biochemist on each site to deliver the PoCT service. Given the outward facing nature of this role, the successful individual will need to have good organisational and communication skills and significant experience in PoCT and quality management.

Find out more about South West London Pathology on our website.

1. To provide and co-ordinate specialist clinical technical services to patients that may include research and audit samples.
2. To undertake the day-to-day management of the POCT service under the direction of the line manager.
3. To establish and co-ordinate a sitePOCT Committee and POCT policy and report all relevant
information to the committee with input from all POCT users, Medical, Nursing, Patient and finance.
4. Contributes to providing a professional clinical laboratory service, working effectively as a team member as part of the overall department.
5. To provide the necessary training and supervision to staff within the POCT department.

South West London Pathology is an award winning pathology partnership between three leading Hospital Trusts – St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Croydon Health Services NHS Trust and Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS foundation Trust – designed to provide an integrated, high quality pathology service for hospitals and GPs across South West London, by bringing together the best of each Trust’s service and providing them within a single organisation.

6. To be responsible for the co-ordination of training, development and competency assessment of all POCT users and keeping of related databases.
7. To discuss POCT issues in meetings within the laboratory both at general and Team Lead level as well as Risk management, Quality management, audit and clinical governance as required.

Scientific and Technical Duties:
1. To be proficient in all designated areas of diagnostic work within the department and to provide a comprehensive and appropriate laboratory service to patients and staff.
2. To be familiar with all specialist POCT devices in use throughout the Trust; to make judgements as to how to proceed during technical failures and maintenance shutdowns, whilst ensuring continuity of clinical services.
3. To ensure that all POCT activities within the Trust are patient focused and are performed effectively and efficiently without compromising patient safety.
4. To provide expert advice to clinicians, nurses, managers and other users of POCT service. This can be complex sensitive information that must be accurate. 5.To be responsible for the day-to-day operation, supervision and direction of the POCT services within the Trust with appropriate scientific, technical and ancillary support.
6. To ensure that test procedures are carried out according to SOPs, assess that other junior staff are competent and participate in their regular review and update.
7. To undertake technical validation of highly complex results from laboratory investigations to ensure accuracy and precision as specified by laboratory protocols.
8. To measure and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.
9. To carry out corrective action when quality control and assurance procedures indicate loss of performance.
10. Ensure that documentation is maintained to the Trust standard (including electronic records).
11. To identify and report clinical risks so that appropriate action can be taken in accordance with the
Trust risk management policy.
12. To plan, prioritise and supervise the scientific workload of a section on a day-to-day basis.
13. To provide a comprehensive and appropriate POCT service to patients and staff.
14. To possess highly developed, advanced specialist scientific skills.
15. To ensure that the laboratory standard operational and health&safety policies are understood and carried out by all staff.
16. Responsible for the maintenance, condition, quality control and record keeping of POCT instruments
and equipment
17. Adaptation to new methodology or working practices when required, due to changing circumstances.
18. To contribute towards a culture of quality in the department and to comply and promote the quality
initiatives within the department consistent with the requirements of accrediting and regulatory bodies.
19. To support all diagnostic procedures provided by the department.
20. Participation in and facilitation of Quality Assurance and Audit within the department
21. To be proactive in the updating and generation of standard operating procedures.
22. To assist in the implementation and development of new and existing techniques.
23. To provide scientific advice and act as a resource both internally and externally.
24. To maintain an awareness of current developments especially with regard to special areas of responsibility.
25. To assist in maintaining appropriate internal and external quality assurance and meeting standards
required by external assessment.may have medico-legal implications.

*See attached the detailed job description.