Assistant Technical Officer

North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an Assistant Technical Officer for the Specimen Reception in Peterborough City Hospital. The role involves receiving, labeling and sorting pathology specimens, data entry, and handling telephone enquiries within a 24/7 rota after training.

Hours are 37.5 per week and the post is band 2. In this fast-paced environment, accuracy and attention to detail are essential, with shift coverage including weekends and bank holidays.

Qualifications

• Good data entry skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle telephone enquiries and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Receive and identify pathology specimens and request forms.
• Perform data entry into the laboratory computer system.
• Label, sort and prepare samples for processing according to SOPs.
• Welcome visitors and handle general telephone inquiries; maintain data accuracy.

Skills

Data entry

Attention to detail

Telephone enquiries

Job description

Assistant Technical Officer (ATO) - Specimen Reception

Our busy, fully computerised Pathology Laboratory at Peterborough City Hospital requires staff members to join our team that supports analytical and diagnostic procedures performed in the Pathology Laboratories. Specimen Reception is a fast-paced, high output environment covering a 24 hour period. The role involves receiving, sorting, labelling and preparing specimens; data entry, and dealing with telephone enquiries. We are looking for individuals with good data entry skills, attention to detail, and ability to focus. The laboratory operates a 24/7 service and, after appropriate training, you will be expected to support the departmental shift system as required, including weekends and bank holidays. We currently have vacancies within our Specimen Reception area for:

• Assistant Technical Officer
• 37.5 hours per week
• Band 2

Successful candidates will be required to participate in the 24/7 rota with all the variety of shifts. The main duties for this role include ensuring the accurate receipt and identification of pathology specimens and request forms for Blood Sciences. This involves maintaining the integrity of the matching process between samples and forms. Additionally, the role includes preparing samples for processing by labelling, storing, and retrieving them in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Administrative and clerical tasks are also essential, such as welcoming visitors, handling general telephone inquiries, performing data entry tasks including the input of patient information and test requests into the laboratory computer system, and retrieving patient information while verifying data accuracy. Effective communication with clinical staff is a key responsibility, involving the exchange of information about laboratory test requests and results, discussing the quality of received test request information and samples, and providing advice on test and result availability. Priority will be given to colleagues identified as at risk through the Trust's redeployment process.

We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in our workforce and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, with a special focus on welcoming individuals from disabled, Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, as well as those from our local area.

In line with our dedication to employee support, we offer a variety of benefits. For more information, please see the attached staff benefits leaflet. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees feel valued and empowered to excel in their roles. Join us and become part of a team dedicated to making a positive difference in our community.

Adheres to the Trust's health and safety and risk management policies and procedures within the Clinical Biochemistry Service and all other areas of Pathology.

• Has a duty to maintain the health, safety and welfare of self, employees, patients or other third parties visiting the department or general areas of the Trust.
• Ensures that adverse event forms are completed for any accidents, incidents or near misses that are relevant to the individual or the Department.
• Informs line manager of any Health and Safety concerns identified.
• Adhere to a safe system of work in the section with due regard to current Health and Safety and COSHH systems, informing Senior staff of any concerns identified.
• Ensure compliance with the Trust's health and safety and risk management policies and procedures; maintain safe systems of work within the department or area you work. You have a duty to maintain the health, safety and welfare of staff, patients or other third parties visiting your department or general