Medical Laboratory Assistant - Cellular Pathology

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

This job is now closed

Job summary

The Cellular Pathology Laboratory (main base St Richards Hospital, Chichester) within the newly formed University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust currently deals with approximately 35,000 - 40,000 Histology specimens from across the West Sussex including St Richards Hospital, Chichester, Worthing Hospital and Southlands Hospital, Shoreham.

In addition to routine Histology samples the department undertakes work in Immunocytochemistry (ICC), Special Stains, Non-Gynae Diagnostic Cytology, OSNA (Intra-operative Breast Sentinel Node testing) and Digital Pathology. The main laboratory at St Richards Hospital is currently open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, whilst the Worthing Hospital laboratory is open from 8am to 5pm, also Monday to Friday. There is no direct laboratory cover at Southlands Hospital.

Main duties of the job

Key aspects of the role include Specimen Reception (logging of samples onto IT system - data entry) - so good literacy, numeracy and IT skills are required; assisting BMS & Consultant staff in the dissection area and subsequent disposal of sample remains - this will involve dealing with body tissues and fluids; general assisting throughout the department - working with some chemicals, including bringing fresh reagents from the external Flam Store to the Laboratory and taking waste chemicals to the store prior to removal, etc. (please see JD for more details). The MLAs also undertake block & slide filing and retrieval (see above) as well as other housekeeping tasks - such as collecting specimens from other departments and preparing containers to be sent out to Clinical areas.

This is very much a team of people working together to provide an excellent service to the Clinicians, Surgeons and all our Patients.

About us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programmefor staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Date posted

05 August 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£22,383 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

279-6503878-AUG24

Job locations

St Richards hospital

Spitalfield Lane

Chichester

PO19 6SE

Job description

Job responsibilities

1. Participate in routine work in Cellular Pathology including booking in and specimen reception, cut-up assistant to Biomedical Scientists and Histopathology Consultants, QC assisting and general house-keeping tasks.

2. Undertake block and slide filing

3. Undertake basic routine maintenance of instruments following training

4. Demonstrable ability to work to strict standards of quality and safety.

5. Demonstrable computer keyboard skills to a high standard.

See attached Job Description and person specification.

Job description

Job responsibilities

2. Undertake block and slide filing

3. Undertake basic routine maintenance of instruments following training

4. Demonstrable ability to work to strict standards of quality and safety.

5. Demonstrable computer keyboard skills to a high standard.

See attached Job Description and person specification.

Person Specification

Qualifications, Experience and Skills

Essential

NVQ2 or equivalent award
Good level of Numeracy and English, ideally GCSE Grade C or higher or equivalent.
Demonstrable computer keyboard skills to a high standard.
Ability to work in a manner that is both safe to themselves and others within the laboratory environment.
Proven ability to work as part of a team.
Demonstrable ability to communicate well - both written & oral.
Demonstrates behaviours and attitudes that supports the Trust's Vision of "We Care" by showing:
Demonstrable abilities to use IT, including Windows-based software - in particular Word and Excel.

Desirable

GCSE Maths minimum Grade C or equivalent
GCSE English minimum Grade C or equivalent

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Essential

Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

Person Specification

Qualifications, Experience and Skills

Essential

NVQ2 or equivalent award
Good level of Numeracy and English, ideally GCSE Grade C or higher or equivalent.
Demonstrable computer keyboard skills to a high standard.
Ability to work in a manner that is both safe to themselves and others within the laboratory environment.
Proven ability to work as part of a team.
Demonstrable ability to communicate well - both written & oral.
Demonstrates behaviours and attitudes that supports the Trust's Vision of "We Care" by showing:
Demonstrable abilities to use IT, including Windows-based software - in particular Word and Excel.

Desirable

GCSE Maths minimum Grade C or equivalent
GCSE English minimum Grade C or equivalent

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Essential

Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

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.