Healthcare Scientist Support Worker - Band 3 Histology

Job description

Job responsibilities

The successful candidate will, amongst other duties, be required to:

Check that the correct sample type has been received, correct sample labelling and suitability for diagnostic investigations, in accordance with Pathology laboratory policies and standard operating procedures (SOP); to take appropriate action for non-compliances

Recognise, prioritise and fast-track urgent samples to ensure minimal delay to patient treatment and waiting times

To ensure that tissue taken is secured and safe for processing many samples are unrepeatable

To input test requests, including tests, patient demographics, requesting clinician and location for report onto laboratory computer system in a timely fashion in order to maintain efficient workflow and laboratory turnaround times and taking into account the urgency of the request

To carry out embedding of paraffin wax processed tissue blocks under indirect supervision of an HPC registered Healthcare Scientist

To carry out paraffin block tissue sectioning using a microtome under indirect supervision of an HPC registered Healthcare Scientist

To perform regular maintenance of equipment, including instrument set up and shutdown, weekly/monthly maintenance and to keep accurate maintenance records

To act as the first point of contact for the Molecular Pathology Section dealing with diverse and complex telephone and email enquiries from a variety of sources in a professional and polite manner and act appropriately upon information given. (This may range from requests for histology tests, requests for results, to being the first point of contact for complaints).

To receive and action requests for genomic testing on Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) tissue. To log all requests in the department databases and Laboratory Information Systems (LIMS).

To assist with associated paperwork and digitisation of the Cellular Pathology and Molecular Pathology services.

To support the tracking of cancer patients through Cellular Pathology and Genomics testing to ensure timely access to clinical care.

To support the development of improvements to working practises and processes and contribute to service review as required.

Person Specification

Qualifications / Experience

Essential

• GCSEs in English and Science, A level Science or equivalent
• Previous Laboratory experience
• Good team worker
• Able to maintain levels of concentration for prolonged periods
• Ability to prioritise workload and cope under pressure
• Good communication skills
• Good working knowledge of MS Office

Desirable

• Previous experience of training staff
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology

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

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Cheltenham General Hospital

Cheltenham

GL53 7AN

Employer's website

https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)