Job summary
Black Country Pathology Services seek to recruit an enthusiastic and suitably experienced individual to join our busy department as a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA).
Current vacancies are within Specialist Biochemistry at both City Hospital and Sandwell Hospital sites. The specialist laboratories receive a large workload of samples on a daily basis. These samples are referred to us for testing from users all over the country and abroad.
We are looking for a flexible, reliable person to work as part of the team in this busy department. Due to the workload and accuracy required the suitable candidate must be able to work under pressure, prioritising their work with excellent attention to detail. The ideal candidate would have both laboratory and IT skills.
The post is full time (37.5 hours per week) The current work pattern is Monday - Friday between the hours of 09:00-17:30 although there may be the requirement in the future to work an extended working day, or weekend/bank holiday working on a rota basis. As part of the Black Country Pathology Service (BCPS) network reconfiguration, candidates should be aware that this service will eventually relocate to the Sandwell Hospital site.
Candidates should carefully review the job description and person specification (PS). Applications must demonstrate how the criteria in the PS are met. Failure to do so may result in a suitable candidate not being shortlisted.
Main duties of the job
To support the Biomedical scientists and other support staff with the day to day duties required for the laboratory to operate efficiently. This may involve receipting of samples and entering details into the laboratory computer system, making reagents, restocking consumables as well as basic analytical techniques.
This role is primarily laboratory based, rather than specimen reception, although some sample reception tasks are required.
About us
The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust is one of the largest NHS trusts in the West Midlands providing primary, acute and community services and we are incredibly proud of the diversity of both our staff and the communities we serve. We are building a workforce that can help us to fulfil our values, improve quality of care for patients, and solve the health care problems of tomorrow. We're passionate about the value that diversity of thinking and lived experience brings in enabling us to become a learning organisation and leader in delivering compassionate care for our patients.We are delighted that we have been rated as "Good" by CQC. We have achieved numerous awards; The Nursing Times Best Diversity and Inclusion Practice and Best UK Employer of the Year for Nursing Staff in 2020.The Trust is a supportive working environment committed to creating flexible working arrangements that suit your needs and as such will consider all requests from applicants who wish to work flexibly.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To perform accurate preparation and pre-analytical procedures as defined by the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including centrifuging samples where necessary.
To undertake the reception of samples within the department and their collection from Pathology Reception, using own initiative and dealing with matters independently where possible, referring to senior members of staff for guidance when necessary.
To ensure correct documentation and labelling of samples.
To identify and expedite urgent and priority samples.
Responsible for specimen and patient data entry into the laboratory computer and the storage of paper records.
To provide information as required.
To assist with the processing of specimens using automated laboratory techniques.
To perform manual laboratory techniques.
Dealing with telephone enquiries from colleagues, patients, medical staff and others and giving out authorised results according to protocols that protect patient confidentiality.
To ensure the safe disposal of samples and materials according to departmental policies.
To prepare reagents and perform Quality Assurance procedures according to SOPs.
To document and package specimens and request for reference to other laboratories ensuring that the correct tests have been requested and that transport regulations are adhered to according to written protocols.
Responsible for monitoring and requisitioning of stationery, pharmacy supplies and consumable goods from stock.
To undertake general laboratory house keeping as specified in the SOPs.
To handle bio hazardous samples and hazardous substances.
May be required to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays in line with service needs.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To perform accurate preparation and pre-analytical procedures as defined by the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including centrifuging samples where necessary.
To undertake the reception of samples within the department and their collection from Pathology Reception, using own initiative and dealing with matters independently where possible, referring to senior members of staff for guidance when necessary.
To ensure correct documentation and labelling of samples.
To identify and expedite urgent and priority samples.
Responsible for specimen and patient data entry into the laboratory computer and the storage of paper records.
To provide information as required.
To assist with the processing of specimens using automated laboratory techniques.
To perform manual laboratory techniques.
Dealing with telephone enquiries from colleagues, patients, medical staff and others and giving out authorised results according to protocols that protect patient confidentiality.
To ensure the safe disposal of samples and materials according to departmental policies.
To prepare reagents and perform Quality Assurance procedures according to SOPs.
To document and package specimens and request for reference to other laboratories ensuring that the correct tests have been requested and that transport regulations are adhered to according to written protocols.
Responsible for monitoring and requisitioning of stationery, pharmacy supplies and consumable goods from stock.
To undertake general laboratory house keeping as specified in the SOPs.
To handle bio hazardous samples and hazardous substances.
May be required to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays in line with service needs.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE or equivalent grade C or above in English
- GCSE or equivalent grade C or above in Maths
Desirable
- 5 GCSE or equivalent grade C or above. Please ensure you detail, subject, award, grade and year obtained.
- Healthcare science award - please give specific details of subjects, award, grade and year obtained
- NVQ or A level in Science subject
Experience
Desirable
- Greater than 6 months but less than 12 months laboratory experience either in industry of the NHS
- Greater than 12 months but less than 24 months clinical laboratory experience either in industry of the NHS
- Greater than 24 months clinical laboratory experience either in industry of the NHS
Communication
Essential
- Good standard of written English as demonstrated in the application by; correct spelling, appropriate use of capitals, punctuation and paragraphs with few or no typographical errors
Desirable
- Experience of dealing with telephone queries
Flexibility
Desirable
- Ability to work flexibly; variable start and finish times, evening, weekend or bank holiday working if required.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE or equivalent grade C or above in English
- GCSE or equivalent grade C or above in Maths
Desirable
- 5 GCSE or equivalent grade C or above. Please ensure you detail, subject, award, grade and year obtained.
- Healthcare science award - please give specific details of subjects, award, grade and year obtained
- NVQ or A level in Science subject
Experience
Desirable
- Greater than 6 months but less than 12 months laboratory experience either in industry of the NHS
- Greater than 12 months but less than 24 months clinical laboratory experience either in industry of the NHS
- Greater than 24 months clinical laboratory experience either in industry of the NHS
Communication
Essential
- Good standard of written English as demonstrated in the application by; correct spelling, appropriate use of capitals, punctuation and paragraphs with few or no typographical errors
Desirable
- Experience of dealing with telephone queries
Flexibility
Desirable
- Ability to work flexibly; variable start and finish times, evening, weekend or bank holiday working if required.
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.
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.
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).
