A Day in the Life: Rafal Ridha, Advanced Biomedical Scientist / POCT Coordinator
What does an average day look like for you?
For Rafal Ridha, every day starts with structure and focus.
“My day begins with a team huddle,” she explains. “We identify any immediate challenges across clinical areas and prioritise devices or wards that require urgent attention.”
As Point of Care Coordinator and Senior at Kingston Hospital, Rafal oversees testing devices used directly in clinical environments, from wards to emergency departments. These machines play a vital role in delivering rapid diagnostic results, so ensuring they function correctly is critical.
A key part of the morning involves reviewing internal quality control (IQC) results. If a machine falls outside acceptable standards, it can automatically lock, preventing use until the issue is resolved.
“We have to be very thorough and check everything as early as possible,” she says.
From there, the day expands into a balance of responsibilities. Rafal coordinates her team in troubleshooting analyser errors, assigning priorities and ensuring issues are resolved efficiently. While she steps in when needed, the team plays a central role in resolving connectivity issues and liaising with manufacturers to maintain continuous service.
Alongside the technical work, she works closely with a wide range of NHS colleagues, arranging training delivered by both in-house staff and external providers, supporting competency development, and ensuring safe use of devices across teams.
She also contributes to audits, compliance, and governance processes, maintaining high standards aligned with ISO requirements.
“I balance clinical support, quality assurance and team oversight throughout the day,” she says.
That commitment recently paid off during an inspection, where her site achieved zero findings, an exceptional result in a setting where most departments receive several recommendations for improvement.
What is your favourite thing about the job?
For Rafal, the answer is clear: outcomes.
“The main thing I enjoy is the impact,” she says. “The fact that I’m helping patients and reducing delays.”
Through the introduction of new point-of-care devices, Rafal and her team have significantly reduced turnaround times for test results, particularly in emergency departments. This means quicker diagnoses, shorter patient stays, and less pressure on both staff and families.
“We’re saving time for staff, reducing stress for patients and improving the overall flow,” she explains.
While many might point to teamwork or day-to-day tasks as the most rewarding part of their role, Rafal’s focus remains firmly on the bigger picture, what the work ultimately achieves.
Is there a moment you will always remember?
One moment stands out clearly in Rafal’s career.
While working in her role, she was called to troubleshoot a point-of-care machine in a maternity unit during an active delivery. The device was essential for assessing both the newborn and the mother.
The issue was identified through routine system monitoring, and Rafal’s team responded immediately.
“We went straight to the area and carried out the troubleshooting,” she recalls.
The machine was restored just in time.
“It was used during the delivery to check the baby’s wellbeing,” she says. “That’s what our job is all about, supporting patients and giving clinicians the results they need, when they need them.”
For Rafal, it was a defining reminder of the real-world impact behind the technical work.
How did you get into pathology?
Rafal’s path into pathology began with a clear intention: to work in healthcare, but not necessarily in a patient-facing role.
“I wanted to help patients indirectly,” she explains.
After choosing between pharmacy, dentistry and biomedical science, she spent time volunteering in hospital laboratories, an experience that shaped her decision.
“I was very impressed by the amount of scientific work being done,” she says. “I realised this was for me.”
She went on to study biomedical science in Wales, gaining professional registration before building over a decade of experience in laboratory and quality-focused roles. During this time, she achieved specialist qualifications in biochemistry and point-of-care testing.
Her career has also taken her internationally, as well as into roles supporting large-scale testing initiatives, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since joining her current organisation, Rafal has progressed rapidly, from Specialist Biomedical Scientist to a senior leadership role within months.
“I feel like this role allows me to achieve what I planned for the service,” she says.