Pathology Assistant - EDGH

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in Eastbourne is seeking Pathology Assistants to support Biomedical Scientists in Blood Sciences. Candidates will work varied shift patterns, including evenings and weekends, across two sites. Essential qualifications include good GCSEs and NVQ 3 level in a relevant subject. Experience in clinical laboratories is advantageous. The role offers comprehensive training and various staff benefits, making it an excellent opportunity for those interested in healthcare.

Benefits

NHS pension scheme

Access to onsite nurseries

Free psychological support

Onsite parking for £50 a year

Qualifications

• Completion of NVQ level 2 in Clinical Laboratory Support is desirable.
• Experience in pathology laboratory techniques is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Carry out testing of patient samples to support Biomedical Scientists.
• Responsible for data entry and handling of samples, including potentially hazardous materials.

Skills

Good communication and interpersonal skills

Knowledge of relevant laboratory techniques

Good knowledge of health & safety issues

Education

Good general education to GCSE level including English and Maths

NVQ 3 level qualification in relevant subject

Job description

We are proud to provide 'Outstanding' care and be a great place to work.

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust provides safe, compassionate and high quality hospital and community care to the half a million people living in East Sussex and those who visit our local area.

We are one of the largest organisations in East Sussex with an annual income of £568 million and we are the only integrated provider of acute and community care in Sussex.

Our extensive health services are provided by over 8,000+ dedicated members of staff working from two acute hospitals in Hastings and Eastbourne, three community hospitals in Bexhill, Rye and Uckfield, over 100 community sites across East Sussex, and in people's own homes.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated us as 'Good' overall, and 'Outstanding' for being Caring and Effective. The Conquest Hospital in Hastings and our Community Services were rated 'Outstanding' and Eastbourne DGH was rated 'Good' Our two acute hospitals have Emergency Departments and provide 24 hour a day care, offering a comprehensive range of surgical, medical, outpatient and maternity services, supported by a full range of diagnostic and therapy services.

Job overview

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.

Main duties of the 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.

Working for our organisation

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.

There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.

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.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please refer to the job description attached.

If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Good general education to GCSE level including English and Maths
• NVQ 3 level qualification in relevant subject or equivalent level of experience and knowledge

Desirable criteria

• Completion of NVQ level 2 in Clinical Laboratory Support
• Completion of formal one year Laboratory Training and Assessment Programme

Experience

Essential criteria

• Knowledge of and commitment to healthcare
• Accepts responsibility whilst recognising limits

Desirable criteria

• Experience in pathology laboratory techniques

Skills

Essential criteria

• Good communication and interpersonal skills

Desirable criteria

• Good knowledge of relevant laboratory techniques as required for staff in this post
• Good knowledge of relevant health & safety issues
• Ability to train inexperienced staff

Patients come first at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.

Our vision is to be:

• The healthcare provider of first choice for the people of East Sussex.

Our mission is to:

• Deliver better health outcomes and an excellent experience for everyone we provide with healthcare services.

Our strategic objectives are to:

• Improve quality and clinical outcomes by ensuring that safe patient care is our highest priority.
• Play a leading role in local partnerships to meet the needs of our local population and improve and enhance patients' experiences.
• Use our resources efficiently and effectively for the benefit of our patients and their care to ensure our services are clinically, operationally and financially sustainable.

Our aims are that all services delivered by the Trust are:

• Safe
• Effective
• Caring
• Responsive and
• Well led

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Application numbers

This vacancy may close early if it receives a high number of applications. Please complete and submit your application in good time to avoid disappointment.
Documents to download

• Pathology Assistant - Blood Sciences (PDF, 224.6KB)
• Job Hazard Form (PDF, 880.3KB)
• Guidance for Applicants - AFC (PDF, 152.4KB)