Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital

Biomedical Support Worker

The closing date is 30 September 2025

Job summary

To provide cervical screening sample reception, registration and preparation, to include molecular HPV testing and LBC processing.

To support the delivery of a high quality, safe and compassionate healthcare service,all staff are expected to act as a role model to others in all aspects of their work and consistently demonstrate NNUH's 'PRIDE' values of People focused, Respect, Dedication, Integrity and Excellence.

Main duties of the job

  • Reception, registration & LBC processing
  • Molecular HPV testing
  • Responsibilities for Laboratory Information Service
  • Training
  • Health & Safety

About us

Join us at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and be part of a workforce of over 10,000 staff!

The NNUH is one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK, providing first-class acute care for around one million people, living in Norfolk and surrounding areas. We are a teaching and research hospital, at the forefront of innovation, home to state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Quadram Institute. We are pleased to work closely with the University of East Anglia, providing teaching opportunities for our staff and placement opportunities for their students. We attract some of the best and leading professionals from across the country and are proud that our workforce represents 94 countries from across the world.

We are a friendly, collaborative hospital, working with local services and home to N&N Hospitals Charity.

We can offer you the full range of NHS benefits/discounts and in addition:

  • Flexible working hours
  • Fast Track Staff Physiotherapy Service
  • Multi Faith prayer room at NNUH Colney Lane site
  • Discounted gym memberships
  • Excellent pension scheme and annual leave entitlement
  • Wagestream - access up to 40% of your pay as you earn it
  • Free Park & Ride service direct to NNUH Colney Lane site
  • Free 24-hours confidential counselling support
  • On-site Nursery at NNUH Colney Lane
  • On-site cafes offering staff discounts at NNUH Colney Lane
  • Support in career development
  • Flexible staff bank
  • Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars, Cycle to Work scheme and home electronics

Details

Date posted

23 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£24,465 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

234-25-E0804

Job locations

Cytology, Cotman Centre

Norwich Research Park

Norwich

NR4 7UB


Job description

Job responsibilities

Overview of Essential Responsibilities

Reception, registration & LBC processing

  • Sorting, checking, labelling and preparation of patients cervical screening LBC samples.
  • Manually inputting of patient details and test requests into the laboratory computer system (LabTrak) ensuring patient ID/hospital numbers match on the request forms, specimens & database.
  • Ensure all patient episodes are correctly linked to histories, including colposcopy and histopathology results, printed and attached to the current LBC request.
  • Routine technical procedures associated with liquid based cervical cytology including operation of the T5000/T2000 processor, staining and mounting as required.
  • Daily Maintenance of very complex specialist analytical equipment including initiation of calibration and quality assurance programs referring to senior staff as appropriate e.g. T5000 &T2000 Thin Prep Processor, Sakura Tissue-Tek DRS Autostainer and Triple Red Water Distiller.
  • Checking, labelling, cytocentrifugation, de-blooding and operation of the T2000 LBC processor in the preparation of cervical screening LBC samples.
  • Carry out daily checks of reagents and empty waste containers.
  • Collect and prepare sample waste for disposal.
  • Perform basic fault finding on very complex equipment.
  • Dispatch all cervical screening LBC reports to the appropriate destination including relevant follow-up or referral documentation.
  • Electronic transfer of patient details and requests via bar-code scanning into the Pathology IT system (LabTrak).
  • Ensure all slides are stained and cover slipped ready for Internal Quality Control checks.
  • Assist with storage and disposal of all samples following preparation.
  • Carry out the filing of slides, specimens (non-gynaecological and cervical screening) and reports as required.
  • Perform weekly stock checks of chemicals, non-consumables and consumables and inform the Laboratory Manager as required ensuring the smooth running of the laboratory.
  • Follow appropriate quality/error logging procedures in the event of incidents.
  • Keep up to date with departmental SOPs and policies.
  • Assist in the development and maintenance of standards as necessary for continuing UKAS accreditation.
  • Use lean management to meet and sustain changes in mandatory requirements for service delivery.
  • To maintain confidentiality of patient reports and records as required by the NHS Cancer Screening Programmes Information Security Policy and Confidentiality and Disclosure Policy

Molecular HPV testing

  • Responsible for processing samples for molecular high risk HPV testing, using the Roche Cobas platforms to include pre-analytical x4800 and x4800, x6800 and x8800.
  • Daily maintenance of the Roche Cobas platforms, and end of day decontamination and cleaning.
  • Entering results into LabTrak
  • Maintain daily logs (error logs, stock, room and fridge temp, IQC, etc.)
  • Perform IQC and carry out weekly environmental testing of HPV laboratory
  • Prepare working solutions (sodium hypochlorite)
  • Assist in storage and disposal of samples following testing
  • To carry out other duties as requested by senior staff as appropriate.

Responsibilities for Laboratory Information Service

  • Inputs patient / sample data in laboratory computer systems on a daily basis.
  • Creates, amends, processes, generates, updates, clarifies and stores information on patient databases.
  • Trained to use, retrieve and store patient information on several patient database systems (LabTrak, PAS, APEX, Open Exeter, Cyres, OpenNet) for access by external and internal users.
  • To scan request forms and check using e-WinDIP.

Training

  • Complete mandatory and in-house training in IT use and laboratory information services, Health and Safety, sample handling and labelling procedures.
  • Undertake ongoing service training and develop own competence to practice.
  • To participate in annual appraisal and complete Trust mandatory training as appropriate.

Health & Safety

  • Comply with the Health and Safety Code of Practice for the department.
  • Keep up to date health and safety requirements and Trust policies.
  • Deal with spillages of patient body fluids and chemical.
  • Trained to safely handle chemicals according to COSHH data sheets.
  • Comply with all relevant policies both Trust-wide and departmental policies.

