Job summary
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a motivated and dynamic individual to join our dedicated team within the Pathology Specimen Reception Department at Frimley Park Hospital.
This is a Bank position with flexible working opportunities, making it ideal for someone seeking adaptable hours in a fast-paced and supportive healthcare environment.
What we're looking for:While no formal qualifications or prior experience are required, we are seeking someone who can demonstrate:
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Excellent typing and data entry skills
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Strong attention to detail
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A positive, proactive approach to work
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Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
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The ability to work efficiently in a busy, team-oriented setting
If you're passionate about contributing to patient care behind the scenes and are eager to gain experience in a vital NHS support role, we'd love to hear from you.
Join us and help make a difference.
Please note: this role is not suitable for recent graduates looking for progression into the Biomedical Scientist role.
Main duties of the job
As a Bank Medical Laboratory Assistant, you'll play a vital role in supporting the smooth running of the Pathology department. Your duties will include receiving, sorting, and preparing blood, bodily fluid, and other specimens, accurately labelling samples, and entering patient data into the Pathology computer system. You'll also assist with general laboratory and clerical tasks within Blood Sciences, ensuring timely specimen turnaround to support diagnostic services.
You should be organised, flexible, and able to work independently as well as part of a team. Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and confidence in handling data and patient information are essential. A friendly and professional approach is key when working with both staff and patients.
Purpose of the role: To support the delivery of an efficient Pathology service through accurate sample handling and data entry, contributing to high-quality patient care.
About us: The Pathology Laboratory at Frimley Park Hospital is part of Berkshire Surrey Pathology Services (BSPS) - a collaborative network between Ashford & St Peter's, Frimley Health, Royal Berkshire, and Royal Surrey County Hospitals NHS Trusts. BSPS performs around 20 million tests annually, serving over 2 million people, with services running 7 days a week across NHS and private healthcare sectors.
About us
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is committed to being an inclusive and disability confident employer and has been awarded the Gold for the Armed Forces Employment Recognition Scheme. We provide first class development opportunities for all staff and have a wide range of professional, management and leadership, and clinical skills training available.
Here at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, we know how important it is to have a healthy work life balance; this benefits not only individuals but the patients we care for too.
We encourage applications from people who wish to work on a flexible basis, recognising that flexibility may mean a range of different working patterns and hours, we do our utmost to work with our staff to meet their needs and the needs of our service and its users.
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Job description
Job responsibilities
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To work as part of a team to provide a high-quality service to all users of the Pathology Department.
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Applicant must be able to work night shifts when and if required to meet service needs.
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Maintain good communication with the Specimen Reception Team Leader to minimise errors, set priorities, and ensure all work is completed within the working day.
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Develop and maintain effective working relationships with senior laboratory staff.
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Receive, sort, and accurately label patient samples including blood, bodily fluids, and other materials for laboratory processing.
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Assist in the electronic production and distribution of pathology reports via post or fax.
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Accurately input patient and sample data into the Pathology computer system in line with departmental procedures.
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Handle incoming telephone enquiries directed to Specimen Reception, including:
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Providing pathology results for Haematology, Biochemistry, and Microbiology where appropriate.
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Redirecting calls to the relevant laboratory or clinical area when necessary.
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Liaise with external laboratories for investigations or tests not performed in-house.
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Notify relevant Consultants, Doctors, or Nursing staffeither over the phone or face-to-faceif an incorrect sample or incomplete information has been received.
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Advise staff on appropriate specimen collection procedures in line with the Pathology Handbook.
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Provide patients with information regarding 24-hour urine collection procedures over the phone and in person.
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Direct patients requesting results to the appropriate requesting clinician.
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Receive and assist all visitors to the laboratory in a professional, courteous, and helpful manner.
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Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately in line with Trust policies.
Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification.
Job description
Job responsibilities
-
To work as part of a team to provide a high-quality service to all users of the Pathology Department.
-
Applicant must be able to work night shifts when and if required to meet service needs.
-
Maintain good communication with the Specimen Reception Team Leader to minimise errors, set priorities, and ensure all work is completed within the working day.
-
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with senior laboratory staff.
-
Receive, sort, and accurately label patient samples including blood, bodily fluids, and other materials for laboratory processing.
-
Assist in the electronic production and distribution of pathology reports via post or fax.
-
Accurately input patient and sample data into the Pathology computer system in line with departmental procedures.
-
Handle incoming telephone enquiries directed to Specimen Reception, including:
-
Providing pathology results for Haematology, Biochemistry, and Microbiology where appropriate.
-
Redirecting calls to the relevant laboratory or clinical area when necessary.
-
Liaise with external laboratories for investigations or tests not performed in-house.
-
Notify relevant Consultants, Doctors, or Nursing staffeither over the phone or face-to-faceif an incorrect sample or incomplete information has been received.
-
Advise staff on appropriate specimen collection procedures in line with the Pathology Handbook.
-
Provide patients with information regarding 24-hour urine collection procedures over the phone and in person.
-
Direct patients requesting results to the appropriate requesting clinician.
-
Receive and assist all visitors to the laboratory in a professional, courteous, and helpful manner.
-
Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately in line with Trust policies.
Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification.
Person Specification
Ability
Essential
- Ability to work to tight deadlines
- Ability to pay attention to detail
- Flexibility with working hours
Desirable
- Basic Knowledge of Medical Terminology
Experience
Essential
- Good keyboard skills
- Experience of working in a busy environment
- Good team player
Desirable
- A can do attitude to work
- Ability to work on own
- Experience of working in a specimen reception department in pathology
- Experience working with Laboratory applications Winpath, Enterprise etc.
Flexibility
Essential
- Able to work night shifts if/when required
Person Specification
Ability
Essential
- Ability to work to tight deadlines
- Ability to pay attention to detail
- Flexibility with working hours
Desirable
- Basic Knowledge of Medical Terminology
Experience
Essential
- Good keyboard skills
- Experience of working in a busy environment
- Good team player
Desirable
- A can do attitude to work
- Ability to work on own
- Experience of working in a specimen reception department in pathology
- Experience working with Laboratory applications Winpath, Enterprise etc.
Flexibility
Essential
- Able to work night shifts if/when required
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.
