Pathology Support Worker - Symptomatic FIT

Gateshead Health; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in North East England seeks a Pathology Support Worker to support the symptomatic FIT service. The role involves processing faecal samples and managing inventory, contributing to early cancer detection efforts. Training will be provided, ensuring the post holder develops necessary practical skills.

Benefits

Staff wellbeing initiatives

Support networks for diverse workforce

Qualifications

• Achieved grade GCSE or equivalent in science subjects.
• Laboratory experience required.

Responsibilities

• Processing and logging faecal samples.
• Preparing FIT sample kits and managing inventory levels.
• Supporting GP practices with patient distribution.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Flexibility

Willingness to work with biological materials

Education

GCSE or equivalent in science subjects

GCSE Grades A-C including Mathematics and English

NVQ Level 2 in Clinical Laboratory Support or equivalent

Job description

Pathology Support Worker - Symptomatic FIT

The post holder will provide support to the symptomatic FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) service provided by South of Tyne & Wear Clinical Pathology Services, covering the North East region and Shropshire, Telford, and Wrekin region.

The symptomatic faecal immunochemical test (FIT) detects hidden blood in stool, an early sign of bowel cancer. As a Pathology Support Worker, the post holder will contribute to the clinical laboratory service as part of a team, performing activities in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.

The role involves processing returned faecal samples, logging receipt, preparing FIT sample kits, managing inventory levels, and supplying GP practices within Shropshire, Telford, and Wrekin. Additionally, support will be provided to the North East service by labelling kits for patient distribution based on GP requests.

Training will be provided through a competency program, and upon successful assessment, the post holder will perform the described tasks using practical skills.

Main duties of the job

Please refer to the attached Job overview and Job Description documents. Contact us for further details if needed.

About us

Based in North East England, we provide hospital and community health services from facilities including Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon Urgent Care Centre, and Bensham Hospital in Gateshead.

Established in 2005 as one of the first foundation trusts, we have consistently achieved high standards of care. We employ around 4,800 staff and provide 444 hospital beds across Gateshead.

Our values, ICORE (Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, Engagement), underpin our work. We support staff through networks like GEM, D-Ability, LGBTQ+, Women's, and the emerging Armed Forces network. We prioritize staff wellbeing, offering initiatives through our 'Balance' programme at balancegateshead.com to support a diverse workforce, ensuring a positive working environment.

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the attached Job overview and Job Description documents. Contact us for further details if needed.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Achieved grade GCSE or equivalent in science subjects

Experience

• Laboratory experience

Additional Requirements

• GCSE Grades A-C including Mathematics and English, or NVQ Level 2 or equivalent
• Flexibility in working patterns to meet service needs
• Willingness to work with biological materials
• NVQ Level 2 in Clinical Laboratory Support or equivalent

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This position requires a DBS check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Bowel Cancer Screening Programme Hub