Medical Laboratory Assistant (Higher Level) - Pathology

East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust (Enherts-TR); Stevenage; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

An established healthcare provider is seeking a dedicated Medical Laboratory Assistant to join their Pathology team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to patient care by performing essential laboratory tasks, including sample receipting and supporting Biomedical Scientists. The ideal candidate will possess strong attention to detail and interpersonal skills, and will thrive in a dynamic environment that operates 24/7. If you are passionate about healthcare and eager to make a difference in a supportive team, this position could be the perfect fit for you.

Benefits

Flexible working patterns

Positive work-life balance

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• GCSEs in Maths, English, and Science required.
• NVQ Level 3 or diploma equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform clinical/technical activities under supervision.
• Maintain clinical records and demonstrate duties to new staff.
• Handle human body fluids and hazardous chemicals.

Skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Manual dexterity

Ability to concentrate

Knowledge of Pathology IT systems

Knowledge of Quality Management Systems

Education

GCSE Maths, English, and Science (A-C)

NVQ Level 3/diploma or equivalent

Foundation degree or equivalent (in progress)

Tools

Pathology IT systems

Quality Management Systems

Job description

Medical Laboratory Assistant (Higher Level) - Pathology

NHS AFC: Band 3

Main area: Pathology
Grade: NHS AFC: Band 3
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Part time - 22.5 hours per week (Post holder will be part of the full 24hr shift system in Pathology, including nights and weekend working.)
Job ref: 361-6861370

Site: Lister Hospital
Town: Stevenage
Salary: £24,071 - £25,674 per annum pro rata
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 05/01/2025 23:59
Interview date: 24/01/2025

We are recruiting for a Medical Laboratory Assistant (Higher Level) who shares our vision to be trusted to provide consistently outstanding care and exemplary service to our patients.

The Lister Hospital Blood Sciences Department in Pathology is looking for an enthusiastic individual to work in Pathology Services within the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust.

Duties will include receipting of samples, inputting pathology requests on a computer system, and supporting the Biomedical Scientists. The role will involve handling pathology samples such as blood and urine.

At the heart of everything we do are our core values: Include, Respect, and Improve. We encourage you to embrace these values throughout the recruitment process and in your role with us.

Main duties of the job

1. Perform a number of healthcare science clinical/technical/scientific activities under supervision, e.g. performs standard biochemical/haematological tests.
2. Maintain clinical records in relation to activities carried out.
3. Demonstrate own duties to new or less experienced employees.
4. Work flexibly in reflection of service needs which may include an extended working day and/or participation in delivery of a 24 hour, 7 days per week service.
5. Be prepared to handle human body fluids, tissues, and hazardous chemicals.

Working for our organisation

At East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, we are proud of the range of general & specialist services we provide. Our 6,000 dedicated staff ensure our patients get the best care. Our ability to be flexible & innovative in the way we work and deliver our services has never been more important than it is now.

We run the following hospitals:

• The Lister Hospital, Stevenage
• New Queen Elizabeth II (New QEII), Welwyn Garden City
• Hertford County, Hertford

We have ambitious plans to become an outstanding, patient-led Trust where dedicated staff provide high-quality, compassionate care to our patients. We continue to undergo significant transformation; our staff & patients are at the heart of delivering this ambitious agenda.

We are committed to a positive work-life balance for our employees. Employees are entitled to seek to work flexible working patterns, and we are committed to listening and considering all requests.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification applicant pack for further detailed information regarding this role.

Person specification

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths, English, and Science (A-C) or equivalent
• Appropriate NVQ 3/diploma or equivalent
• Additional theoretical or applied training to diploma equivalent level
• Working towards a foundation degree or equivalent
• Previous MLA experience in a Blood Sciences Lab
• Previous supervisory/training experience
• Previous relevant experience of working in the NHS Biomedical Laboratory

Skills/Knowledge required

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Demonstrable interpersonal skills – ability to work alone and as part of a team.
• Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods of time
• Manual dexterity appropriate to activities associated with the post
• Willingness to undertake cross-training to extend the skill set to deliver the role
• Ability to organise and allocate work to less experienced staff to meet the needs of the service
• Knowledge of Pathology IT systems
• Knowledge of Pathology Quality systems

Knowledge

• Demonstrable knowledge of a range of routine and non-routine healthcare science duties
• Knowledge of Pathology IT systems
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems
• Knowledge/performance of Risk Assessments