Job summary We are inviting applications from motivated and passionate candidates to join our friendly and hardworking team in Specimen Reception department at West Suffolk Hospital Pathology department. Candidates should have a minimum of GCSE Mathematics and English or equivalent. This is an opportunity to join a friendly, well-motivated team and we would encourage you to contact us to discuss the post further. This role involves the handling, receipt and distribution of pathology samples, as well as general laboratory and clerical duties. The work is interesting and varied and there is an emphasis on accuracy and attention to detail. Experience of computer systems and telephone enquires is desirable. Previous laboratory experience or data entry would also be an advantage but is not necessary as full training will be given. Training and competency assessment will be undertaken with an expectation for the candidate to participate in the shift rota including evening, weekend, nights and bank holiday working. Main duties of the job The successful candidate will be part of the team receiving samples and preparing them for analysis. Preparation involves labelling and entering on to the computer system. A small amount of maintenance on the analysers will be expected - full training will be given. You will be performing these tasks, with associate practitioners and biomedical scientists performing more complex tasks. Attention to detail and manual dexterity are necessary skills. The role involves a work pattern covering 24hrs a day including weekends, late shifts, day shifts and night work. About us BeKnown at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. By us. By our patients. By our community We are a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high-quality care and compassion to more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for, treat and support people in hospital, at home and in various community settings. The West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care services (emergency department, maternity and neonatal services, day surgery unit, eye treatment centre, Macmillan unit and children's ward). It has 500 beds and is a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge. Adult and paediatric community services, provided in collaboration with West Suffolk Alliance partners, include a range of nursing, therapy, specialist, and ongoing temporary care and rehabilitation, some at our Newmarket Community Hospital. We do our utmost to achieve outstanding clinical outcomes for patients and our values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety and team work guide how we work and behave as a team. With nearly 5,000 staff, from all over the world, we strive to make our organisation a great place to work. Whatever your role or ambition, we want to help you be the best you can be. We promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyones voice counts and you can BeKnown for whoever you are. Join us. What will you BeKnown for? Date posted 05 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 3 Salary £22,816 to £24,336 a year per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 179-6557352-C Job locations West Suffolk Hospital Hardwick Lane Bury St Edmunds IP33 2QZ Job description Job responsibilities Please see job description for full details. Technical and scientific: Under supervision, perform a range of manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations accurately and efficiently. Responsible for sample receipt, numbering and data entry on to the computer system. Use own judgement to identify, action and report mislabelled or mislaid specimens, unsuitable sample or process failure. Supports quality control processes. Participate in the day to day management of stock control and usage. Assist in the introduction of new techniques. Clean and maintain equipment to achieve the optimum instrument performance and maintain a clean and safe working environment. Report any equipment faults to a biomedical scientist. Participate in processing samples for Research and Development, clinical trials and equipment testing. Communication: Communicates with colleagues and clinicians, e.g. provides test results by telephone as appropriate. Undertake reception duties, including communication with patients. Information resources: Records test results/maintains integrity, accuracy of laboratory data, including data entered by self. Be able to record test results on the computer and manual systems in accordance with agreed standard operating procedures. To ensure patient confidentiality and conformance to Data Protection Act and Caldicott Guidelines. Be able to use Laboratory Information system, email, internet and automated operating systems, and other software packages as required. Job description Job responsibilities Please see job description for full details. Technical and scientific: Under supervision, perform a range of manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations accurately and efficiently. Responsible for sample receipt, numbering and data entry on to the computer system. Use own judgement to identify, action and report mislabelled or mislaid specimens, unsuitable sample or process failure. Supports quality control processes. Participate in the day to day management of stock control and usage. Assist in the introduction of new techniques. Clean and maintain equipment to achieve the optimum instrument performance and maintain a clean and safe working environment. Report any equipment faults to a biomedical scientist. Participate in processing samples for Research and Development, clinical trials and equipment testing. Communication: Communicates with colleagues and clinicians, e.g. provides test results by telephone as appropriate. Undertake reception duties, including communication with patients. Information resources: Records test results/maintains integrity, accuracy of laboratory data, including data entered by self. Be able to record test results on the computer and manual systems in accordance with agreed standard operating procedures. To ensure patient confidentiality and conformance to Data Protection Act and Caldicott Guidelines. Be able to use Laboratory Information system, email, internet and automated operating systems, and other software packages as required. Person Specification Education & Qualification Essential GCSE Maths and English (A-C) or equivalent Desirable Appropriate NVQ level 3/diploma Experience & Knowledge Essential Awareness of the work performed in a hospital laboratory. Desirable Practical experience of working in a Biomedical Science laboratory Knowledge of Pathology IT systems Previous relevant experience of working in the NHS Skills & Abilities Essential Good verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrable interpersonal skills - can work as part of a team. Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods of time. Manual dexterity appropriate to activities associated with post. Personal Qualities Essential High level of accuracy and attention to detail. Strives for excellence. Self-motivated. Flexible approach to working hours and duties Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Puts the patient first in everything that is undertaken. Awareness of self and impact on others. Able to work with body fluids and hazardous materials. Person Specification Education & Qualification Essential GCSE Maths and English (A-C) or equivalent Desirable Appropriate NVQ level 3/diploma Experience & Knowledge Essential Awareness of the work performed in a hospital laboratory. Desirable Practical experience of working in a Biomedical Science laboratory Knowledge of Pathology IT systems Previous relevant experience of working in the NHS Skills & Abilities Essential Good verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrable interpersonal skills - can work as part of a team. Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods of time. Manual dexterity appropriate to activities associated with post. Personal Qualities Essential High level of accuracy and attention to detail. Strives for excellence. Self-motivated. Flexible approach to working hours and duties Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Puts the patient first in everything that is undertaken. Awareness of self and impact on others. Able to work with body fluids and hazardous materials. 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 West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust Address West Suffolk Hospital Hardwick Lane Bury St Edmunds IP33 2QZ Employer's website https://www.wsh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)