Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

Medical Laboratory Assistant - Sample Reception (Temporary contract)

The closing date is 28 October 2025

Job summary

Band 2: £24,465

Hours: Full time - 37.5 (Part time hours may be considered)

Fixed term contract: 12 months

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

Our unit operates between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM. Each shift is typically 7.5 hours, and while we usually have set schedules, there may be opportunities to work a variety of hours to keep things flexible and meet the needs of the team.

Main duties of the job

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. 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

16 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£24,465 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

REF1666T

Job locations

Queen Alexandra Hospital

Cosham

PO6 3LY

Job description

Job responsibilities

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.

Occasional weekends and public holidays may be required with notice.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Occasional weekends and public holidays may be required with notice.

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.