Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Pathology Specimen Reception Assistant (Band 3)

The closing date is 05 February 2026

Job summary

Are you highly organised, detail-oriented, and looking to make a real difference in patient care? An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Specimen Receptionist (AFC Band 3) to join our enthusiastic and supportive team within the Blood Sciences Department at Bedford Hospital.

In this vital frontline role, you'll be part of a dedicated team handling clinical specimens playing a key part in the smooth operation of our fast-paced and essential pathology service. No two days are the same, and your work will directly contribute to the timely diagnosis and treatment of patients across the hospital.

We're committed to your growth. You'll receive full training and ongoing support, with opportunities for Continuing Personal Development (CPD) through both in-house training and relevant external events. It's a fantastic chance to gain hands-on experience in a busy and high-performing healthcare environment.

The role is 22.5 hours per week, worked on a 7-day rota (averaged over a 12-week period), once you've completed training and achieved competency in key tasks.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. If you have a disability, we're happy to make reasonable adjustments and provide support throughout the recruitment process. We're proud to promote equality of opportunity and value diversity across our workforce.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will be expected to

Receive and dispatch samples to appropriate laboratories.
Sort and label specimens for blood sciences
Undertake accurate and precise data entry on laboratory computer system which requires frequent periods of concentration.
Maintain, process and distribute orders of consumables for GP surgeries
File and distribute patient reports.
Organisation of personal workload
Handle telephone enquiries from service users and where required communicate test results which may be of a complex and/or sensitive nature.
Participate in mentoring guidance and training of inexperienced/new staff when required.
Effectively communicate with laboratory and medical staff to ensure that specimens are dealt with appropriately and in a timely fashion.
Liaise with GP surgeries, hospital clinics and other departments within Pathology.

About us

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.

We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.

Date posted

23 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year Pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

418-COR3218-MR

Job locations

Bedford Hospital South Wing

Kempston Road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ

Job description

Job responsibilities

The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and responsibilities.

To undertake the reception, identification and processing of pathological samples in the Specimen Reception.
Sorting and labelling of specimens
Undertake accurate and precise data entry on laboratory computer system which requires frequent periods of concentration
Maintenance of stores
To ensure that GP consumable orders are completed and distributed to GP surgeries.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and responsibilities.

To undertake the reception, identification and processing of pathological samples in the Specimen Reception.
Sorting and labelling of specimens
Undertake accurate and precise data entry on laboratory computer system which requires frequent periods of concentration
Maintenance of stores
To ensure that GP consumable orders are completed and distributed to GP surgeries.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

Proven key board skills
Experience of word processing packages, databases and spreadsheets.
Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive patient information in a methodical and professional manner
Ability to work as part of a team across a range of staff groups.

Desirable

Previous experience working within the laboratory setting

Education

Essential

Educated to a good GCSE level in English & Mathematics
Previous administrative and clerical experience in a healthcare or customer service environment

Desirable

Keyboard and IT skills preferably ECDL

Skills & Knowledge

Essential

Excellent communication skills - written and verbal
Good interpersonal and telephone skills
Able to work to deadlines and prioritise workload

Desirable

Willingness to learn

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

Proven key board skills
Experience of word processing packages, databases and spreadsheets.
Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive patient information in a methodical and professional manner
Ability to work as part of a team across a range of staff groups.

Desirable

Previous experience working within the laboratory setting

Education

Essential

Educated to a good GCSE level in English & Mathematics
Previous administrative and clerical experience in a healthcare or customer service environment

Desirable

Keyboard and IT skills preferably ECDL

Skills & Knowledge

Essential

Excellent communication skills - written and verbal
Good interpersonal and telephone skills
Able to work to deadlines and prioritise workload

Desirable

Willingness to learn

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

Certificate of Sponsorship

Employer details

Employer name

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Bedford Hospital South Wing

Kempston Road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ

Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Bedford Hospital South Wing

Kempston Road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ

Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)