Medical Laboratory Assistant - Bank

NHS; England; On-site; GBP 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a Bank Medical Laboratory Assistant to work in Specimen Reception and Blood Sciences. Responsibilities include managing samples, data entry, and assisting with training. Applicants should have skills in data confidentiality and lab processes, with relevant healthcare experience preferred. This part-time role based at Kettering General Hospital offers flexibility and a salary of £24,465 per annum pro rata.

Qualifications

• Experience in healthcare work, computer data entry, or laboratory work is desirable.
• Previous NHS and laboratory experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Prioritise urgent specimens and ensure correct processing.
• Problem-solve day-to-day issues like mislabelled specimens.
• Enter patient and specimen details accurately into the system.
• Assist in training other laboratory assistants as required.

Skills

Understanding of the confidential nature of patient data

Manual dexterity

Ability to concentrate on repetitive work

Education

Literacy and numeracy qualifications

Typing and word-processing qualifications

Job description

Bank Medical Laboratory Assistant – Specimen Reception & Blood Sciences Laboratory

We are looking for an enthusiastic person to work as a Bank Medical Laboratory Assistant in Specimen Reception and the Blood Sciences Laboratory as required. Your duties will include receipt, sorting, and processing of samples, and entering requests onto the laboratory computer system, Telepath. Previous NHS and laboratory experience is desirable, and further training will be provided.

Note: Although this is a laboratory post, this is not a training position for Biomedical Scientist.

Location

Specimen Reception is within the Pathology Department at Kettering General Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust. This post is part of the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group.

Responsibilities

• Prioritisation (fast‑tracking) of urgent specimens, ensuring correct specimen processing.
• Problem‑solving of day‑to‑day issues such as mislabelled and lost specimens.
• Keyboard entry of patient and specimen details onto the laboratory computer system, ensuring accuracy.
• Loading/unloading of specimens onto automated analysers and storage according to written procedures.
• Basic use of the analysers following suitable training.
• Photocopying and general filing, including compilation of results from specialist external laboratories.
• Daily checks of refrigerator and freezer temperatures.
• Assistance with stock control to ensure supplies of specimen containers, labels, and consumables are available.
• Participate in training other laboratory assistants as required by the supervisor.
• Disposal of laboratory waste, general cleaning, and disinfection duties.
• Handling paediatric and other low‑volume samples.
• Any other duties consistent with this grade, as determined by the relevant supervisor, to ensure smooth running of the department.
• Answering telephone enquiries and transferring calls appropriately.

Person Specification

Essential Skills

• Understanding of the confidential nature of patient data.
• Manual dexterity to manipulate specimens for processing.
• Ability to concentrate on large blocks of repetitive work.

Desirable Skills

• Ability to type specimen information accurately and quickly from printed or handwritten requests.
• Understanding of H&S requirements in a laboratory.
• Knowledge of medical and laboratory terminology.
• Ability to understand and accurately pass on telephone messages.

Experience

• Experience in healthcare work, computer data entry, or laboratory work is desirable.

Education, Training and Qualifications

• Literacy and numeracy qualifications are essential.
• Typing and word‑processing qualifications are desirable.

Job Details

Band: 2 | Salary: £24,465 a year pro rata / per annum | Contract: Bank | Working pattern: Part‑time, Flexible working | Reference number: 264‑7568887‑BANKMLA‑A | Location: Kettering General Hospital, Rothwell Road, Kettering, NN16 8UZ

EEO and Diversity Statement

UHN encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups. We value diversity and ensure an inclusive, collaborative environment. The Armed Forces community is also recognised and supported under the Armed Forces Covenant and the Silver Award of the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exception Order) 1975. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.

Employer Details

Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Rothwell Road, Kettering, NN16 8UZ
Website: https://www.kgh.nhs.uk/working-for-us