Senior Pathology Support Worker, Non Gynae

Berkshireandsurreypathologyservices; Chertsey; Remote; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Ashford & St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Senior Pathology Support Worker in the Non Gynae Cytology area at St Peter's Hospital. You will perform Non Gynaecological preparation room duties and maintain equipment according to laboratory guidelines.

The role may involve working across Berkshire & Surrey Pathology Services sites as required. The post requires good educational background (NVQ level 3 or A levels with science) and knowledge of BSPS laboratory procedures.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 or A Level with science
• Knowledge of BSPS laboratory procedures
• Good team player with ability to train others
• Experience with routine non-gynae processing techniques
• Ability to maintain good working relationships

Responsibilities

• Participate in reception, checking and labelling of non gynae specimens
• Liaise on errors in patient/specimen identification and record issues
• Safely process samples using a microbiological safety cabinet with PPE
• Work with hazardous chemicals in line with COSHH and BSPS safety policies
• Perform manual laboratory procedures under supervision, including prep equipment operation
• Assist in preparation and staining of non-gynaecological specimens
• Follow SOPs and contribute to SOP improvements
• Ensure lab safety policies are followed and equipment is used/maintained
• Maintain cleanliness of specimen prep laboratories and correct use of disinfectants
• Support routine tasks like slide filing and archived material retrieval
• Answer telephone inquiries according to lab protocol

Skills

NVQ Level 3

Science A Level

Lab procedures

Team player

Train & supervise staff

COSHH & safety

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Science

A-levels including science

Tools

BSPS LIMS Winpath Enterprise

Job description

Senior Pathology Support Worker, Non Gynae

The closing date is 16 October 2026

• Perform Non Gynaecological preparation room duties at St Peter's Hospital.
• Maintain equipment and keep records in accordance with laboratory guidelines.
• Work at any other Berkshire & Surrey Pathology Services site as required.

Main duties of the job

• To safely process samples with a potential risk of infection using a microbiological safety cabinet whilst wearing personal protective equipment
• To work with potentially hazardous laboratory chemicals appropriately and safely in accordance with laboratory procedures, COSHH and the BSPS Health & Safety Policy
• Performs a variety of manual laboratory procedures, under indirect supervision from Registered Biomedical Scientist staff. Procedures include the operation of pre-analytical sample preparation equipment.
• To participate in the preparation and staining of non-gynaecological specimens for microscopic examination, and maintain their competencies for all aspects of this area of practice
• To comply with the BSPS health and safety procedures and laboratory codes of practise at all times and adhere to Trust and departmental policies
• To use and maintain Cytology laboratory equipment within the department according to BSPS, Trust and departmental policies
• To ensure the maintenance and cleanliness of the specimen preparation laboratories including the correct use of disinfectants and detergents according to COSHH regulations and laboratory protocol.

About us

Ashford and St. Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the largest provider of acute hospital services to Surrey residents, serving a population of 410,00 people and employing approximately 4,800 staff.

Our vision is to provide an outstanding experience and best outcomes for patients and the team. We are committed to providing continuous professional development and flexibility to deliver our workforce plan.

We are part of a collaborative Group with the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust. As part of this partnership, colleagues may occasionally work across both organisations to support shared services, development opportunities and patient care.

St Peter's Hospital delivers complex medical and surgical care, maternity and emergency services. Day and orthopaedic surgery, ophthalmology and outpatient services are delivered at Ashford Hospital. Additional services are delivered at Woking Community Hospital.

Our Values provide us with the behaviours we respect and can commit to. By living our values through our everyday interactions, we can build a stronger, more resilient, and forward- thinking organisation, guiding us to achieve success and make a positive impact on how we deliver our services.

We can offer you the full range of NHS benefits and discounts.

Job responsibilities

• To participate in the reception, checking and labelling of all types of Non Gynae specimens processed by the Cytology department
• To liaise with users regarding errors in patient and specimen identification, returning of samples to the sender when appropriate, and recording errors
• To safely process samples with a potential risk of infection using a microbiological safety cabinet whilst wearing personal protective equipment
• To work with potentially hazardous laboratory chemicals appropriately and safely in accordance with laboratory procedures, COSHH and the BSPS Health & Safety Policy
• Performs a variety of manual laboratory procedures, under indirect supervision from Registered Biomedical Scientist staff. Procedures include the operation of pre-analytical sample preparation equipment.
• To participate in the preparation and staining of non-gynaecological specimens for microscopic examination, and maintain their competencies for all aspects of this area of practice
• To follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and to be proactive in the development of these by suggesting improvements, and piloting revision
• To comply with the BSPS health and safety procedures and laboratory codes of practise at all times and adhere to Trust and departmental policies
• To use and maintain Cytology laboratory equipment within the department according to BSPS, Trust and departmental policies
• To ensure the maintenance and cleanliness of the specimen preparation laboratories including the correct use of disinfectants and detergents according to COSHH regulations and laboratory protocols
• To ensure that other routine laboratory tasks, such as slide filing are kept up to date and to assist in archived material retrieval
• To answer telephone enquiries in accordance with laboratory protocol in order to provide an effective and user friendly service

Person Specification

• Good education to NVQ level 3, alternatively education to A level standard preferably including a science subject.
• Knowledge and experience of relevant specialist laboratory procedures
• Good team worker
• Equivalent level of knowledge and skill by training and experience in a laboratory
• Experience and knowledge of routine non gynae processing techniques
• Use of BSPS LIMS e.g. Winpath Enterprise to include accessing patient results.
• Experience of working in A BSPS pathology laboratory or equivalent
• Experience & knowledge required to train and supervise less experienced staff.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with all members of staff

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

Ashford & St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

St. Peters hospital - Cytology department - Non gynae cytology

£27,106 to £28,850 a yearper annum inc. HCAS

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

323-ACS7472-ED

Job locations

St. Peters hospital - Cytology department - Non gynae cytology