Medical Laboratory Assistant - Specimen Reception

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279); Chichester; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Foundation Trust in Chichester is seeking a focused Medical Laboratory Assistant to join the Specimen Reception team. The role involves pre-analytical activities for Blood Science, focusing on accurate sample handling and data entry. Candidates should have experience in a laboratory setting and excellent communication skills. This position is pivotal for ensuring high-quality patient service and coordination with healthcare teams. Flexibility in working hours is required, and prior familiarity with relevant systems is preferred.

Benefits

Training and development opportunities

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Must have previous NHS service or laboratory experience.
• Familiarity with ICE and WinPath systems preferred.
• Knowledge of data protection, quality, and patient confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Sort and prepare samples for analysis.
• Process consumable requests and maintain inventory.
• Respond to queries and coordinate with clinical staff.

Skills

Proficient computer skills in data entry

Effective time management

Excellent written and spoken English

Understanding of pre-analytical processes

Education

GCSE in English and Mathematics at grade C / Level 5 or above

Tools

ICE

WinPath

Job description

Medical Laboratory Assistant – Specimen Reception

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279) – St Richard's Hospital, Chichester.

Closing date: 04 February 2026.

Overview

The Pathology Support Service at University Hospitals Sussex is recruiting a focused and methodical Medical Laboratory Assistant to join the Specimen Reception team at St Richard's Hospital. The role supports pre‑ and post‑analytical activities for the Blood Science laboratory, ensuring efficient and accurate sample handling, data entry, and patient communication.

Key Responsibilities

• Pre‑analytical sample sorting, preparation, and data entry onto laboratory systems (ICE, WinPath, and Pathology IT).
• Receipt of stock, processing of consumable requests, and maintaining accurate inventory records.
• Adhering to health & safety and patient confidentiality protocols.
• Responding to telephone queries from service users and coordinating with clinical staff.
• Providing support in the Pathology Office: interacting with patients, booking appointments, and liaising with relevant teams.
• Working flexibly within the 08:00–20:00 schedule, Monday to Sunday, with core hours 11:00–18:00 Monday to Friday and public holiday duties on rota basis.

Person Specification

• Education: GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics at grade C / Level 5 or above.
• Experience: Previous NHS service or laboratory experience; familiarity with ICE and WinPath systems preferred.
• Technical Skills: Proficient computer skills in data entry and word processing; knowledge of data protection, data quality, and patient confidentiality.
• Organisational Abilities: Effective time‑management and ability to handle changing priorities.
• Communication: Excellent written and spoken English; capability to interact professionally with patients and staff.
• Specialist Knowledge: Understanding of pre‑analytical processes in a pathology laboratory setting.
• Diversity & Inclusion: Evidence of championing diversity and undertaking development in equalities issues.
• Disability and Veteran Considerations: University Hospitals Sussex is a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust. We provide a buddy system for new employees to aid settlement.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

• Evidence of championing diversity in previous roles.
• Evidence of personal development to improve understanding of equalities issues.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A DBS check will be required to assess any prior criminal convictions.

Visa Sponsorship

This role does not meet the minimum criteria for UK visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK (e.g., British citizenship, settled status, or permanent residency). If you are on a Graduate visa, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at the time of application.

Employer Name

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)