Biomedical Science Support Worker

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital; Norwich; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A major NHS Trust in Norwich is seeking a full-time laboratory technician responsible for sorting specimens, registering details, and maintaining sample integrity. The ideal candidate should possess basic literacy and numeracy skills, prior laboratory experience, and the ability to adapt to varying demands. The role includes participation in a 24-hour shift rota and offers various NHS benefits including a competitive pension scheme and flexible working options.

Benefits

Fast Track Staff Physiotherapy Service

Discounted gym memberships

Excellent pension scheme

Flexible staff bank

Free Park & Ride service

Access to a nursery

Qualifications

• Basic English Literacy and Numeracy skills are essential.
• Experience in a UKAS accredited laboratory is preferable.

Responsibilities

• Receive and sort specimens and register details in the Laboratory Information system.
• Separate and store blood and other specimens for testing.
• Answer enquiries from GPs and hospital departments.
• Act as receptionist for laboratory visitors.

Skills

Good hand/eye coordination

Ability to work with complex analysers

Adaptability to changing service demands

Experience with laboratory software

Effective communication

Education

Basic English Literacy and Numeracy to GCSE level or equivalent

Basic IT skills

Job description

The Directorate of Laboratory Medicine also known as Eastern Pathology Alliance encompasses Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology, Immunology, Microbiology and Cytogenetics. EPA provides a range of analysis of blood, body fluids and tissues for the Hospital inpatient and out-patient population, all the GP's in Norfolk and other neighbouring Trusts.

The majority of these samples arrive in the central reception area where they are sorted, registered on the lab computer systems and prepared for analysis.

Main duties of the job

• sample sorting and re-directing
• checking the samples for suitability
• registering them in the Lab computer systems
• labelling and preparing for analysis.

Preparation includes use of centrifuges, balances and pipettes.

A good deal of manual dexterity is required, with an ability to work carefully and accurately and to use own initiative.

This post will be part of the departmental 24hr shift rota including 1 week in 8 of night shifts and 1 weekend in 4.

Full time 37.5 hours per week

About us

Join us at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and be part of a workforce of over 10,000 staff!

The NNUH is one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK, providing first-class acute care for around one million people, living in Norfolk and surrounding areas. We are a teaching and research hospital, at the forefront of innovation, home to state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Quadram Institute. We are pleased to work closely with the University of East Anglia, providing teaching opportunities for our staff and placement opportunities for their students. We attract some of the best and leading professionals from across the country and are proud that our workforce represents 94 countries from across the world.

We are a friendly, collaborative hospital, working with local services and home to N&N Hospitals Charity

We can offer you the full range of NHS benefits/discounts and in addition:

• Fast Track Staff Physiotherapy Service
• Multi Faith prayer room
• Discounted gym memberships
• Excellent pension scheme and annual leave entitlement
• Wagestream - access up to 40% of your pay as you earn it
• Free Park & Ride service direct to NNUH site
• Free 24-hours confidential counselling support
• On-site Nursery
• On-site cafes offering staff discounts
• Flexible staff bank
• Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars, Cycle to Work scheme and home electronics

Job responsibilities

• To receive, and sort specimens and to register patient and specimen details in the Laboratory Information system.
• To separate and store blood and other specimens for current and future laboratory testing.
• To file and scan report cards and other documents.
• To answer telephone enquiries from general practitioners and hospital departments concerning details of specimens and patient information.
• To pack and send laboratory specimens which are being referred to other laboratories.
• To assist with patient enquiries.
• To act as receptionist for laboratory visitors, etc.

Please see the attached job description for full details.

Please note that this advertised position, which is part of occupation code 3111 does not meet the UKVI eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa (this includes if you are already in a sponsored post and looking to change employer). The Trust would not be able to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for this role.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Basic English Literacy and Numeracy to GCSE level or equivalent
• Basic IT skills e.g. understanding the use of email and the use of Word.
• Previous experience in UKAS accredited laboratory.

Skills, Abilities & knowledge

• Demonstrate good hand/eye coordination for pipetting samples.
• Ability to work with complex analysers and technology
• Be able to adapt to the changing exigencies of the service
• Has a working knowledge of the activities performed within the laboratory service
• Experience of laboratory and other general IT software
• Effective role model, demonstrating NNUH's PRIDE values of People focussed, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence
• Demonstrates understanding and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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.

Full-time,Flexible working,Annualised hours