Job Advert
NHS Scotland 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 Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Point of Care Testing Team at Caithness General Hospital Laboratory.
We are seeking an enthusiastic, self motivated Associate Practitioner to join the laboratory team. The post holder must have either previous healthcare experience or a Life Sciences Degree. The candidate must have excellent organisational skills, be driven for independent learning and have a positive attitude to change and be confident with face to face training with clinical teams. The successful post holder will be providing support and guidance for implementation and delivery of POCT services in NHS Highland. The main responsibilities of the role are to deliver training to ward staff of all levels, participate in external quality assessment and ensure laboratory quality standards are maintained in point of care service provision.
Point of care testing is an analytical process performed for patient care predominantly outside of the laboratory. This role supports the provision of a quality point of care service throughout the Health Board. This support includes the implementation of equipment, maintenance, training, quality and continued management as directed by the Point of Care Testing Co-ordinator and Laboratory Manager. Further details are in the job description.
Caithness and Sutherland is an area steeped in history with unspoiled natural beauty and opportunities for many outdoor pursuits. It is an exciting time to join the team after a recent upgrade in equipment and improvement to service delivery in diagnostics for NHS Highland North.
The candidate must have previous NHS/Healthcare experience and employment in a hospital environment is desirable, but not essential. The candidate must have a UK drivers licence. Occasional Public Holiday working will be required with working hours
You will be required to achieve the mandatory Induction standards for Healthcare Support Workers in Scotland and to comply with the Code of Conduct throughout your employment.
This is a permanent full-time post of 36 hours per week working 9.00am - 5.30pm Monday - Friday or as per service requirements.
Informal enquiries regarding the post to: Laura Taylor, Rural General Hospital Senior Biomedical Scientist, Tel: 01955-880266, email Laura.Taylor8@nhs.scot or Johan Campbell, Rural General Hospital Laboratory Manager, Tel: 01955-880316, email johan.campbell@nhs.scot .
This role does not meet the eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa or a Heath and Care Worker visa. NHS Highland is unable to provide candidates with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
Resourcing Team can be contacted by e-mail nhsh.resourcing@nhs.scot
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
- Effective from 1st April 2026, the Agenda for Change full-time working week will be reduced from 37 to 36 hours. Part-time hours will be adjusted on a pro-rata basis. There will be an increase in the hourly rate to ensure that pay remains unaffected.
- Applications are welcome from Gaelic speakers. / Tha fàilte air tagraidhean bho luchd‑labhairt na Gàidhlig.
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NHS Highland is geographically the largest of the 14 regional boards of NHS Scotland, covering an area of 12,500 square miles, across Highland and Argyll & Bute.
We employ over 10,700 people, making us one of the biggest employers in the area. As an organisation, we make a very significant contribution to the local economy.
Our staff are also important members of our communities. Our greatest asset is our workforce, and the way we go about our work comes from the values and behaviours we demonstrate on a daily basis. As a board we strive to ensure the environment is conducive to nurturing a positive culture, supported and delivered through our NHS and social care values.
Care and compassion | Dignity and respect | Openness, honesty and responsibility | Quality and teamwork |
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