Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Biomedical Science Assistant

The closing date is 13 May 2025

Job summary

There is an exciting opportunity to join our small team in Pathology at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust as a Pathology Specimen Support Worker. The post is for 30 hours per week, working 4 days over a 7 day rota (between the hours of 8am - 9pm).

We are a strong dedicated team that work closely together to provide the very best of services for our patients.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion, for both our patients and our workforce.

If you feel this is the challenge you are looking for, then please contact us.We are looking for someone who is a good communicator, a team player and dedicated to providing the best services for patient care.

To be involved in the use and administration of the pneumatic tube systems that connects the wards/department to Pathology and Pharmacy. This will include continuously monitoring of the system, basic troubleshooting and liaising with ward staff to ensure the smooth and safe running of the system. Work with Estates to acquire the knowledge of the main control area situation.

To exercise accuracy and initiative in entering all relevant details into the laboratory computer system, sometimes requiring concentration for prolonged periods e.g. Patient details, Consultant/GP, location and clinical details especially when matching a new entry to existing records.

To ensure samples are sorted, prioritised and registered appropriately.

Answer telephone enquiries and perform data retrieval from the laboratory computer giving results.

Main duties of the job

To work in specimen reception area of the laboratory undertaking sample reception for all Pathology disciplines, it is essential to maintain both speed and accuracy. Work on own initiative to ensure the timely flow of all samples to the laboratory areas, whilst recognising the urgency of samples to aid patient care and to maintain short turnaround times especially for areas such as A&E.

Remove samples from bags including Danger of infection samples, check samples and request form match, ensure both samples and forms are accurately barcoded. To exercise accuracy / initiative in entering all relevant details into the laboratory computer system, sometimes requiring concentration for prolonged periods e.g. Patient details, Consultant/GP, location and clinical details etc. especially when matching a new entry to existing records.

Undertake basic sample preparation of non-urgent samples. This will include the use of a centrifuge.

To undertake the transportation of samples to the appropriate laboratory.

To scan the request forms into the Datalog form scanning equipment for the Biochemistry, Haematology and Immunology departments. To gain knowledge to rectify problems with the scanning process.

Dealing sensitively and empathetically with patient enquiries/problems.

Ensure all tasks are performed in accordance with current Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and regulations to ensure a high quality service at all times.

About us

You will be working for an organisation which values and respects all of its staff and the community it serves. The Trust is a leader in the NHS and research sectors and provides excellent benefits for its staff. This includes commitments to professional development but also many policies to support employees in balancing their personal and professional lives.

The South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw (SYB) Pathology Partnership fully integrates the pathology services delivered on behalf of the Partner Trusts within the Integrated Care System (ICS) footprint; Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust.

The Pathology Partnership will provide the best possible service for patients and clinicians; improving health outcomes, delivering quality and efficiency benefits and ensuring a sustainable workforce for the longer term.

Details

Date posted

08 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£24,169 a year per annum pro rata for part time staff

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

190-0167-DIR

Job locations

Rotherham Hospital

Moorgate Road, Oakwood,

Rotherham

S60 2UD


Job description

Job responsibilities

Please view the attached Job Description and Person Specification documents for full details regarding this post.

When completing your application please ensure that you clearly demonstrate how you meet the role criteria.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please view the attached Job Description and Person Specification documents for full details regarding this post.

When completing your application please ensure that you clearly demonstrate how you meet the role criteria.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths and English at level C/4 or above or Level 2 qualification e.g. NVQ, Apprenticeship, or some laboratory experience

Experience

Essential

  • Ability to follow and work to Standard Operating Procedures and Policy

Desirable

  • Experience of some simple laboratory techniques
  • Ability to work with other colleagues to improve and develop working practices
  • Previous NHS laboratory experience

Skills and abilities

Essential

  • Keyboard and basic IT skills
  • Have an awareness of Health & Safety issues
  • Effective Communication skills, written and oral

Personal Qualities

Essential

  • Ability to plan and prioritise allocated work
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths and English at level C/4 or above or Level 2 qualification e.g. NVQ, Apprenticeship, or some laboratory experience

Experience

Essential

  • Ability to follow and work to Standard Operating Procedures and Policy

Desirable

  • Experience of some simple laboratory techniques
  • Ability to work with other colleagues to improve and develop working practices
  • Previous NHS laboratory experience

Skills and abilities

Essential

  • Keyboard and basic IT skills
  • Have an awareness of Health & Safety issues
  • Effective Communication skills, written and oral

Personal Qualities

Essential

  • Ability to plan and prioritise allocated work

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Rotherham Hospital

Moorgate Road, Oakwood,

Rotherham

S60 2UD


Employer's website

https://www.sth.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Rotherham Hospital

Moorgate Road, Oakwood,

Rotherham

S60 2UD


Employer's website

https://www.sth.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Specimen Reception Manager

Amanda whitehead

amanda.whitehead8@nhs.net

01709424750

Details

Date posted

08 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£24,169 a year per annum pro rata for part time staff

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

190-0167-DIR

Job locations

Rotherham Hospital

Moorgate Road, Oakwood,

Rotherham

S60 2UD


Supporting documents

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