Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

Medical Laboratory Assistant

The closing date is 17 July 2025

Job summary

We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Medical Laboratory Assistant to support our UKAS accredited department by carrying out a range of routine pre- and post-analytical tasks across various areas including the urgent bench, referrals, miscellaneous, Histology, and routine blood sciences. Full training will be provided, so no degree is required. The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in a customer service environment, be computer literate with good keyboard skills, and have strong attention to detail. Flexibility to work shifts in a 24/7 service is essential. This is an excellent opportunity to join a quality-driven team and contribute to vital healthcare services.

This position will not be supported for visa sponsorship. All applicants are expected to have valid right to work document to work in the UK when applying for this position.

Please note, this post will close earlier than the given closing date once a sufficient number of applications are received.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work within a variety of different areas within the department including the urgent bench, referrals, miscellaneous, Histology and routine blood sciences.

The successful candidate should have demonstrable experience within a customer service environment and/or demonstrable and relevant laboratory experience. Computer literate, good keyboard skills and attention to detail are essential.

The candidate must be fully flexible and able to fulfil the 24-7 service and shift requirements.

The role will involve various tasks including checking patient demographics, inputting and retrieving patient data, sample handling, answering the telephone and dealing with members of the general public as well as other health care professionals.

As part of a busy team, you will carry out a range of routine pre and post-analytical tasks to support service delivery. You will also be expected to perform quality tasks to help maintain the status of our UKAS accredited department.

Sample Reception

Central Specimen Reception is the front line of Pathology; the successful applicant will be responsible for any sample that comes into Pathology, ensuring that the sample is handled effectively so that clinicians receive fast, accurate results for their patients.

Ensuring that samples that require referral are separated and stored appropriately, prior to referring the samples to various hospitals around the country.

About us

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities.

We are dedicated to using our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach as our shared organisation model of change to enhance our services and ensure excellence in patient care.

If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all of our staff are double vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and our patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.

Date posted

03 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£25,883 to £26,958 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

252-7175848

Job locations

Medway Maritime Hospital

Windmill road

Gillingham

ME7 5NY

Job description

Job responsibilities

General responsibilitiesClinical ResponsibilitiesManagerial responsibilitiesProfessional responsibilitiesEducation and development responsibilities

For a detailed description of the Job roles and responsibilities please see the attached job description.

Job description

Job responsibilities

General responsibilitiesClinical ResponsibilitiesManagerial responsibilitiesProfessional responsibilitiesEducation and development responsibilities

For a detailed description of the Job roles and responsibilities please see the attached job description.

Person Specification

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Essential

GCSE's including English Language, Mathematics and a science subject
Computer literate and good keyboard skills
NVQ Level 3 or equivalent level plus theoretical or applied training to diploma equivalent level of experience

Desirable

Willingness to undertake further training as required by the role

KNOWLEDGE

Essential

Basic knowledge of biomedical procedures
Ability to multitask
Knowledge and understanding of CSR functions

Desirable

Familiar with other IT Databases and laboratory IT systems

EXPERIENCE

Essential

Previous experience in healthcare provision or customer service
Achieving targets within a specified timeframe

Desirable

Knowledge of departmental equipment and methods within pathology services and CSR

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Essential

Good attention to detail
Well developed concentration skills
Ability to work accurately under pressure
Resilience and calm
Flexible and able to adapt and react positively to change

Person Specification

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Essential

GCSE's including English Language, Mathematics and a science subject
Computer literate and good keyboard skills
NVQ Level 3 or equivalent level plus theoretical or applied training to diploma equivalent level of experience

Desirable

Willingness to undertake further training as required by the role

KNOWLEDGE

Essential

Basic knowledge of biomedical procedures
Ability to multitask
Knowledge and understanding of CSR functions

Desirable

Familiar with other IT Databases and laboratory IT systems

EXPERIENCE

Essential

Previous experience in healthcare provision or customer service
Achieving targets within a specified timeframe

Desirable

Knowledge of departmental equipment and methods within pathology services and CSR

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Essential

Good attention to detail
Well developed concentration skills
Ability to work accurately under pressure
Resilience and calm
Flexible and able to adapt and react positively to change

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 details

Employer name

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

Address

Medway Maritime Hospital

Windmill road

Gillingham

ME7 5NY

Employer's website

https://www.dgt.nhs.uk/working-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

Address

Medway Maritime Hospital

Windmill road

Gillingham

ME7 5NY

Employer's website

https://www.dgt.nhs.uk/working-for-us (Opens in a new tab)