Medical Laboratory Assistant Pre Analytics Blood Sciences

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust; Redditch, Worcester; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A large NHS hospital trust in Redditch is seeking a detail-oriented Medical Laboratory Assistant. This role involves processing samples for Haematology and Biochemistry, supporting Biomedical Scientists, and ensuring the accuracy of data within the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Candidates should have good communication skills and a background or interest in the healthcare field. Full-time and part-time positions are available, along with comprehensive training and development opportunities.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Interest in working in the scientific/medical field.
• Work placement or previous employment in a healthcare environment.
• Understanding of medical terminology.

Responsibilities

• Processing samples for Haematology and Biochemistry.
• Providing support services to Biomedical Scientist staff.
• Accurately enter patient and request data onto LIMS.

Skills

Good verbal and written communication skills

Attention to detail

Basic IT and keyboard skills

Education

GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in Maths and English

Job description

Medical Laboratory Assistant Pre Analytics Blood Sciences

Closing date: 06 January 2026.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and detail‑oriented individual to join the Pre‑Analytic section of the Blood Sciences department at Worcester Acute Trust as a Medical Laboratory Assistant. The role involves processing samples for Haematology and Biochemistry. The working hours are full‑time 37.5 hours, Monday to Sunday, with 24/7 shift patterns. Part‑time pro‑rata roles are also welcome. The post reports to the Pre‑Analytics Manager – Blood Sciences and is accountable to the Head of Department – Clinical Biochemistry and Haematology.

Main duties of the job

• Processing samples for Haematology and Biochemistry.
• Providing support services to Biomedical Scientist staff in both departments.
• Preparation and processing of simple laboratory tests.
• Preparation and processing of pathology samples involving pre‑analytical procedures.
• Proficient routine use of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Coordinate receipt and handling of samples and reports from other laboratories.
• Work in accordance with the departmental Quality Management System.
• Accurately enter patient and request data.
• Upkeep of stock in specimen reception areas and general housekeeping duties.
• Scanning of request forms to allow for images to be available for technical validation.

Job responsibilities

• Provide support service to BMS staff: Preparation and processing of simple laboratory tests, and processing of pathology samples involving pre‑analytical procedures.
• Be proficient in the routine use of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Co‑ordinate receipt and handling of samples and reports from other laboratories.
• Work in accordance with the departmental Quality Management System.
• Accurately enter patient and request data onto LIMS, making appropriate amendments as required to enable the performance of appropriate investigations and the issue of reports within identified timescales. A high degree of accuracy is required to ensure correct and complete clinical information is recorded.
• Be proficient in all aspects of the routine use of the LIMS, in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Upkeep of stock in specimen reception area and perform general housekeeping duties.
• Respond to telephone calls from medical and nursing staff within the hospital, or staff from surgeries and clinics, so that requests for results, additional/urgent investigations and technical advice are dealt with to the satisfaction of the caller, within limits of knowledge and capability, referring calls to qualified/senior staff as appropriate.
• Give out authorised results only, and only to appropriate staff as identified, and refer requests for technical advice to qualified Biomedical Scientists and clinical advice to Clinical Scientists / Consultants.
• Respond to any complaints that arise courteously, referring complainants to appropriate senior staff in all instances.
• Co‑ordinate and participate in the scanning of request forms so that electronic images are readily available for the technical validation / clinical interpretation of results.
• Ensure the document scanner is maintained fit for use at all times and work with senior BMS staff to address and rectify malfunctions promptly.
• Ensure request forms, and any other documents containing confidential information, are retained and discarded in accordance with Trust and departmental procedures, and be familiar with and practise data protection regulations.
• Assist senior staff within the department with general office and laboratory duties.
• Take receipt of incoming mail and distribute throughout the department.
• Work in accordance with and maintain adherence to the safety standards outlined in the departmental Health and Safety Policy, ensuring the laboratory complies with regulatory requirements and is a safe, secure, clean and tidy working environment.
• Read, understand and practise in accordance with departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all relevant tasks performed within the laboratory.
• Respond appropriately to requests for laboratory consumables from wards, clinics and GP surgeries.
• Develop an understanding of the function and use of information technology and electronic communications.
• Work under the direct and indirect supervision of qualified staff within the department, with detailed training and close monitoring during the initial period and less supervision as competence is demonstrated.
• Participate in mandatory training to enable the Trust to satisfy regulatory requirements.
• Participate in and contribute to regular general departmental meetings for clear communication and discussion of service provision and staff interests.
• Work in conjunction with all other staff to achieve and maintain UKAS accreditation status, demonstrating work performed to nationally recognised high standards.
• Participate in departmental Quality Management activities commensurate with the post.
• Be familiar with the Pathology Directorate Quality Policy and ensure its consistent application to all departmental activities.
• Work under the direction of the departmental Quality Manager and/or Quality Leads in ensuring effective implementation of the departmental Quality Management System (QMS).
• Maintain familiarity with and practise in accordance with the SOPs for all relevant laboratory procedures.
• Participate in scheduled audit activities, including horizontal, vertical and examination audits, and internal audit of the QMS.
• Identify and alert senior staff to any non‑conformance to optimal/required practice.
• Participate in the implementation and review of appropriate remedial, corrective and/or preventative measures in response to reported non‑conformances.
• Participate in training activities to maintain competence through ongoing assessment as appropriate.

Overview of the organisation

Our purpose is simple – Putting Patients First. We are looking for exceptional colleagues who can help us achieve this.

About us

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is a large acute and specialised hospital trust providing a range of local acute services to the residents of Worcestershire and more specialised services to a larger population in Herefordshire and beyond. The Trust operates hospital‑based services from three sites in Kidderminster, Redditch and Worcester. Our workforce is more than 7,000 strong, and our caring staff are recognised for providing good and outstanding patient‑centred care. You could be one of them.

We are committed to recruiting the best people to work with us. Our values are open and honest, ensuring people feel cared for, showing respect to everyone. We are proud to have achieved Timewise accreditation, meaning we are committed to embedding flexible working within our organisation as a flex‑positive employer.

DBS Checks and Costs

Any applicant offered a post requiring a DBS check will have the cost of this check (at the current rate) deducted from their salary. Please see the link in the Supporting Information section for more details on DBS checks and costs.

Person Specification

• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Prioritise and work at different speeds with dexterity and accuracy while paying attention to detail.
• Good basic IT and key board skills.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to communicate clearly and efficiently with all staff groups and members of the public.
• Ability to work as part of a team and be able to work under pressure.
• Pleasant manner.
• Ability to change and adapt.

Experience

• Interest in working in the scientific/medical field.
• Work placement or previous employment in a healthcare environment.
• Experience in a clinical or medical laboratory.
• Understanding of medical terminology.

Other job requirements

• Ability to comply with statutory legislation and trust and departmental policies and procedures.
• Willing to undertake training and self‑development.
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality.
• of self‑presentation to users of the service.

Qualifications

• Evidence of good level of literacy and numeracy.
• GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in Maths and English.

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.

Employer name

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust