Medical Laboratory Assistant - Specimen Reception

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Worthing; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a leading NHS Trust as a Medical Laboratory Assistant in a part-time role at Worthing Hospital. You will perform crucial pre-analytical tasks in the Pathology Support Service, ensuring a high standard of patient care through meticulous sample handling and data management. The role requires effective communication and IT skills, as well as relevant educational qualifications in a supportive and diverse environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive Wellbeing Programme

Flexible working options

Professional development support

Qualifications

• Experience in a pathology or equivalent laboratory environment preferred.
• Proficient in data entry and IT skills.
• Knowledge of data protection and patient confidentiality required.

Responsibilities

• Pre-analytical sample sorting, preparation, and data entry.
• Assist in receipt and verification of patient samples.
• Interact with patients and clinical staff as necessary.

Skills

Attention to detail

Manual dexterity

Effective communication

Time management

Education

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

Tools

ICE Laboratory system

WinPath Laboratory system

Job description

View all our vacancies across our hospitals in Sussex. Search, find and apply for a job with us today.

Medical Laboratory Assistant - Specimen Reception

Band 2

Main area Pathology Support Service Grade Band 2 Contract Permanent Hours Part time - 30 hours per week Job ref 279-7208328-JUN25

Employer 279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Worthing Hospital Town Worthing Salary £24,169 per annum pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 19/06/2025 23:59

About our Trust

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts , we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First . In fact our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job overview

The Pathology Support Service at University Hospitals Sussex is looking to recruit a focused and methodical Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) to join the Specimen Reception team at Worthing Hospital.

This post is a 30 hour Permanent Position

The successful applicant will be expected to work flexibly between the hours of 08:00 and 20:00 Monday to Sunday; however our core operational hours are currently 11:00 and 18:00 Monday to Friday. In addition there is also the requirement to work public holidays on a rota basis.

Main duties of the job

The role includes pre-analytical sample sorting, preparation, data entry, receipt and maintenance of stock, attending to telephone queries from service users and adhering to health & safety responsibilities. You will also be expected to provide support in our Pathology Office which involves interacting with patients, booking appointments and liaising with clinical staff.

You should have good attention to detail, manual dexterity and the ability to follow defined protocols whilst working quickly but effective under pressure. Experience of manually entering patient information quickly and accurately onto various laboratory computer systems, including ICE and Winpath, would be advantageous.

Working as part of a team of Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA’s) in
Specimen Reception to provide an efficient and effective pre and post
analytical service to the Blood Science laboratory, in accordance with
the training and operational requirements of the department.
To assist in the receipt, verification and preparation of patient samples,
the data entry of patient and specimen details onto the Pathology IT
system as well as processing stock and consumable requests from
service users.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Working as part of a team of Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA’s) in Specimen Reception to provide an efficient and effective pre and post analytical service to the Blood Science laboratory, in accordance with the training and operational requirements of the department.

To assist in the receipt, verification and preparation of patient samples, the data entry of patient and specimen details onto the Pathology IT system as well as processing stock and consumable requests from service users.

Person specification

Administrative

• GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics at grade C / Level 5 or above.
• Previous experience in the NHS.

Information Resources / IT

• Proficient and accurate computer skills including data entry and word processing.
• Knowledge of data protection, data quality and patient confidentiality.

Planning and Organisation

• Effective time management skills and able to deal with conflicting or changing priorities.

Communication and Relationship Skills

• Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken English.

Scientific

• Previous experience in Pathology or equivalent laboratory environment.
• Knowledge of ICE and WinPath Laboratory systems.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles
• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues

Important information for applicants:

A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications

Further Information

For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

Employer certification / accreditation badges

This post will require a submission for Disclosure to be made to check for any unspent criminal convictions.

Name Paul Glover Job title Deputy Support Services Manager Email address [e-mail] Telephone number 01903205111 Additional information

Any questions please contact Paul Glover via email, or on extension 84561