Medical Laboratory Assistant, Specimen Reception

Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Chertsey; On-site; GBP 25,000; Full time

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a reliable, personable and motivated individual to join our Pathology specimen reception team at St. Peters Hospital.

The Department is part of Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services (BSPS), a network of six Laboratories: St Peters, Frimley Park, Royal Surrey County, Wexham Park, Royal Berkshire Hospitals and East Surrey Hospitals.

The applicant will provide comprehensive support to the pathology service, including performing a wide range of tasks across all sections of the department, namely Blood Sciences, Immunology and Virology.

The department is a busy, vibrant environment that requires active and motivated individuals that enjoy a variety of tasks and challenges.

Main duties of the job

• You will be expected to assist with the receipt, prioritisation and pre-analytical processing of potentially infectious samples. You will also be required to use some basic laboratory devices such as a centrifuge by following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), under supervision as required. There will be regular interaction with healthcare professionals by telephone and in person at the reception hatch. There will also be interaction with drivers, engineers and members of the general public as the reception is the main point of entrance to pathology.
• You will need to have good computer skills as request entry is an essential part of the role.
• You will need to have good verbal communication skills as answering frequent telephone queries and personal interactions are a routine activity.
• You will need to maintain focus as some tasks are repetitive in nature.
• You will need to demonstrate good written communication skills as documentation is an essential part of good laboratory practice.
• You will need to have good listening skills and be able to both receive instruction and communicate your responses and suggestions effectively.
• You may need to work flexibly, including late shift and weekend participation as necessary.
• An understanding of basic biomedical terminology and equipment is desirable.
• Appreciation and demonstration of the trusts core values is also desirable.

About us

Ashford and St. Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust serves a population of more than 410,000 people living in North-West Surrey, parts of Hounslow and beyond.

Over 3,700 highly trained doctors, nurses, midwives, therapists, healthcare scientists and other support staff make up our workforce, providing a wide range of services across our two hospital sites, Ashford, Ashford, Surrey and St Peter's, Chertsey, Surrey.

We also run many specialist clinics in the community and local community hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Our vision is to be one of the best healthcare Trusts in the country. There has never been a better time to join us in the NHS at Ashford & St Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with our strong commitment to staff health and wellbeing. We are committed to providing continuous professional development, staff benefits and flexibility to shape our workforce around our patient care.

Please see the supporting links which you can find on the right-hand side of this job advert. There is guidance on how to make an application on NHS Jobs as well as more information about joining the ASPH Team.

Although it isn't the Trust's normal practice, adverts may close early, so applicants are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.

Date posted

10 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£24,873 a year pa inc. HCAS

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

323-ACS4720-ED

Job locations

St. Peter's Hospital
Guildford Road
Chertsey
KT16 0PZ

Job Description

Job responsibilities

• You will be expected to assist with the receipt, prioritisation and pre-analytical processing of potentially infectious samples. You will also be required to use some basic laboratory devices such as a centrifuge by following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), under supervision as required. There will be regular interaction with healthcare professionals by telephone and in person at the reception hatch. There will also be interaction with drivers, engineers and members of the general public as the reception is the main point of entrance to pathology.
• You will need to have good computer skills as request entry is an essential part of the role.
• You will need to have good verbal communication skills as answering frequent telephone queries and personal interactions are a routine activity.
• You will need to maintain focus as some tasks are repetitive in nature.
• You will need to demonstrate good written communication skills as documentation is an essential part of good laboratory practice.
• You will need to have good listening skills and be able to both receive instruction and communicate your responses and suggestions effectively.
• You may need to work flexibly, including late shift and weekend participation as necessary.
• An understanding of basic biomedical terminology and equipment is desirable.
• Appreciation and demonstration of the trusts core values is also desirable.

Person Specification

Ability Essential

• Ability to work to tight deadlines
• Ability to pay attention to detail
• Flexibility with working hours

Desirable

• Basic knowledge of Medical Terminology

Experience Essential

• Good keyboard skills
• Experience of working in a busy environment
• Good team player

Desirable

• A can do attitude to work
• Ability to work on own
• Experience of working in a specimen reception department in pathology
• Experience of working with laboratory applications Winpath enterprise

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

Ashford & St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

St. Peter's Hospital
Guildford Road
Chertsey
KT16 0PZ

Employer's website

https://www.ashfordstpeters.nhs.uk/