I am an Associate Practitioner and Project Co-ordinator in Microbiology at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham City Hospital.
I am also responsible for the machinery, equipment assays, training, stock and co-ordination.
My first task when I arrive is... to put the kettle on and make a strong coffee. My office door is then propped open and I am ready to begin with the day. While my coffee is cooling, I switch my computer on and begin working through my to-do list.
One of the biggest challenges I face is... ensuring all benches are covered, especially if a member of staff from the medical laboratory assistant team has called in to advise that they will not be present. Co-ordinating the work while meeting the UKAS ISO standard 15189 in a busy short-staffed environment can be very challenging.
My favourite thing about my job is... being part of a skill-mixed team in a proactive and motivated laboratory. We have many opportunities in the laboratory where management are keen to support and encourage.
The thing that makes my job unique is... the variety of tasks and responsibilities. Being the first Microbiology Associate Practitioner and Project Co-ordinator in my laboratory has allowed me to adapt my role to the needs and the requirements of the laboratory and the management.
My route into the role involved... joining the laboratory as a Medical Laboratory Assistant while deciding on my future career path. I then completed the Support Work portfolios, LEAN Six Sigma training and worked close with the laboratory for opportunities and work of interest. This allowed me to apply for the role of an Associate Practitioner.
My typical lunch is... cereal or avocado on toast. I am quite active and participate in a lot of personal training and boxing, therefore my diet is quite restricted.
My job fits into the wider healthcare context... by providing a service to my laboratory, using my LEAN Six Sigma skills, project management skills and STEM/IBMS outreach work. This, in return, enhances the recognition and defines the working processes.
If I get a few spare minutes then I... make a point of checking that the Medical Laboratory Assistants are alright. I try and do this regularly through the day, and they know the door is always open.
I feel like I’ve had a good day when... all the lab stock has been ordered, the staff are in control and are not feeling under pressure and when another task on the UKAS checklist is ticked off.
