Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

Healthcare Scientist Support Worker - Blood Transfusion

The closing date is 09 November 2025

Job summary

The role of the Healthcare Science Support Worker (HSSW) is primarily to support the department's Biomedical Scientists (BMS) and provide administrative assistance in the processing of patient specimens. This will primarily include: preparing specimens, processing specimens, loading analysers, running and maintaining analysers and dealing with phone calls.

This position will not be supported for visa sponsorship. All applicants are expected to have valid right to work document to work in the UK when applying for this position.

Please note, this post may close earlier than the given closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

Main duties of the job

To identify and load patient samples and begin analytical test procedure according to SOPs.

To perform daily tasks recorded on checklists. Including daily, weekly and monthly maintenance on all analytical and non-analytical tasks within the laboratory.

To maintain and check the daily stocks of reagents, kits and consumables required for the analytical equipment and load reagents on to analysers.

To monitor all stock levels within the department on a weekly basis and advise BMS staff if supplies fall below minimum stock levels.

To liaise with clinical staff over the phone

About us

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities.

If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. Due to the government regulations for mandatory vaccinations for COVID-19 for NHS employees, it has been necessary to take significant steps to protect the health and safety of our staff and our patients. In order to comply with our duty of care, we require all of our staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Your vaccination status will be a condition of your employment and evidence of vaccination will be obtained during the recruitment process, unless you are medically exempt.

Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.

Details

Date posted

27 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

252-7556419

Job locations

Medway Maritime Hospital

Windmill Road

Gillingham

ME7 5NY


Job description

Job responsibilities

Technical Responsibilities:

Support the work of BMS staff working within the laboratory.

Book in samples for testing within the department or referral to other departments.

Prepare samples for testing on automated and manual laboratory analysers, identify and load patient samples and begin analytical test procedure according to SOPs then unload, sort and store samples appropriately.

Maintain test turnaround times by dealing with samples in a timely manner

Perform daily tasks recorded on checklists. Including daily, weekly and monthly maintenance on all analytical and non-analytical tasks within the laboratory such as temperature chart changes, checking of massive blood loss bleep, laboratory mobile and alarms.

Inform BMS staff of any issues, inconsistencies or inaccuracies within the department.

Perform a second demographic check on all samples (if required) prior to loading on to automated analysers.

Please see attached job description for further information.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Technical Responsibilities:

Support the work of BMS staff working within the laboratory.

Book in samples for testing within the department or referral to other departments.

Prepare samples for testing on automated and manual laboratory analysers, identify and load patient samples and begin analytical test procedure according to SOPs then unload, sort and store samples appropriately.

Maintain test turnaround times by dealing with samples in a timely manner

Perform daily tasks recorded on checklists. Including daily, weekly and monthly maintenance on all analytical and non-analytical tasks within the laboratory such as temperature chart changes, checking of massive blood loss bleep, laboratory mobile and alarms.

Inform BMS staff of any issues, inconsistencies or inaccuracies within the department.

Perform a second demographic check on all samples (if required) prior to loading on to automated analysers.

Please see attached job description for further information.

Person Specification

Education and Training

Essential

  • Numerate and literate to NVQ level 3 (or equivalent pathology / laboratory experience)
  • Grade C or above GCSE English and Mathematics or equivalent

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Use of Laboratory Information System
  • Ability to work well within a Team
  • Computer literate with good keyboard skills
  • Ability to multitask
  • Good communication / interpersonal skills
  • Ability to operate and maintain automated laboratory analysers
  • Good telephone manner
  • Excellent organisational skills
  • Ability to manage demanding workload and produce results in a timely manner

Experience

Essential

  • Worked with biological specimens in a previous role
  • Previous work experience in a similar role, preferably in the NHS
  • Worked with biological specimens in a previous role

Desirable

  • Previous experience of working in a Pathology department
Person Specification

Education and Training

Essential

  • Numerate and literate to NVQ level 3 (or equivalent pathology / laboratory experience)
  • Grade C or above GCSE English and Mathematics or equivalent

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Use of Laboratory Information System
  • Ability to work well within a Team
  • Computer literate with good keyboard skills
  • Ability to multitask
  • Good communication / interpersonal skills
  • Ability to operate and maintain automated laboratory analysers
  • Good telephone manner
  • Excellent organisational skills
  • Ability to manage demanding workload and produce results in a timely manner

Experience

Essential

  • Worked with biological specimens in a previous role
  • Previous work experience in a similar role, preferably in the NHS
  • Worked with biological specimens in a previous role

Desirable

  • Previous experience of working in a Pathology department

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

Address

Medway Maritime Hospital

Windmill Road

Gillingham

ME7 5NY


Employer's website

https://www.dgt.nhs.uk/working-for-us (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

Address

Medway Maritime Hospital

Windmill Road

Gillingham

ME7 5NY


Employer's website

https://www.dgt.nhs.uk/working-for-us (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Head of Blood Transfusion

Sarah Haskins

sarah.haskins@nhs.net

01634976051

Details

Date posted

27 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

252-7556419

Job locations

Medway Maritime Hospital

Windmill Road

Gillingham

ME7 5NY


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)