Pathology Assistant - Blood Sciences

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff development

NHS pension scheme

Onsite parking

Staff restaurants

Accommodation

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust's Pathology department at Eastbourne DGH is recruiting Pathology Assistants to support Biomedical Scientists at weekends and evenings, with on‑site training across Blood Sciences.

The role involves data entry into the laboratory system, sample handling, preparing reagents and packaging specimens for referral labs, with a competency-based training programme and access to NHS staff benefits.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to perform data entry into laboratory systems.
• Attention to accuracy in handling patient information and samples.
• Willingness to complete a competency-based training programme.

Responsibilities

• Data entry into the laboratory computer system and correct patient identification.
• Unpack, sort and book in samples, and pack specimens for referral laboratories.
• Prepare reagents and perform simple analytical procedures under supervision.
• Carry out general duties to support Biomedical Scientists as part of the Blood Sciences team.
• Work on a rota including evenings and weekends with evolving shift patterns.

Skills

Data entry

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Tools

e-searcher

Job description

ESHT Pathology is looking to recruit Pathology Assistants to join our Blood Sciences department to join our existing team and provide more support for Biomedical Scientists at weekends. Applications are invited from enthusiastic individuals who have an interest in Healthcare Sciences and are keen and committed to learning new skills associated with this post. Relevant experience working in a clinical laboratory environment will be an advantage.

Successful candidates will be trained across Blood Sciences (Haematology, Blood Bank and Biochemistry). Pathology Assistants will work on a rota to include evenings and weekends. Shift patterns are variable and may change in the future to match service requirements.

Pathology is based over 2 sites. The majority of services are based at Eastbourne DGH, with some services running from Conquest Hospital in Hastings. Although based at Eastbourne District General Hospital, you may be required to travel cross site as part of this job.

Pathology Assistants in Blood Sciences carry out a wide range of duties supporting Biomedical Scientists in carrying out testing of patient samples.

The post holder will be responsible for data entry into the laboratory computer system, extensive use of e-searcher to correctly identify patient details and handling samples of a potentially hazardous nature. This will include unpacking, sorting and booking in samples, packing specimens to send away to referral laboratories, preparing reagents, performing simple analytical procedures and other general tasks of this nature.

Pathology Assistants will have completed a period of training to enable them to pass the laboratory competency based training programme. This programme will have assessed their abilities in areas such as data entry, dealing with unusual specimens falling outside normal laboratory criteria, ability to perform complex non-interpretative laboratory procedures etc.

A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation.

In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.

Statement on the Use of AI

We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective.

Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.

We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success.

For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Veronica Wellby Job title: Senior Biomedical Scientist Email address: [e-mail] Telephone number: 03001314500 ext 735866 Please contact via email for further information