Job summary Job summary The Pre-Analytics team are looking for an enthusiastic person for the post of Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant in the Blood Sciences Department. Duties include the pre-analytical processing of specimens for analysis, entry of request details into the laboratory computer system, dealing with telephone queries, involvement in the Pathology Reception area, handling of referral work to other laboratories, as well as additional clerical and administrative duties. The department has sites at both the Worcester Royal Hospital and the Alexandra Hospital at Redditch. The laboratory provides 24-hour service 7 days a week. The successful candidate will be expected to work a variety of shifts covering early, late and night shifts. The working pattern also involves weekends and bank holidays with all shifts allocated on a rotational basis. Weekends, Bank holidays and night shifts are paid at an enhanced rate. Previous laboratory experience is essential. The candidate will have previous UK NHS experience and have good communication skills and IT skills. They must be flexible and available to work all of the available shifts. For further enquires please contact Sarah Price, email sarah.price23nhs.net, telephone 01905760152 Main duties of the job Main duties of the job To provide support services to BMS staff with preparation and processing of Pathology samples involving pre-analytical procedures. To be proficient in the routine use of the Laboratory Information Management System. Supervisory management and training responsibilities for MLA staff. To ensure accurate data is communicated to medical staff. To co-ordinate the receipt and handling of samples and reports from other laboratories To work in accordance with the departmental Quality Management System. About us Our purpose is simple - Putting Patients First. We are looking for exceptional colleagues who can help us achieve this. Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is a large acute and specialised hospital trust that provides a range of local acute services to the residents of Worcestershire and more specialised services to a larger population in Herefordshire and beyond. The Trust operates hospital-based services from three sites in Kidderminster, Redditch and Worcester Our workforce is nearly 6,800 strong, and our caring staff are recognised as providing good and outstanding patient-centred care. You could be one of them. We are committed to recruiting the best people to work with us to achieve our Vision - working in partnership to provide the best healthcare for our communities, leading and supporting our teams to move 4ward. Our 4ward behaviours, which we ask all staff to demonstrate, underpin our everyday work and remain firmly at the heart of all we do. Our objectives are simple: Best services for local people Best experience of care and best outcomes for our patients Best use of resources Best people Better never stops, and our Clinical Services Strategy provides a clear future vision for our Trust, our hospitals, our services and our role in the wider health and care system. We are proud to have achieved Timewise accreditation - this means we are committed to embedding flexible working within our organisation as a flex positive employer. Date posted 07 November 2024 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 3 Salary £24,071 to £25,674 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working Reference number C9365-24-1111 Job locations Charles Hastings Way Worcester Worcestershire WR5 1DD The Alexandra Hospital Woodrow Drive Redditch Worcestershire B98 7UB Job description Job responsibilities Post Title: Medical Laboratory Assistant Pay Band: 3 Hours: Full-time 37.5hrs worked Monday to Sunday. This will include 24/7 working as part of a shift pattern Part-time pro rata according to contract of employment. This will include 24/7 working as part of a shift pattern Location/ Department: Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust, Reports to: Pre Analytics Manager Blood Sciences and above through the laboratory structure Key Duties: To accurately enter patient and request data onto the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), making appropriate amendments as required, so as to enable the performance of appropriate or indicated investigation(s) of biological specimens, and the issue of reports to the source of the request, within identified timescales. A high degree of accuracy is required to ensure correct and complete clinical information is recorded so a correct interpretation of results can be made. To be proficient in all aspects of the routine use of the LIMS, in accordance with departmental procedures. To train, instruct and assess the competence of other members of staff, of whatever grade, in the correct use of the LIMS, as directed. Assessment of competence will be achieved through the use of exercises developed by the post holder and approved by the Pre-Analytical Manager. To undertake annual Personal Development Reviews of Band 2 staff in accordance with trust policy. Daily supervise and deploy MLA staff as is required, including staff rotas. Ensures that all MLA duties are performed in a timely manner in accordance with departmental quality standards including SOPs Supervises and receives stock delivered to the department ensuring storage is in accordance with departmental procedures Ensures regular stock inventories are carried out by MLA staff and a senior BMS is informed of supply deficiency Responsible of upkeep of stock in specimen reception area and perform general housekeeping duties. Carries out audits as required through quality management system and completes non-conformance records and submits to the senior BMS/Quality Lead. To store and archive reports of investigations in accordance with departmental procedures. To regularly review lists of Incomplete requests for investigations sent to other laboratories, and to take appropriate action to ensure the receipt of results within identified timescales so that patient treatment is not adversely affected. To bring to the attention of senior Biomedical Scientists any difficulties experienced in obtaining an appropriate response from the referral laboratory. To respond to telephone calls from medical and nursing staff within the hospital, or staff from surgeries and clinics, so that requests for results, additional/urgent investigations and technical advice are dealt with to the satisfaction of the caller, in accordance with departmental procedures and within limits of knowledge and capability, referring calls to qualified / senior staff as appropriate. To give out authorised results only, but only to appropriate staff as identified in the departmental Telephoning of Results procedure. To refer requests for technical advice to qualified Biomedical Scientists, as appropriate; to refer requests for clinical advice to Clinical Scientists / Consultants, as appropriate