Medical Laboratory Assistant

NHS; Manchester; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Manchester is seeking Medical Laboratory Assistants to support the reception team by sorting and processing numerous cytology samples daily. The role does not allow for trainee opportunities, so candidates should have relevant experience in repetitive tasks, possess GCSEs in English and Maths, and demonstrate strong attention to detail and teamwork skills. This opportunity offers a chance to contribute to critical health services.

Qualifications

• GCSEs or equivalent required with passes in English and Maths.
• Previous experience in roles involving repetitive tasks is essential.
• Previous admin experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Sort specimens upon receipt into the laboratory.
• Confirm patient eligibility using an online database.
• Check the condition of samples and ensure they match with forms.
• Label and record information accurately.
• Perform data entry and maintenance of equipment.

Skills

Attention to detail

Basic IT skills

Ability to follow instructions

Good written skills

Ability to work quickly and accurately

Understanding of patient confidentiality

Team working

Education

GCSEs with Grade C or above in English and Maths

Job description

Job Summary

Manchester Cytology Centre receives approximately 450,000 cervical cytology samples per year, providing the laboratory services for the NHS Cervical Screening Programme to all eligible patients across the North West region.

We currently have opportunities for some new Medical Laboratory assistants to join our busy specimen reception team, supporting the department with the sorting and receipt of around 1500 - 2000 samples per day, and even more during peak periods. You will work alongside other MLA team members and some clerical staff, supported by one or more of the Biomedical Scientists on duty.

Please note that this is not a training post, and there is currently no scope for promotional opportunities. Candidates seeking trainee BMS positions or similar need not apply

Main Duties of the Job

• Following Health & Safety requirements
• Sorting specimens upon receipt into the laboratory
• Confirming the patient is eligible for the test using an online database
• Checking the condition of the sample and form, ensuring they match
• Labelling up and recording information on vial/form accurately
• Data entry
• Record keeping
• Loading, cleaning and routine maintenance of automated equipment
• General housekeeping duties

About Us

MFT is one of the largest NHS Trust In England with a turnover of over £3bn & is on a different scale than most other NHS Trusts. We're creating an exceptional integrated health & social care system for the 1 million patients who rely on our services every year.

Bringing together 10 hospitals & community services from across Manchester, Trafford & beyond, we champion collaborative working & transformation, encouraging our 30,000 workforce to pursue their most ambitious goals. We set standards that other Trusts seek to emulate so you'll benefit from a scale of opportunity that is nothing short of extraordinary.

Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

• GCSEs (or equivalent), with a Grade C or above in English and Maths

Experience

• Previous experience of working in a role with repetitive tasks
• Previous admin/office role

Skills & Knowledge

• Attention to detail
• Basic IT skills
• Able to follow instructions / protocols accurately
• Good written skills, legible handwriting
• Able to work quickly and accurately
• Understanding of patient confidentiality and data protection
• Acknowledges the role is not a trainee post

Interpersonal Skills

• Evidence of team working
• Takes responsibility for own actions
• Respect the diversity of our staff, patients and visitors and treat people equally and fairly
• Works well under pressure

Other Requirements

• Comfortable working within a laboratory environment and wearing appropriate PPE as required
• Flexibility to participate in a rota system, including occasional Saturday working
• Knowledge of Trust Values, willingness to abide by these

Diversity Matters

MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating, and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve.