Job Advert
We are seeking an Associate Practitioner with relevant experience working within a laboratory. This is an opportunity to join the Blood Sciences Department at NHS Dumfries and Galloway, where the post holder will be based at Galloway Community Hospital in Stranraer. The post holder will work closely with staff working at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, utilising modern technology. The laboratory provides services to both primary and secondary care within the Wigtownshire and Stewartry areas of Dumfries and Galloway.
Stranraer is a superb base to enjoy all outdoor activities. There are a variety of stunning locations within the region and beautiful countryside all around. This post will allow the successful candidate to embrace the unique challenges and benefits of multidiscipline experience along with a team of friendly staff in the heart of the local Hospital. Stranraer has transport links to Belfast via the Ferry ports and road/rail links to Ayr, Glasgow and Dumfries.
Candidates will be enthusiastic, outgoing, motivated and innovative, with good organisational skills and well developed communication skills. After a period of suitable training, you will be expected to participate in periods of lone working as part of an extended working day and weekend working. Out of hours laboratory service is provided by point of care testing instrumentation, performed by clinical staff.
Dumfries & Galloway has a population of 150,000 people with approximately 230,000 samples analysed in Haematology, 17,000 samples in Blood Transfusion and 300,000 samples in Biochemistry. The laboratory at Galloway Community Hospital analyses a proportion of these specimens, with approximately 23,000 Haematology and 28,500 Biochemistry specimens analysed annually in the department. Blood Transfusion services are performed at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, however the post holder is expected to have a strong understanding of Blood Transfusion theory and guidelines as the laboratory is responsible for the maintenance of blood and blood product storage equipment and stock management software.
The laboratory holds UKAS ISO15189 accreditation and is compliant with BSQR. You will rotate in all areas of the laboratory including Haematology Automation (FBC and Coagulation) and Biochemistry. The department utilizes a wide range of analytical equipment, of which you will be required to become proficient in after suitable training, following Departmental SOPs.
This post will require the successful applicant to obtain Standard Disclosure Clearance.
This is a fixed term post commencing 25 May 2026 and ending 22 February 2027.
For an informal discussion please contact Martyn McAdam, Blood Science Service Manager, NHS Dumfries and Galloway at Martyn.Mcadam2@nhs.scot 01387 241012, or Gillian Barrowman, Specialist Biomedical Scientist, Galloway Community Hospital at gillian.barrowman@nhs.scot 01776 707712.
If you require a Work Visa, please check to see if you and the vacancy you are applying for are eligible by visiting the Home Office website: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
INFORMATION FOR ALL CANDIDATES
To find out more about working with NHS Dumfries and Galloway and for an insight into our friendly, beautiful corner of Scotland please visit our Work With Us web pages https://www.nhsdg.co.uk/workwithus/
APPLICATION PROCESS - https://www.careers.nhs.scot/how-to-apply/application-process/
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- Staff and patients across Dumfries and Galloway enjoy free, unlimited parking at all our hospital sites.
DISCLOSURE SCOTLAND – Some of our posts may require you to undergo a criminal records check. Changes as of the 1 April 2025 to the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme membership now sees more roles requiring PVG that may not have needed this check in the past. If you are successful in this role you will be notified which level of check is required by the recruitment team. If you would like to read more information please visit: Disclosure levels - mygov.scot
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
NHS Dumfries and Galloway is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Dumfries and Galloway welcomes applicants from all sections of the community.
PUBLIC PROTECTION
Public protection practice encompasses the recognition and management of risk in order to prevent or reduce harm to children, (including unborn babies), young people and adults. All public protection legislation, and NHS Dumfries and Galloway (NHSDG) policies and guidance are founded on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the European Convention on Human Rights, and the principles of these Conventions underpin all NHSDG core business.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL CANDIDATES
RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
NHS Dumfries and Galloway has a legal obligation to ensure that it does not employ any worker who has not been granted the relevant permission to work in the UK. This permission is without exception granted by the UK Border Agency. We are required to check the entitlement to work in the UK of all prospective employees, regardless of nationality or job category.
WORK VISA
If you require a Work Visa, please check to see if you and the vacancy you are applying for are eligible by visiting the Home Office website: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
It is ESSENTIAL that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or if you require a work visa that the post would be eligible to be sponsored BEFORE submitting your application form. We are unable to provide sponsorship for bank contracts.
UNITED KINGDOM REGISTRATION
NHS Dumfries & Galloway are unable to support OSCE Training for international nurses for vacancies.
Vacancies requiring professional registration require full United Kingdom registration with the appropriate council (eg NMC, HCPC, GMC, GDC etc).