Specific Additional Responsibilities:

None.

Please note that this advertised position, which is part of occupation code 3111 does not meet the UKVI eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa. The Trust would not be able to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for this role

Please note due to high volume of applications for some posts, this post may close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible

Job description

Job responsibilities

Overview of Essential Responsibilities

Reception, registration & LBC processing

  • Sorting, checking, labelling and preparation of patients cervical screening LBC samples.
  • Manually inputting of patient details and test requests into the laboratory computer system (LabTrak) ensuring patient ID/hospital numbers match on the request forms, specimens & database.
  • Ensure all patient episodes are correctly linked to histories, including colposcopy and histopathology results, printed and attached to the current LBC request.
  • Routine technical procedures associated with liquid based cervical cytology including operation of the T5000/T2000 processor, staining and mounting as required.
  • Daily Maintenance of very complex specialist analytical equipment including initiation of calibration and quality assurance programs referring to senior staff as appropriate e.g. T5000 &T2000 Thin Prep Processor, Sakura Tissue-Tek DRS Autostainer and Triple Red Water Distiller.
  • Checking, labelling, cytocentrifugation, de-blooding and operation of the T2000 LBC processor in the preparation of cervical screening LBC samples.
  • Carry out daily checks of reagents and empty waste containers.
  • Collect and prepare sample waste for disposal.
  • Perform basic fault finding on very complex equipment.
  • Dispatch all cervical screening LBC reports to the appropriate destination including relevant follow-up or referral documentation.
  • Electronic transfer of patient details and requests via bar-code scanning into the Pathology IT system (LabTrak).
  • Ensure all slides are stained and cover slipped ready for Internal Quality Control checks.
  • Assist with storage and disposal of all samples following preparation.
  • Carry out the filing of slides, specimens (non-gynaecological and cervical screening) and reports as required.
  • Perform weekly stock checks of chemicals, non-consumables and consumables and inform the Laboratory Manager as required ensuring the smooth running of the laboratory.
  • Follow appropriate quality/error logging procedures in the event of incidents.
  • Keep up to date with departmental SOPs and policies.
  • Assist in the development and maintenance of standards as necessary for continuing UKAS accreditation.
  • Use lean management to meet and sustain changes in mandatory requirements for service delivery.
  • To maintain confidentiality of patient reports and records as required by the NHS Cancer Screening Programmes Information Security Policy and Confidentiality and Disclosure Policy

Molecular HPV testing

  • Responsible for processing samples for molecular high risk HPV testing, using the Roche Cobas platforms to include pre-analytical x4800 and x4800, x6800 and x8800.
  • Daily maintenance of the Roche Cobas platforms, and end of day decontamination and cleaning.
  • Entering results into LabTrak
  • Maintain daily logs (error logs, stock, room and fridge temp, IQC, etc.)
  • Perform IQC and carry out weekly environmental testing of HPV laboratory
  • Prepare working solutions (sodium hypochlorite)
  • Assist in storage and disposal of samples following testing
  • To carry out other duties as requested by senior staff as appropriate.

Responsibilities for Laboratory Information Service

  • Inputs patient / sample data in laboratory computer systems on a daily basis.
  • Creates, amends, processes, generates, updates, clarifies and stores information on patient databases.
  • Trained to use, retrieve and store patient information on several patient database systems (LabTrak, PAS, APEX, Open Exeter, Cyres, OpenNet) for access by external and internal users.
  • To scan request forms and check using e-WinDIP.

Training

  • Complete mandatory and in-house training in IT use and laboratory information services, Health and Safety, sample handling and labelling procedures.
  • Undertake ongoing service training and develop own competence to practice.
  • To participate in annual appraisal and complete Trust mandatory training as appropriate.

Health & Safety

  • Comply with the Health and Safety Code of Practice for the department.
  • Keep up to date health and safety requirements and Trust policies.
  • Deal with spillages of patient body fluids and chemical.
  • Trained to safely handle chemicals according to COSHH data sheets.
  • Comply with all relevant policies both Trust-wide and departmental policies.

Specific Additional Responsibilities:

None.

Please note that this advertised position, which is part of occupation code 3111 does not meet the UKVI eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa. The Trust would not be able to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for this role

Please note due to high volume of applications for some posts, this post may close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible

Person Specification

Qualifications

Desirable

  • Scientific / Medical background.
  • GCSE or equivalent in English, Biology or Sciences

Skills

Essential

  • Good communication and inter - personal skills
  • Ability to work accurately and to deadlines

Attitude and Aptitude

Essential

  • Effective role model, demonstrating NNUH's PRIDE values of People focussed, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence
  • Demonstrates understanding and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Experience

Desirable

  • Previous laboratory experience
Person Specification

Qualifications

Desirable

  • Scientific / Medical background.
  • GCSE or equivalent in English, Biology or Sciences

Skills

Essential

  • Good communication and inter - personal skills
  • Ability to work accurately and to deadlines

Attitude and Aptitude

Essential

  • Effective role model, demonstrating NNUH's PRIDE values of People focussed, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence
  • Demonstrates understanding and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Experience

Desirable

  • Previous laboratory experience

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital

Address

Cytology, Cotman Centre

Norwich Research Park

Norwich

NR4 7UB


Employer's website

https://teamnnuh.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital

Address

Cytology, Cotman Centre

Norwich Research Park

Norwich

NR4 7UB


Employer's website

https://teamnnuh.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Deputy Cytology Laboratory Manager

Philip Hinson

philip.hinson@nnuh.nhs.uk

01603286031

Details

Date posted

23 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£24,465 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

234-25-E0804

Job locations

Cytology, Cotman Centre

Norwich Research Park

Norwich

NR4 7UB


Supporting documents

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