this is to ensure correct information is relayed to service users. To respond to any complaints that arise courteously, referring complainants to appropriate senior staff in all instances. To assist in the resolution of any discrepancies relating to reports issued by the department, addressing issues such as the sending of reports to incorrect locations, patients being unknown to staff at a given location or the inclusion of inaccurate / incomplete clinical details. In addition, to maintain appropriate and auditable records of all such occurences. To co-ordinate and participate in the scanning of request forms so that electronic images are readily available for the technical validation / clinical interpretation of results. To ensure the document scanner is maintained fit for use at all times and to work in conjunction with senior BMS staff to ensure that any malfunctions are addressed and rectified promptly. To ensure request forms, and any other documents containing confidential information, are retained and discarded in accordance with Trust and departmental procedures. To be familiar and practise in accordance with Data Protection regulations. To assist senior staff within the department with general office and laboratory duties. To take receipt of incoming mail and distribute throughout the department. To work in accordance with and maintain adherence to the safety standards outlined in the departmental Health and Safety Policy, thereby ensuring that the laboratory complies with regulatory requirements and is a safe, secure, clean and tidy working environment. To read, understand and practise in accordance with departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all relevant tasks performed within the laboratory so as to ensure that such tasks are performed in a manner consistent with departmental policies. To respond appropriately to requests for laboratory consumables from wards, clinics and GP surgeries. To develop an understanding of the function and use of Information Technology and electronic communications. This includes the use of word processing packages, spreadsheets, databases and electronic communications. To work under the direct and indirect supervision of qualified staff within the department. To participate in mandatory training thus enabling the Trust to satisfy its regulatory requirements as an employer. To participate in and contribute to regular general departmental meetings that involve all staff to ensure that clear lines of communication are established and maintained To produce notes of the general departmental staff meetings, for authorisation by the Pre-Analytical Manager, within identified timescales. To participate in and contribute to regular Senior MLA meetings to help with departmental training, forward planning to ensure quality service provision, adequate staffing levels and to deal with any staffing issues. To assist the Pre-Analytics Manager in maintaining ESR records To assist the Pre-Analytical Manager with weekly rotas. To work in conjunction with all other staff, as directed, to achieve and maintain UKAS accreditation status. To participate in departmental Quality Management activities in a manner commensurate with the post. To be familiar with the Pathology Directorate Quality Policy and to ensure its consistent application to all departmental activities. To work under the direction of the departmental Quality Manager and/or Quality Leads in ensuring the effective implementation of the departmental Quality Management System (QMS). To maintain familiarity and practise in accordance with the SOPs for all relevant laboratory procedures. To participate in departmental quality improvement initiatives. To participate in scheduled audit activities. The programme of activities shall include horizontal, vertical and examination audits, in addition to internal audit of the QMS. To identify and alert senior staff to any non-conformances to optimal / required practice To participate in the implementation and review of appropriate remedial, corrective and/or preventative measures in response to reported non-conformances. To participate in training activities so that own competence to practise in the laboratory is demonstrably maintained through on-going assessment, as appropriate. To participate in the maintaining of records, for all staff of whatever grade, which indicate both training received and the outcome of any assessment(s) of competence, for all relevant laboratory procedures. To participate in training activities so that own competence to practice in the laboratory is demonstrably maintained through ongoing assessment, as appropriate. Duties associated within front Pathology Specimen Reception. To receive all patients and visitors to Pathology, promptly and with sympathy, politeness and courtesy. To assist with general clerical work as directed in the Pathology office or Specimen reception. To deal with telephone enquiries from doctors, nurses and other ward staff and for arrangement of tests with patients. The transfer of more involved queries to more senior laboratory staff. Issue various specimen containers to porters, ward staff and patients when requested. Package samples and arrange for them to be sent by taxi, courier or post as instructed. Put out items to be picked up by the courier for delivery to other hospitals or GP surgeries as required. To ensure that levels of stocks kept in specimen reception are adequate. Duties associated within the blood sciences department The reception of all patient samples into the laboratory checking, barcoding and use of Beckman DXA pre analytical automation for processing samples for analysis The fast tracking of all urgent sample through the pre-analytical section to enable fast turnaround times to be maintained. Patient and sample data entry into the laboratory computer system to the required set standard Use of Beckman DXA Perform daily/weekly maintenance Prepare all racks at the start of the day Check and load all consumables during the day Load patient samples Check all alarms / errors and correct as necessary Process any short samples and aliquots as necessary Stocktake all consumables and inform pre-analytics manager of any shortages Clean and disinfect pre-analytics work area, laboratory equipment including centrifuges and fume cupboards, on a regular basis according to maintenance logs. Support links Privacy policy Terms and conditions Accessibility Statement Cookies Help and guidance Crown copyright Job description Job responsibilities Post Title: Medical Laboratory Assistant Pay Band: 3 Hours: Full-time 37.5hrs worked Monday to Sunday. This will include 24/7 working as part of a shift pattern Part-time pro rata according to contract of employment. This will include 24/7 working as part of a shift pattern Location/ Department: Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust, Reports to: Pre Analytics Manager Blood Sciences and above through the laboratory structure