18562 Online Quaterly Newsletter V5 SINGLE PAGES - Flipbook - Page 27
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Tracy Marriott-Dyer Senior Technical Analyst
“Like Rachel, I have also worked here for 16 years. My
role has evolved during this time and my main duties
now include microbial culture media preparation
and quality control, organising samples for our UK
processing sites, dealing with requests and queries,
completing Risk Assessments, plate/colony counting,
stocktaking, ordering and environmental monitoring.
I am also responsible for training new starters, test
witnessing and overseeing general day-to-day
requirements in the laboratory.
“Every week I generally have a set routine in the
laboratory, with specific tasks allocated to each day.
The majority of my daily duties have to be completed
before I can go home. Some days this can be
challenging, but most things can be faced and
overcome with a positive attitude and a cup of tea!
“There are some really wonderful people at Elis.
Everyone plays their part in keeping the world turning,
but I feel that by working for the healthcare and food
industries we are really helping to make a difference,
and I find this very rewarding.”
Gary Devine Technical Manager
“The role of Technical Manager is focused on the ‘science-y’
part of our microbiology service provision – this includes looking
at analytical performance through method development,
compliance with external British and International standards,
performance monitoring (i.e. following quality control protocols),
and staff training. It also involves vital activities to help maintain
the lab’s UKAS accreditation.
“The commercial laundry industry has a vital role to play in infection
control, so it’s rewarding to know that the work we do here has a
positive impact on healthcare provision in the UK, particularly at
hospitals caring for immunocompromised patients.
“Given the obvious importance of hygiene testing in healthcare,
there is actually relatively little structured guidance as to what
amounts of particular microbes – if any – are considered
acceptable on laundered items. At Elis UK, we have a stringent
policy that errs on the side of caution to minimise any potential
risk to patients – as such, it means that our standards here must
be consistently very high.”
