Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Biomedical Support Worker Haematology

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

Note: This job is not eligible for sponsorship.

Applications are invited from enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join our team and work in our Haematology and Blood Transfusion laboratory where you will receive thorough training and gain experience in a range of techniques.

The post holder will work under indirect supervision, receiving and preparing blood samples for analysis , entering relevant data on the laboratory computer system and perform routine tests using established protocols and procedures.

Whilst the department provides a 24/7 service, BSW shifts are 9-17.00 Monday to Sunday and 11.30-19.30 Monday to Friday. Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays are worked on a rota basis.

Please note: this post does not allow for registration portfolio completion.

Main duties of the job

You will contribute to the day to day operations and limited technical aspects of the service.You will assist Biomedical Scientists (BMS) and senior laboratory BMS in the delivery of a high quality, efficient and effective service, through the Quality Management System [QMS]. You will be expected to follow policies and procedures ensuring that the service complies with current UKAS standards, and national and European legislation.

About us

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.

Details

Date posted

29 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year Per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

418-AHP1136-MR

Job locations

Bedford Hospital South Wing

Kempston Road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ


Job description

Job responsibilities

The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and responsibilities

  • To assist Higher Biomedical Support Workers, BMS and laboratory senior BMS in the implementation and delivery of a cohesive service.
  • To follow the quality policy for the department including the agreed quality objectives.
  • To follow the UKAS standards for the department using the Pathology Quality Management System as established, to fulfil the quality circles and audit inherent to the ISO 15189 standards of compliance.
  • To assist in actions required as determined, to resolve nonconformities that are recorded by internal and/or external audits and/or complaints.
  • To follow the Standard Operating Procedures [SOP] for the department utilising the Document Management Module of the Q-Pulse system.
  • To comply with Policies and Procedures commensurate to role.
  • Where requested, to contribute to departmental audits whether vertical, horizontal or examination audits relevant to the service.
  • To follow the Risk Management Policy for the department such as the reporting of incidents, accidents and adverse events ensuring that Risk Assessments are followed commensurate with the role.
  • To contribute to the department communication in disseminating and receiving information, arising from the management, operational and Health & Safety meetings, to colleagues where necessary.
  • Where required to perform a limited range of tests and assays methodically, within the limits of their training.
  • To bring to the attention of the department laboratory seniors/manager any problems or difficulties encountered in the performance of their duties.
  • To participate in evidence based training and maintain a level of knowledge to fulfil this role.
  • To attend an annual appraisal from your line manager.
  • Undertake other duties commensurate with the post as directed

Job description

Job responsibilities

The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and responsibilities

  • To assist Higher Biomedical Support Workers, BMS and laboratory senior BMS in the implementation and delivery of a cohesive service.
  • To follow the quality policy for the department including the agreed quality objectives.
  • To follow the UKAS standards for the department using the Pathology Quality Management System as established, to fulfil the quality circles and audit inherent to the ISO 15189 standards of compliance.
  • To assist in actions required as determined, to resolve nonconformities that are recorded by internal and/or external audits and/or complaints.
  • To follow the Standard Operating Procedures [SOP] for the department utilising the Document Management Module of the Q-Pulse system.
  • To comply with Policies and Procedures commensurate to role.
  • Where requested, to contribute to departmental audits whether vertical, horizontal or examination audits relevant to the service.
  • To follow the Risk Management Policy for the department such as the reporting of incidents, accidents and adverse events ensuring that Risk Assessments are followed commensurate with the role.
  • To contribute to the department communication in disseminating and receiving information, arising from the management, operational and Health & Safety meetings, to colleagues where necessary.
  • Where required to perform a limited range of tests and assays methodically, within the limits of their training.
  • To bring to the attention of the department laboratory seniors/manager any problems or difficulties encountered in the performance of their duties.
  • To participate in evidence based training and maintain a level of knowledge to fulfil this role.
  • To attend an annual appraisal from your line manager.
  • Undertake other duties commensurate with the post as directed

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • O Level/GCSEs in Science or equivalent, or knowledge of hospital laboratory procedures gained through a combination of formal instruction, practical experience, or training sessions

Desirable

  • A Level or equivalent

Experience

Essential

  • Some experience of a Hospital Laboratory environment
  • Ability to organise own work

Desirable

  • Haematology or Blood Transfusion laboratory experience

Personal Skills

Essential

  • Standard keyboard skills
  • Data entry

Knowledge

Essential

  • Fundamental H& S
  • Specimen preparation

Communication Skills

Essential

  • Ability to relay test results to clinicians and other staff, answers queries

Other

Essential

  • Personal integrity
  • Drive and determination
  • Flexibility
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • O Level/GCSEs in Science or equivalent, or knowledge of hospital laboratory procedures gained through a combination of formal instruction, practical experience, or training sessions

Desirable

  • A Level or equivalent

Experience

Essential

  • Some experience of a Hospital Laboratory environment
  • Ability to organise own work

Desirable

  • Haematology or Blood Transfusion laboratory experience

Personal Skills

Essential

  • Standard keyboard skills
  • Data entry

Knowledge

Essential

  • Fundamental H& S
  • Specimen preparation

Communication Skills

Essential

  • Ability to relay test results to clinicians and other staff, answers queries

Other

Essential

  • Personal integrity
  • Drive and determination
  • Flexibility

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

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Bedford Hospital South Wing

Kempston Road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ


Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Bedford Hospital South Wing

Kempston Road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ


Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Senior Biomedical Scientist

Terry Haynes-Smith

terrence.lodge@bedfordhospital.nhs.uk

Details

Date posted

29 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year Per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

418-AHP1136-MR

Job locations

Bedford Hospital South Wing

Kempston Road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ


Supporting documents

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