Medical Laboratory Assistant - Entry Level

Medical Laboratory Assistant - Entry Level

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Applications are invited from motivated and hardworking individuals to work as Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA's) within the combined Blood Science Specimen Reception areas in Pathology.

MLAs are the first point of contact for the Laboratory; therefore, an approachable personality and excellent communication skills are essential.

You should have good attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to follow defined protocols while working quickly but effectively under pressure.

Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the closing date once the required number of suitable applications have been received.

Main duties of the job

The role involves supporting scientific staff in the receipt, analytical preparation, labelling, and data entry of patient samples & requests, maintenance and quality control of Point of Care Testing equipment, and general laboratory support duties. The role requires a calm, organised approach with attention to detail and good keyboard skills. Please note the shift will be 4pm-8pm or 5pm - 9pm.

Previous experience in an NHS clinical laboratory would be an advantage but not essential as full training will be provided.

The Blood Science department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and the successful candidate will be expected to support and participate in late shift rosters.

The main Pathology services are located at North Tyneside Hospital, Wansbeck Hospital, and the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, the first of its kind in England. You may be expected to work at any of the sites as required for service provision.

Job responsibilities

The main duties of the role are to:

1. Perform basic sample reception and process duties including the receipt, barcode labelling, and preparation of samples for analysis, loading of samples onto analysers or other laboratory equipment, and sample archiving.
2. Perform clerical tasks including data input of patient demographics and test request information and maintain clerical records.
3. Perform general housekeeping duties including maintaining stock levels, general cleaning, and waste disposal.
4. Maintain and promote a professional image.
5. The work of the service brings staff into constant contact with human body fluids, tissues, and hazardous chemicals.
6. The post holder may be required to work at North Tyneside Hospital, Wansbeck Hospital, Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, and Hexham Hospital.
7. Work flexibly in reflection of service needs; this may include an extended working day and/or participation in the delivery of a 24-hour, 7 days per week service.
8. The post holder will be responsible to the Biomedical Scientists in Blood Sciences.
9. The work involves handling biological samples and paperwork associated with this process; therefore, the departmental health and safety policies must be adhered to at all times.

NB: Post holder must not work outside their defined field of competence. Please note the shift will be 4pm-8pm or 5pm - 9pm, Monday to Friday with occasional weekend duties.

Person Specification

Qualifications / Professional Registration

1. GCSE Maths and English or equivalent qualifications and/or experience that demonstrate appropriate level of literacy and numeracy.
2. Computer / keyboard / word processing qualifications.
3. GCSE in Science (A-C) or equivalent.
4. NVQ Level II in Medical Laboratory Sciences or equivalent.

Experience and knowledge

1. Previous relevant healthcare experience in NHS.
2. Practical experience of working in a Biomedical Science laboratory.
3. Experience of communicating with clients or patients by telephone.

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 name

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust