Medical Laboratory Assistant, Specimen Reception

Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Chertsey; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a reliable, personable and motivated individual to join our Pathology specimen reception team at St. Peter's Hospital.

The role supports the BSPS network across six laboratories and provides frontline reception to callers, drivers and staff. You will assist with receipt, prioritisation and pre-analytical processing of samples, operate basic devices like a centrifuge, and follow SOPs under supervision.

Qualifications

• Receipt, prioritisation and pre-analytical processing of potentially infectious samples.
• Use basic laboratory devices such as a centrifuge under SOPs.
• Regular interaction with healthcare professionals by telephone and in person at the reception hatch.
• Good computer skills for essential data entry.
• Good verbal and written communication; listening skills.
• Flexibility to work late shifts and weekends as necessary.
• Desirable understanding of basic biomedical terminology.
• Appreciation of the Trust's core values.

Responsibilities

• Assist with receipt, prioritisation and pre-analytical processing of samples.
• Operate basic devices like a centrifuge following SOPs under supervision.
• Interact with healthcare professionals, drivers, engineers and the public at the reception.
• Maintain accurate documentation and data entry.
• Be flexible for late shifts and weekend work.
• Develop understanding of biomedical terminology.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Listening skills

Computer skills

Flexibility

Tools

Centrifuge

Job description

We are seeking a reliable, personable and motivated individual to join our Pathology specimen reception team at St. Peters Hospital The Department is part of Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services (BSPS), a network of six Laboratories: St Peters, Frimley Park, Royal Surrey County, Wexham Park, Royal Berkshire Hospitals and East Surrey Hospitals. The applicant will provide comprehensive support to the pathology service, including performing a wide range of tasks across all sections of the department, namely Blood Sciences, Immunology and Virology. The department is a busy, vibrant environment that requires active and motivated individuals that enjoy a variety of tasks and challenges.,

• You will be expected to assist with the receipt, prioritisation and pre-analytical processing of potentially infectious samples. You will also be required to use some basic laboratory devices such as a centrifuge by following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), under supervision as required. There will be regular interaction with healthcare professional by telephone and in person at the reception hatch. There will also be interaction with drivers, engineers and members of the general public as the reception is the main point of entrance to pathology.
  You will need to have good computer skills as request entry is an essential part of the role.
• You will need to have good verbal communication skills as answering frequent telephone queries and personal interactions are a routine activity.
• You will need to maintain focus as some tasks are repetitive in nature.
• You will need to demonstrate good written communication skills as documentation is an essential part of good laboratory practice.
• You will need to have good listening skills and be able to both receive instruction and communicate your responses and suggestions effectively.
• May need to work flexibly, including late shift and weekend participation as necessary.
• An understanding of basic biomedical terminology and equipment is desirable.
• Appreciation and demonstration of the trusts core values is also desirable.
  Ashford and St. Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the largest provider of acute hospital services to Surrey residents, serving a population of 410,00 people and employing approximately 4,800 staff.

Our vision is to provide an outstanding experience and best outcomes for patients and the team. We are committed to providing continuous professional development and flexibility to deliver our workforce plan. We are part of a collaborative Group with the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust. As part of this partnership, colleagues may occasionally work across both organisations to support shared services, development opportunities and patient care. St Peter's Hospital delivers complex medical and surgical care, maternity and emergency services. Day and orthopaedic surgery, ophthalmology and outpatient services are delivered at Ashford Hospital. Additional services are delivered at Woking Community Hospital. Our Values provide us with the behaviours we respect and can commit to. By living our values through our everyday interactions, we can build a stronger, more resilient, and forward- thinking organisation, guiding us to achieve success and make a positive impact on how we deliver our services.