Medical Laboratory Assistant - Central Reception | University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Bournemouth is seeking a Medical Laboratory Assistant. The role involves receiving and processing lab samples and requires strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Full-time, shift-based work with weekend duties is expected. The successful candidate will support Biomedical Scientists and must undergo a typing test during the interview. Applications close on September 21, 2025.

Qualifications

• Ability to support Biomedical Scientists and handle samples.
• Skilled in accurate data entry and processing of laboratory samples.
• Strong communication skills to interact with healthcare professionals.

Responsibilities

• Support Biomedical Scientists by receiving and processing laboratory samples.
• Ensure timely dispatch of samples to laboratories for testing.
• Maintain a professional service to patients and staff within the NHS.

Skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Data entry skills

Job description

Overview

We are seeking well organised, highly motivated individuals to join our multidisciplinary team. Applications are invited for the post of Medical Laboratory Assistant to work within the Central Reception Department at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust which will cover both sites at Poole Hospital and the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. The departments include Biochemistry, Haematology and Transfusion and are all UKAS accredited.

Medical Laboratory Assistants work as part of a team supporting the Biomedical scientists. Medical Laboratory Assistants receive and process (data entry) samples prior to testing by Biomedical Scientists in the laboratories. The successful candidate will be trained to deal with enquiries on the telephone, and to accurately provide authorised results to other healthcare professionals as required. There is the scope for personal development within the department.

Please ensure you read the attached person specification as your application will be assessed against this.

Hours are full time (37.5 hours per week) on a shift basis. The laboratory operates 24/7 with core hours between 7am and 8pm, to include weekend and bank holiday working. You will be required to undertake a typing test as part of the interview.

Contact - Amanda Terry, Central Reception Team Leader
[e-mail] 0300 019 4797

Base Location: Royal Bournemouth Hospital
Interview Date: TBC

Responsibilities

• Support Biomedical Scientists by receiving, processing and data entry of samples prior to laboratory testing.
• Assist with collecting and separating samples from wards and phlebotomy service throughout the day, receiving, checking, sorting, uniquely identifying, labeling and preparing samples for analysis, including those for clinical trials.
• Ensure accurate and timely dispatch of samples to other laboratories for testing in accordance with standard operating procedures and daily deadlines.
• Provide a helpful and professional service to patients and staff within the NHS, maintaining concentration, accuracy and attention to detail during these processes.
• Work across Central (Specimen) Reception services based at Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Royal Bournemouth Hospital; the role may involve working at both sites.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Full-time role (37.5 hours per week) on a shift basis; 24/7 operation with core hours 7am–8pm, including weekends and bank holidays.
• Typing test as part of the interview process.
• Base location: Royal Bournemouth Hospital; multiple-site duties across Poole and Royal Bournemouth Hospitals.
• Interview Date: To Be Confirmed (TBC).

Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD and underpin how we treat patients, visitors and colleagues. UHD are investing in services across the Trust with development and transformation across sites. Some services may move site this year or next.

To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert. Previous applicants do not need to re-apply.

This advert closes on Sunday 21 Sep 2025.