ROTUNDA HOSPITAL DEPARTMENT OF LABORATORY MEDICINE

MF-GEN-0074 Laboratory Aide Job Description Edition 05

JOB TITLE: Laboratory Aide

Department: Department of Laboratory Medicine

Report to: Departmental Chief/Senior in Charge/Designated Staff Member

Date of Employment:

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Ref.: MP-GEN-0005
 ROTUNDA HOSPITAL DEPARTMENT OF LABORATORY MEDICINE

MF-GEN-0074 Laboratory Aide Job Description Edition 05

1. Main Purpose of Job

 Participate in implementing a clinical laboratory service that supports the clinical

needs of the patients.
 Participate in the implementation of operational processes to the standards of “Best
Practice”
 Participate as a member of a skilled team and assist in the provision of an efficient
and effective pathology service in accordance with documented laboratory
procedures.

2. Qualifications

Each Candidates Must:

a. Possess a good general education preferably to leaving Certificate Standard
b. A 3rd level Qualification in science related subjects desirable..

3. Health & Safety:

 A pre-employment medical will be carried out by the Occupational Health

Department or by an independent medical examiner.
 The chosen candidate will participate in ensuring that effective safety procedures
are in place to comply with the Safety, Health at Work Act as within hospital
policy.
 Assist and co-operate with laboratory Management Team in developing
procedures to be followed in preventing and managing accidents occurring in the
Laboratory area
 Each candidate for and any person holding office must be free from any defect of
disease which would render him/her unsuitable to hold office and be in a state of
health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular
and efficient service.
 The chosen candidate will participate in ensuring that effective safety procedures
are in place to comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare Act as within hospital
policy.

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 ROTUNDA HOSPITAL DEPARTMENT OF LABORATORY MEDICINE

MF-GEN-0074 Laboratory Aide Job Description Edition 05

4. Probationary Period

The successful candidate will be appointed initially for a probationary period of 6

months. This period may be extended if required

5. Hours of Work

As per individual contract - either 35 hour or 39 hour.

Normal hours of work: 9am-5pm excluding lunch break (35 hour week)
08.00-17.00 excluding lunch break-Mon-Thu.
Friday 08.00-16.00 with 1.00 hours lunch break (39 hour
week)

6. On Call/Out of Hours Work

N/A

7. Annual Leave

20 /23 working days per holiday year, (January-December)

(depending on whether it is a 35/39 hour week)

8. Salary Scale

As per national agreement

9. List of Duties & Responsibilities

9.1 General
1. Maintain throughout the hospital awareness of the primacy of the patient in
relation to all hospital activities
2. Assist in implementing a clinical laboratory service that supports the clinical needs
of our patients
3. Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the Values of the Hospitals.

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 ROTUNDA HOSPITAL DEPARTMENT OF LABORATORY MEDICINE

MF-GEN-0074 Laboratory Aide Job Description Edition 05

4. Participate in the implementation of operational processes to the standards of

“best practice”; in order to optimise the use of resources as documented in the
quality manual.
Ref: QMN-GEN-0001 Quality Manual

9.2 Specific

5. Assist Laboratory Scientific staff in the specimen reception function

6. Assist the Laboratory Scientific staff in the preanalytical stage of specimen
analysis..
7. Assist in the preparation of reagents, media and disinfectants as appropriate.
8. Prepare and record incoming and outgoing specimens
9. Collect and deliver specimens and reports throughout the hospital, as required.
10. Assist with the care, storage and stock control of laboratory equipment and
supplies as required.
11. Clean and tidy the laboratory
12. Assist with the printing and sorting of laboratory reports
13. Assist with the printing of laboratory labels.
14. Assist with the security of the laboratory premises.
15. Safeguard at all times confidentiality of information relating to patients and staff.
16. Other duties appropriate to the position as may be assigned from time to time.
17. Participate in a professional, punctual and dedicated team with good open
communications.
18. Creating and promoting good and healthy working relationships.
19. In co-operation with Pathology Consultants, Chief Medical Scientist and other
designated senior staff, participate in the introduction of new ideas and methods
according to Hospital policy:
20. Ensure that policy and practice relating to the Laboratory record keeping is
followed as determined by the departmental Chief Medical Scientist/Senior in
charge
21. Ensuring that the laboratory operates within a quality management system that
meets the requirements of ISO 15189 Medical laboratories –Requirements for

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 ROTUNDA HOSPITAL DEPARTMENT OF LABORATORY MEDICINE

MF-GEN-0074 Laboratory Aide Job Description Edition 05

quality and competence and ISO 22870 Point of care testing (POCT)-
Requirements for quality and competence
22. Co-operate with the laboratory management team regarding procedures to be
followed in preventing and managing accidents occurring in the Laboratory area.
23. Participate in the provision of appropriate statistical and management
information.
24. In association with other Laboratory staff the chosen candidate will participate in
making 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.

10. Interpersonal Skills

The successful candidate should possess good interpersonal skills and

awareness/sensitivity towards patient needs and perform duties in a manner which is
conducive to harmonious team-based intra and inter-departmental relationships.

11 Performance Planning Development System (PPDS)

Achievement of laboratory and personal objectives is facilitated by PPDS. The

Rotunda Hospital has set out a clear strategic plan in which employees are at the
heart of its vision of the future. A key mechanism to achieve and sustain this is
through a PPDS. The purpose of the PPDS is to assist employees in understanding
and developing their role in implementing the hospitals strategy and to value the part
that they and the Department of Laboratory Medicine play in that process. Please
refer to HR-GEN-046 for further details

12. Notes

The extent and speed of change in the delivery of health care is such that
adaptability is essential in this position. The incumbent will be required to maintain
and enhance their professional knowledge, skill and aptitudes necessary to respond
to a changing environment. The job description must be regarded as an outline of

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 ROTUNDA HOSPITAL DEPARTMENT OF LABORATORY MEDICINE

MF-GEN-0074 Laboratory Aide Job Description Edition 05

the major areas of accountability, which will be reviewed and amended on an on-
going basis.
The duties and responsibilities are a reflection of the present service requirements
and may be subject to review and amendment to meet the changing needs of the
Hospital.

13. Location within the Organisation

For location within the laboratory and reporting lines see WI-GEN-0004.

Ref: WI-GEN-0004 Location within the Organisation

Signature: ______________________________ Date: _______________________

Print name: __________________________

Signed: _______________________________ Date: ______________________

Print Name: __________________________ Position: ___________________

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