Medical Laboratory Assistant - Specimen Reception

Integrated Care System; Worthing; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

The Integrated Care System is seeking a focused and methodical Medical Laboratory Assistant to join the Specimen Reception team at Worthing Hospital. This role involves working flexibly to provide efficient support in the Blood Science laboratory, requiring attention to detail and experience in an NHS setting. Applicants should possess strong communication skills and a good understanding of data protection and patient confidentiality. This is a 12-month fixed term position with varied responsibilities within a caring and inclusive environment.

Benefits

Training and development opportunities

Supportive work environment

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Qualifications

• Previous experience in an NHS environment is preferred.
• Familiarity with laboratory systems (ICE, WinPath) is advantageous.
• Proficient computer skills inclusive of data entry and word processing.

Responsibilities

• Pre-analytical sample sorting and preparation.
• Data entry of patient and specimen information.
• Providing support in the Pathology Office, including patient interaction.

Skills

Attention to detail

Manual dexterity

Communication skills

Education

GCSE in English and Mathematics (Grade C/Level 5 or above)

Tools

ICE

WinPath

Job description

Go back University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Medical Laboratory Assistant - Specimen Reception

The closing date is 11 July 2025

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 12 month fixed term/secondment 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) inSpecimen Reception to provide an efficient and effective pre and postanalytical service to the Blood Science laboratory, in accordance withthe 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 ITsystem as well as processing stock and consumable requests fromservice users.

About us

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 Programmefor 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.

Job responsibilities

Working as part of a team of Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs) 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

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

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)