Medical Laboratory Assistant - Band 2/3

This post is a full-time appointment and will commence at Band 2, progressing to Band 3 after a minimum period of 6 months and on successful completion of further training. The postholder will be required to participate in a 24/7 rota, working a range of shifts between 08:00 - 08:00 including days, evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays. 

The successful candidates will be working as part of a team providing support to the Pathology Blood Sciences Laboratory which is based in our purpose built building at Southmead Hospital.

Postholders must be able to work as an effective team member, have good data input skills, remain calm under pressure, have a good telephone manner, be able to deal with healthcare professionals, patients and members of the public in a discreet and professional manner and be able to work unsupervised and manage own workload where required.

Please note this is primarily a data input role with some handling of pathology specimens required. This is not a training post and does not support completion of the HCPC Portfolio.

Main duties of the job

Main duties at Band 2 will include:

• Data input of patient details and test request information
• Sorting, preparation and processing of clinical samples for biological testing
• Assisting with Telephone Helpdesk enquiries
• Communicating test results to appropriate healthcare professionals.

Following progression to Band 3, duties include the following:

• Participating in Sample Referral workflow
• Assisting with Blood & Blood Product Traceability including transportation of blood products across the Trust.
• Assisting with training new member of staff
• Deputising for Team Leaders as required

The postholder will be required to work a range of shifts between 08:00-08:00 including days, evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis. 

Initial training will take place during dayshift hours.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The postholder will work under the direction of senior staff to work as part of a team to provide 24/7 support to the Blood Sciences laboratory. The post will primarily operate in Sample Reception, providing data input and pre-analytical support.

The postholder must be able to deal with confidential information appropriately, be able to work accurately and to deadlines and be able to work with minimum supervision.

Person specification

Essential/Desirable

Essential criteria

• Education to GCSE standard or equivalent in English, Maths and Sciences
• Experience of working as part of a team
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working as a support grade worker in a Pathology Laboratory