Medical Laboratory Aide (03.007 (2023))

Temporary Full-Time

Job Details

Job Title:                                             Medical Laboratory Aide
Reference No:                                                03.007 (2023)
Department / Directorate:               Laboratory Medicine / Laboratory Services Directorate
Reports to:                                         Laboratory Manager /Chief Medical Scientist

Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) is one of Ireland’s largest acute teaching hospitals, adult, psychiatric and age-related healthcare on one site. The Hospital has 450 adult beds with over 3,500 people on staff and more than 60 different nationalities represented. The Hospital is a provider of local, regional and national specialties. It is a designated trauma unit incorporating the National Pelvic and Acetabular Unit, a regional Urology Centre and the second largest provider of renal dialysis services in the country.   

One of the two main academic teaching hospitals of Trinity College Dublin -  TUH specialise in the training and professional development of staff in areas such as Medicine, Nursing, Health and Social Care Professionals. TUH is part of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group which serves a population of over 1.2 million across seven counties. 

The Hospital is an exciting and dynamic place to work, in the midst of implementing a new hospital strategy, the team have already delivered on the opening of a new Renal Dialysis unit, Reeves Day Surgery Centre, a step down facility in the community, a new ICU and the development of a supraregional Endometriosis Service. It is an exciting time to join the TUH team and one of Ireland’s main teaching hospitals with so many plans to enhance patient care. The Hospital believes in investing in their team and offers excellent education and research opportunities.





TUH Vision and Values
The vision of the Hospital is “People Caring for People to Live Better Lives” through excellent health outcomes supported by evidenced based practice, positive patient and staff experience in an empowering and caring environment. A culture of innovation and quality improvement is central to everything we do.
Our TUH CARE values – for patients, their families, our community and staff are:
  • Collaborate – together and with our academic and care partners
  • Achieve – our goals, positive outcomes and wellbeing
  • Respect – for patients, each other and our environment
  • Equity – for patients and staff
At TUH we view our staff as our most valuable asset and every member of the Team is valued equally.  We recognise that a skilled, satisfied and motivated workforce is a prerequisite to high quality care.
A full overview of TUH is available on www.tuh.ie/about us

purpose of the role:
The Medical Laboratory Aide will provide administrative support and carry out assigned laboratory duties, tests and checks as appropriate to the post.





overview of role:
Key Duties and Responsibilities
  • Participate in the implementation of operational processes to the standards of ‘best practice’ in order to optimise use of resources
  • Participate in the implementation of a ‘quality management’ programme, which is patient centred and which measures and audits performance and patient satisfaction
  • Follow policies, procedures and guidelines in accordance with the quality management system of the laboratory and to ISO15189 standards at all times
  • Communicate appropriately with colleagues and other members of the health care team, recording all urgent communications according to hospital and laboratory policies
  • Participate in the introduction of new ideas and methods according to hospital policy
  • Ensure that policy and practice relating to laboratory record keeping is followed as determined by laboratory policy
  • Co-operate regarding procedures to be followed in preventing and managing accidents occurring in the laboratory area
  • Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the Values of the Hospital
  • Perform work in a timely, accurate and safe manner
  • Be flexible and adapt to changing workloads
  • Present a professional appearance and be punctual
  • Assist in ensuring compliance with current  EU and National legislation flowing from EU
  • Be familiar with quality requirements and ISO 15189 current edition
  • Participate as required on laboratory working groups (e.g. quality, ICT, health & safety, equipment, process analysis, etc.)
  • Continue to develop personal knowledge and skills
  • Seek and take education opportunities in addition to those provided by the hospital
  • Be responsible for ensuring you participate in training programmes as required by the hospital (e.g. fire training, manual handling, hand-hygiene, etc.)
  • Assist the laboratory scientific staff in the specimen reception function
  • Assist the laboratory scientific staff in the performance of pathology tests
  • Be responsible for correct sample handling, identification and registration of specimens and patient details
  • Communicate with patients to assist them in collection of samples for test investigations as appropriate
  • Provide clinical users with relevant  information to assist in collection, analysis and referral of samples as per Laboratory Medicine User Manual
  • Record and respond to telephone calls and messages according to laboratory telephone policy
  • Safeguard at all times, confidentiality of information relating to patients and staff
  • Record details and package all referred samples in compliance with current ADR and IATA Guidelines - liaise with couriers as appropriate
  • Receive and distribute specimens throughout Laboratory Medicine
  • As requested participate in the stock control and batch acceptance procedure of the department
  • Perform routine equipment maintenance and maintain records according to protocol
  • Disinfect and clean equipment and benches according to laboratory protocol
  • Dispose of laboratory waste safely and appropriately
  • Assist with filing and processing patient material/records including investigative results in a timely manner
  • Ensure that policy and practice relating to the Laboratory record keeping is followed
  • Participate with audits as required
  • Participate in competency and proficiency testing programmes
  • Undertake training of staff as appropriate
  • Set annual objective and goals with Laboratory Manager or Chief Medical Scientist
  • Co-operate and follow procedures in preventing and managing accidents occurring in the Laboratory area
  • Ensure the prompt and adequate reporting of laboratory incidents according to the Quality Management System policies
  • Using integrated application software to support the operational and management systems for the Laboratory
  • Any other duties assigned by the Laboratory Manager or Chief Medical Scientist
Qualifications & Experience required
Must Have:
  • Hold a qualification to minimum standard of Quality & Qualifications Ireland Level 5 (or higher) in Laboratory skills or Science
or
  • Have previous experience of work in a Hospital Laboratory or Science Laboratory
or
  • Be currently employed with no less than twelve months experience in the publicly funded Irish Health Service
and
  • Candidates must have the personal competence and capacity to properly discharge the duties of the role.  Skills essential to the position include:
    • Strong IT and keyboard skills
    • Ability to work on own initiative and can prioritise own workload effectively
    • Strong administration and organisational skills
    • Good attention to detail
    • Good Interpersonal skills
Reward & Recognition
  • Remuneration is in accordance with the Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales, grade code 4077.
  • A number of both permanent and temporary positions are available
  • A panel will be created for future vacancies
  • The annual leave entitlement is 23 working days per year. The leave year runs from 1st April to the 31st of March each year.
  • Normal working hours are 39 worked over 7 days. Your contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8 am to 8 pm over 7 days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement.
Application process
Applications must  be submitted ‘on-line’ at www.tuh.ie/careers by completing the application form and attaching your CV.  Candidates should be aware that, when applying for a post through the 'On-Line' Application System (Candidate Manager) they will receive an automated reply acknowledging receipt of their application.  Should you for any reason, not receive this automated acknowledgement, you should notify the Human Resources Department, before the closing date, otherwise your application will not be considered.
All candidates should note that, in order to maintain a timely process, the closing date and time for receipt of applications will be strictly adhered to.
Informal Enquiries to:                       Mr. Ciaran Love
                                                            Laboratory Manager
                                                            Tallaght University Hospital
                                                           
                                                            01 414 3905

Closing Date:                                      Before close of business on: Thursday 23rd March 2023








TUH Core Competencies:
Core Area Competency Level
Managing the service Quality & Safety of Service 1
Managing the service Delivery of Results 1
Managing Change Problem Solving & Decision Making 1
Managing Change Communications & Influencing 1
Managing Yourself Team player 1
Managing Yourself Planning and Organising 1
Managing People People Management 1
Managing People Leadership 1


Please go to www.tuh/careers for details of the core competencies












SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
Age Restrictions In Relation To Applications
Age restriction shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant,
within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004.
A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day
of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed applications for the office occurs.

Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the  office and be in a state of health as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
Garda Vetting
Garda vetting is sought for all employees and prospective employees of Tallaght University Hospital.  Given the specialised nature of the services provided, your appointment will be subject to satisfactory Garda vetting and re-vetting in circumstances where the Hospital deems it appropriate.  The Hospital will then process the necessary documentation to endeavour to obtain the satisfactory Garda clearance for you. You are obliged to disclose previous and any criminal convictions acquitted during the course of your employment.  Should the Hospital obtain information from the Garda vetting unit to indicate that your Garda clearance report is not satisfactory and / or if you have supplied the Hospital with false or misleading information in relation to your Garda clearance status, the Hospital reserves the right to withdraw or terminate the contract in accordance with Tallaght University Hospital Garda vetting policy.
Point on Salary Scale
New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, local authorities, health service and other public service bodies and statutory agencies.
Probation
The probationary period may be extended at the Hospital’s discretion but will not in any case exceed 9 months. Confirmation of your appointment as a permanent member of staff is subject to the successful completion of the probation period.  Termination of this agreement within the probationary period shall be at the discretion of the Hospital, in accordance with the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act, 1973 - 2001.
Termination of Employment
The employment may be terminated at any time by 1 months’ notice on either side except where circumstances are dictated by the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973/91. The Management’s right under this paragraph shall not be exercised save in circumstances where the Management is of the opinion that the holder of the office has failed to perform satisfactorily the duties of the post or has misconducted himself/herself in relation to the post or is otherwise unfit to hold the appointment.
Sick Leave
  • There is provision for sick pay at the Hospitals discretion, subject to the regulations and details found in the Staff Handbook/ Personnel Policy Manual, as per the Hospitals sick leave policy.
  • In the event of absence from work, you are required to contact your Manager/Supervisor within one hour of starting time on the first day of absence, while a Medical Certificate is required for any illness lasting in excess of two days. Failure to comply with the sick leave policy may result in a loss of pay for the period of absence and may also incur disciplinary action.
Information Technology & data
  • Make the most effective and efficient use of developments in information technology for both patient care and administrative support in a manner which integrates well with systems throughout the organisation.
  • Collect, interpret and present data and information on the Department’s activities, staffing and expenditure, as required.
Pension Arrangements and Retirement age
There are three superannuation schemes currently in operation for staff in Tallaght University Hospital:
(a)        Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) 
(b)        Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant)
(c)        Single Public Service Pension Scheme
Please read carefully the summary of the criteria for the three superannuation schemes below. This will assist you in identifying which scheme membership is applicable to your employment circumstances.
(a)        If you have been continually employed in the public service prior to the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 60 and a Maximum Retirement Age of 65.
(b)        If you have been continually employed in the public service post the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 65. There is no Maximum Retirement Age.
(c)        If you have commenced employment in the public service as a new entrant or you are a former public servant, returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme effective from the 1st January 2013 with a minimum retirement age of 66 (rising to 67 and 68 in line with state pension changes).  The maximum retirement age under this scheme will be age 70.
Health & Safety
  • All employees must comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.
  • Comply with relevant Health and Safety responsibilities as outlined in Hospital Polices, Protocols and Procedures relevant to your area.
  • Take reasonable care to protect your own safety, health and welfare and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.
Hygiene / Infection prevention and control 
  • All employees have responsibility for Hygiene awareness.  Hygiene is defined as “The practice that serves to keep people and environments clean and prevent infection.”
  • All employees also have a responsibility under their terms of employment to prevent transmission of infection and to follow the hospital infection control policies and guidelines as outlined in the Infection Control Manual.
  • All employees must be aware that they work in an area where there is potential for transmission of infection.
  • All employees have a responsibility to follow hand hygiene guidelines as this is the single most important intervention to prevent the transmission of infection.
Quality, safety and risk management
  • Support the delivery of the Quality, Safety and Risk Management Programme, including the appropriate identification and management of risks and incidents throughout the hospital.
Data Management
  • Ensure compliance with the obligations required by the Data Protection Act 2018.

Confidentiality
You will be aware of the confidential nature of Hospital work and in particular, the right of patients to confidentiality.  To this end, you will not discuss workings of the Hospital or its patients or disclose any information of a confidential nature except as required to do so in the course of your work. No records, documents or property of the Hospital may be removed from the premises of the Hospital without prior authorisation. You must return to the Hospital upon request and, in any event, upon the termination of your employment, all documents or other property of the Hospital which are in your possession or under your control.
Mandated and Designated Persons under Children First Act 2015
Schedule 2 of the Children First Act 2015 specifies the classes of persons defined as Mandated           Persons for the purposes of the Act. This includes a range of disciplines that are employed by the hospital including all medical practitioners, registered nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers and others.  This includes staff working in adult services. All mandated persons have two main legal obligations under the Children First Act 2015.  Mandated persons, under the legislation are required to report any knowledge, belief or reasonable suspicion that a child has been harmed, is being harmed, or is at risk of being harmed. The Act defines harm as assault, ill-treatment, neglect or sexual abuse, and covers single and multiple instances. Mandated persons are also required to assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report. Designated Officers are required to receive reports of suspected child abuse or neglect from any person who is of the opinion that (a) a child has been or is being assaulted, ill-treated, neglected or sexually abused, or (b) a child’s health, development or welfare has been or is being avoidably impaired or neglected. Full detailed list of mandated and designated staff together with details of their roles and responsibilities can be found on https://www.tusla.ie/children-first.  It is the responsibility of all staff employed by TUH to be aware of their roles and responsibilities under the legislation and to complete mandatory Children First Training.