Medical Laboratory Assistant

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust; Camberley; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Frimley Park Hospital - Microbiology Department in Frimley is seeking a Fixed-term full-time Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA). The role supports the Bacteriology team, under supervision, in a busy NHS pathology service. Must be able to work shifts and develop skills within the department.

The post emphasises accuracy, teamwork and willingness to learn; training will be provided where needed, and occasional cross-site work may occur to maintain service quality.

Qualifications

• Good communication and organisation skills.
• Ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Good basic IT skills and ability to use Laboratory Information Management System.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation of analytical work under supervision of a Registered Biomedical Scientist.
• Follow SOPs at all times and communicate with pathology staff and porters.
• Input patient data and maintain records in the LIS; assist in departmental tasks as instructed.

Skills

Communication

Team work

IT skills

Attention to detail

Education

Basic education

Willing to undergo training

Job description

Are you looking for a Fixed-term full-time Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) position with a desire to work as part of the largest NHS led Pathology Services in the UK?

You will be based at Frimley Park Hospital - Microbiology Department.

We are looking for an energetic, enthusiastic and well-motivated individual with good scientific background to complement our existing MLA team.

Essential qualities expected are efficiency, being well organised, having good communication skills and attention to detail.

Good keyboard skills are desirable. In addition, you should be a reliable individual who is able to demonstrate good practical skills and work as part of a team.

You must be keen to embrace new ways of working and develop your knowledge and skills and able to participate in the shift system.

Support and encouragement will be given for career development.

You will be expected to work according to our working time compliant shift system and on rare occasions may be required to work at the Wexham Park Hospital site to maintain quality, training and service requirements.

The laboratory is UKAS accredited to ISO 15189. The lab is well equipped with a Kiestra TLA system, Faecal PCR testing and Mast UriSystem. MALDI-TOF and GenExpert complete the picture for an efficient and highly automated Bacteriology department.

Main duties of the job

• The postholder will assist in the preparation of analytical work for the Bacteriology Department across a range of department work areas under the supervision of a Registered Biomedical Scientist.
• The postholder is required to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at all times for any tasks carried out. There is a requirement to communicate with pathology staff, hospital staff, porters, drivers and couriers.
• The postholder will provide support to the BMS staff through sorting, numbering and entering onto Laboratory Information Management System.
• The postholder will be required to operate the department waste disposal systems including use of autoclaves in a safe manner.
• The diagnostic work of the department includes processing, for example, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, faeces, sputum, tissues and diverse secretions.
• Processed samples are then interpreted for the presence of pathogens, these could be bacterial, fungal or parasitic.

About us

Visa Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already hold the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the contract.

Why Join Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust?

At Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, our people are at the heart of everything we do.

As a Disability Confident Employer and recipient of the Gold Award in the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme, we actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion, creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to build rewarding careers within the NHS.

We also recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance. By supporting flexible working arrangements wherever possible, we enable our colleagues to balance their professional and personal commitments while continuing to deliver outstanding care to our patients.

Whether flexibility means adjusted hours, part-time working, hybrid arrangements or alternative working patterns, we work in partnership with our staff to meet both individual and service needs.

Join UsWhether you're at the start of your career or looking for your next challenge, Frimley Health offers the opportunity to be part of an inclusive, forward-thinking organisation that is committed to excellence, innovation and compassionate care. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare and make a real difference to the lives of the communities we serve.

Frimley Health Trust benefits on Vimeo

Job responsibilities

• To keep the laboratory manager informed of all matters regarding laboratory procedures and help with the smooth running of the department.
• To inform a team leader, section head or Biomedical Scientist of any refrigerator/freezer temperatures that are out of range on a daily basis.
• Displays and maintains an appropriate level of IT skills.
• Is able to input patient and request data, maintain and amend patient records, interrogate the laboratory and hospital databases and perform basic word processing and spreadsheet work.
• Demonstrates excellent personal communication and team working skills.
• To work to achieve competencies across the repertoire of the department as appropriate to grade.
• To assist in the departmental work as instructed, following SOPs under the supervision of the laboratory managers, team leaders and / or Biomedical Scientist staff.
• Refer to attached JD & PS for details.

Qualifications

• Good basic education
• Willing to undergo relevant training
• Interest in working to higher level of qualification

Experience

• Able to perform technically challenging procedures where applicable
• Ability to develop knowledge and understanding of microbiology techniques sufficient to undertake specimen processing and reception
• Some experience of diagnostic microbiology

Skills and Knowledge

• Able to understand and follow Standard Operating Procedures
• Ability to follow laboratory H&S practice
• Ability to communicate clearly
• Possess basic IT skills
• Understanding of need for service quality
• Experience of working in a relevant routine laboratory
• Observant of detail, ability to make basic judgement decisions
• Ability to prioritise tasks and organise daily work

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.