Medical Laboratory Assistant - Sample Reception

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

This job is now closed

Job summary

Band 2 - £23,614 per annum for full-time hours

Full-time and part-time hours are available for this role

Example working pattern: Monday to Thursday 1pm to 9pm, Friday 1:30pm to 9pm. Bank holiday and weekend working are required for this post.

Blood Sciences is looking for a part time Medical Laboratory Assistant to work in the busy Sample Reception area at Queen Alexandra Hospital.

The Department of Blood Sciences provides a comprehensive Haematology and Biochemistry service to the local population and a range of specialised services to a wider area. We aim to provide a user friendly, efficient and timely service to allow clinical decisions regarding the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of disease to be made rapidly. We have a team of clinical staff with an extremely wide range of experience and knowledge readily available to provide interpretation and advice on patient's blood test results.

The staff in Sample Reception provide essential support to all Pathology departments but more closely with Blood Sciences. Sample Reception staff are responsible for the receipt and preparation of blood samples including all pre analytical checks.

Applicants must have good typing skills and should have experience with data input and a good telephone manner. GCSE or equivalent Maths and English C grade or above essential.

Main duties of the job

As a Medical Laboratory Assistant in Sample Reception you will handle these tasks: taking receipt of deliveries of Pathology specimens for distribution to all Pathology departments, dealing with patients blood test requests and ensuring all samples are labelled with a unique identifier, the data entry of patients confidential details, dealing with some telephone enquiries and visitors delivering specimens to the department. This role would suit a motivated, caring and dedicated person. The role does include some physical tasks, for example the sorting of all Pathology specimens is completed while standing, so an interest in fitness would be an advantage.

This position includes weekend and Bank Holiday working on a rota system.

A background in science subjects to GCSE level and experience in using computers would be an advantage as would previous experience of working in a Clinical/Medical Laboratory. If you have a passion for working together for patients within a non-clinical role then working in the Blood Sciences, Sample Reception department is a great place to make a positive difference to the patient experience.

About us

Here at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, we are proud to provide expert, compassionate care for our local population. We are ranked as the third in the country for research, embedding education and training across the organisation. Our main hub is the Queen Alexandra Hospital, which is one of the largest hospitals on the south coast employing over 8,700 staff.

Our patients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes our hospital stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for getting it right for patients, colleagues, and our community, you will find a home at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.

Date posted

19 December 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£23,614 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

REF1118Q

Job locations

Southwick Hill Road

Cosham

PO6 3LY

Job description

Job responsibilities

Receive patient samples and request forms according to departmental procedure, including entry of patient requests into the laboratory information system and loading analytical systems
Monitor and maintain basic laboratory equipment, for example centrifuges, fridges and freezers
Perform basic laboratory techniques as applicable, for example specified analyser maintenance and reagent preparation
Ensure adequate supplies of laboratory consumables and process deliveries of goods accordingly
Store, retrieve and dispose of samples in accordance with departmental procedures
Respond to telephone and face-to-face enquiries in a polite and efficient manner
Undertake filing and scanning of patient records as required
Ensure all required laboratory documentation is completed in a timely and efficient manner
Contribute to the work of the laboratory as an effective team member, following all relevant policies and procedures
Monitor, promote and adhere to Trust and Departmental Health and Safety requirements including correct disposal of waste and control of infection hazard
Adhere to all relevant Blood Sciences Quality Standards
Participate in Annual Personal Development Review (APDR) and undergo any professional development requirements, including statutory and mandatory training requirements
Support the development of other staff as required
If working in Haematology the MLA may be required to attend Bone Marrow Biopsies, where they would be trained to assist the Haematology Consultants passing them the equipment and preparing slides of the biopsy at the bedside

Job description

Job responsibilities

Receive patient samples and request forms according to departmental procedure, including entry of patient requests into the laboratory information system and loading analytical systems
Monitor and maintain basic laboratory equipment, for example centrifuges, fridges and freezers
Perform basic laboratory techniques as applicable, for example specified analyser maintenance and reagent preparation
Ensure adequate supplies of laboratory consumables and process deliveries of goods accordingly
Store, retrieve and dispose of samples in accordance with departmental procedures
Respond to telephone and face-to-face enquiries in a polite and efficient manner
Undertake filing and scanning of patient records as required
Ensure all required laboratory documentation is completed in a timely and efficient manner
Contribute to the work of the laboratory as an effective team member, following all relevant policies and procedures
Monitor, promote and adhere to Trust and Departmental Health and Safety requirements including correct disposal of waste and control of infection hazard
Adhere to all relevant Blood Sciences Quality Standards
Participate in Annual Personal Development Review (APDR) and undergo any professional development requirements, including statutory and mandatory training requirements
Support the development of other staff as required
If working in Haematology the MLA may be required to attend Bone Marrow Biopsies, where they would be trained to assist the Haematology Consultants passing them the equipment and preparing slides of the biopsy at the bedside

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

GCSE or equivalent level of education including English Language

Experience

Essential

Experience with electronic handling of data.
Fluent and accurate keyboard skills.

Desirable

Previous laboratory or administrative experience.

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

Evidence of ability to work using own initiative and without supervision.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstration of manual dexterity through previous employment/interests.
Previous telephone/customer care skills.
Conscientious, methodical approach to duties.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

GCSE or equivalent level of education including English Language

Experience

Essential

Experience with electronic handling of data.
Fluent and accurate keyboard skills.

Desirable

Previous laboratory or administrative experience.

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

Evidence of ability to work using own initiative and without supervision.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstration of manual dexterity through previous employment/interests.
Previous telephone/customer care skills.
Conscientious, methodical approach to duties.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.