Job summary An opportunity exists for a Specimen Receptionist (AfC Band 3) to join the team of dedicated enthusiastic staff in the Blood Sciences Department at Luton & Dunstable Hospital. The successful candidate will work as a member of a dedicated team in specimen reception. Every encouragement will be given with participation in Continual Personal Development through onsite training and attendance at suitable external events alongside gaining valuable experience working in a busy Blood Sciences Department. Applications are welcome from applicants with a disability. We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways through the application process. All applicants are welcome to apply regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. Equality of opportunity is our policy. Main duties of the job The successful candidate will be expected to: Receive and dispatch samples to appropriate laboratories Sort and label specimens for blood sciences Undertake accurate and precise data entry on laboratory computer system which requires frequent periods of concentration Maintain, process and distribute orders of consumables for GP surgeries File and distribute patient reports Organisation of personal workload Handle telephone enquiries from service users and where required, communicate test results which may be of a complex and/or sensitive nature Participate in mentoring guidance and training of inexperienced/new staff when required Effectively communicate with laboratory and medical staff to ensure that specimens are dealt with appropriately and in a timely fashion Liaise with GP surgeries, hospital clinics and other departments within Pathology 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. Date posted 14 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 3 Salary £24,071 to £25,674 a year Per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Part-time Reference number 418-DTO7043-KA Job locations Luton and Dunstable Hospital Site Lewsey Road Luton LU4 0DZ Job description Job responsibilities The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and responsibilities. To undertake the reception, identification and processing of pathological samples in Specimen Reception Sorting and labelling of specimens Undertake accurate and precise data entry on laboratory computer system which requires frequent periods of concentration Maintenance of stores To ensure that GP consumable orders are completed and distributed to GP surgeries Job description Job responsibilities The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and responsibilities. To undertake the reception, identification and processing of pathological samples in Specimen Reception Sorting and labelling of specimens Undertake accurate and precise data entry on laboratory computer system which requires frequent periods of concentration Maintenance of stores To ensure that GP consumable orders are completed and distributed to GP surgeries Person Specification Experience Essential Proven key board skills Experience of word processing packages, databases and spreadsheets. Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive patient information in a methodical and professional manner Ability to work as part of a team across a range of staff groups. Desirable Previous experience working within the laboratory setting Education Essential Educated to a good GCSE level in English & Mathematics Previous administrative and clerical experience in a healthcare or customer service environment Desirable Keyboard and IT skills preferably ECDL Skills & Knowledge Essential Excellent communication skills - written and verbal Good interpersonal and telephone skills Able to work to deadlines and prioritise workload Desirable Willingness to learn Person Specification Experience Essential Proven key board skills Experience of word processing packages, databases and spreadsheets. Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive patient information in a methodical and professional manner Ability to work as part of a team across a range of staff groups. Desirable Previous experience working within the laboratory setting Education Essential Educated to a good GCSE level in English & Mathematics Previous administrative and clerical experience in a healthcare or customer service environment Desirable Keyboard and IT skills preferably ECDL Skills & Knowledge Essential Excellent communication skills - written and verbal Good interpersonal and telephone skills Able to work to deadlines and prioritise workload Desirable Willingness to learn 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 Luton and Dunstable Hospital Site Lewsey Road Luton LU4 0DZ Employer's website https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)