Key Duties: To accurately enter patient and request data onto the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), making appropriate amendments as required, so as to enable the performance of appropriate or indicated investigation(s) of biological specimens, and the issue of reports to the source of the request, within identified timescales. A high degree of accuracy is required to ensure correct and complete clinical information is recorded so a correct interpretation of results can be made. To be proficient in all aspects of the routine use of the LIMS, in accordance with departmental procedures. To train, instruct and assess the competence of other members of staff, of whatever grade, in the correct use of the LIMS, as directed. Assessment of competence will be achieved through the use of exercises developed by the post holder and approved by the Pre-Analytical Manager. To undertake annual Personal Development Reviews of Band 2 staff in accordance with trust policy. Daily supervise and deploy MLA staff as is required, including staff rotas. Ensures that all MLA duties are performed in a timely manner in accordance with departmental quality standards including SOPs Supervises and receives stock delivered to the department ensuring storage is in accordance with departmental procedures Ensures regular stock inventories are carried out by MLA staff and a senior BMS is informed of supply deficiency Responsible of upkeep of stock in specimen reception area and perform general housekeeping duties. Carries out audits as required through quality management system and completes non-conformance records and submits to the senior BMS/Quality Lead. To store and archive reports of investigations in accordance with departmental procedures. To regularly review lists of Incomplete requests for investigations sent to other laboratories, and to take appropriate action to ensure the receipt of results within identified timescales so that patient treatment is not adversely affected. To bring to the attention of senior Biomedical Scientists any difficulties experienced in obtaining an appropriate response from the referral laboratory. To respond to telephone calls from medical and nursing staff within the hospital, or staff from surgeries and clinics, so that requests for results, additional/urgent investigations and technical advice are dealt with to the satisfaction of the caller, in accordance with departmental procedures and within limits of knowledge and capability, referring calls to qualified / senior staff as appropriate. To give out authorised results only, but only to appropriate staff as identified in the departmental Telephoning of Results procedure. To refer requests for technical advice to qualified Biomedical Scientists, as appropriate; to refer requests for clinical advice to Clinical Scientists / Consultants, as appropriate this is to ensure correct information is relayed to service users. To respond to any complaints that arise courteously, referring complainants to appropriate senior staff in all instances. To assist in the resolution of any discrepancies relating to reports issued by the department, addressing issues such as the sending of reports to incorrect locations, patients being unknown to staff at a given location or the inclusion of inaccurate / incomplete clinical details. In addition, to maintain appropriate and auditable records of all such occurences. To co-ordinate and participate in the scanning of request forms so that electronic images are readily available for the technical validation / clinical interpretation of results. To ensure the document scanner is maintained fit for use at all times and to work in conjunction with senior BMS staff to ensure that any malfunctions are addressed and rectified promptly. To ensure request forms, and any other documents containing confidential information, are retained and discarded in accordance with Trust and departmental procedures. To be familiar and practise in accordance with Data Protection regulations. To assist senior staff within the department with general office and laboratory duties. To take receipt of incoming mail and distribute throughout the department. To work in accordance with and maintain adherence to the safety standards outlined in the departmental Health and Safety Policy, thereby ensuring that the laboratory complies with regulatory requirements and is a safe, secure, clean and tidy working environment. To read, understand and practise in accordance with departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all relevant tasks performed within the laboratory so as to ensure that such tasks are performed in a manner consistent with departmental policies. To respond appropriately to requests for laboratory consumables from wards, clinics and GP surgeries. To develop an understanding of the function and use of Information Technology and electronic communications. This includes the use of word processing packages, spreadsheets, databases and electronic communications. To work under the direct and indirect supervision of qualified staff within the department. To participate in mandatory training thus enabling the Trust to satisfy its regulatory requirements as an employer. To participate in and contribute to regular general departmental meetings that involve all staff to ensure that clear lines of communication are established and maintained To produce notes of the general departmental staff meetings, for authorisation by the Pre-Analytical Manager, within identified timescales. To participate in and contribute to regular Senior MLA meetings to help with departmental training, forward planning to ensure quality service provision, adequate staffing levels and to deal with any staffing issues. To assist the Pre-Analytics Manager in maintaining ESR records To assist the Pre-Analytical Manager with weekly rotas. To work in conjunction with all other staff, as directed, to achieve and maintain UKAS accreditation status. To participate in departmental Quality Management activities in a manner commensurate with the post. To be familiar with the Pathology Directorate Quality Policy and to ensure its consistent application to all departmental activities. To work under the direction of the departmental Quality Manager and/or Quality Leads in ensuring the effective implementation of the departmental Quality Management System (QMS). To maintain familiarity and practise in accordance with the SOPs for all relevant laboratory procedures. To participate in departmental quality improvement initiatives. To participate in scheduled audit activities. The programme of activities shall include horizontal, vertical and examination audits, in addition to internal audit of the QMS. To identify and alert senior staff to any non-conformances to optimal / required practice To participate in the implementation and review of appropriate remedial, corrective and/or preventative measures in response to reported non-conformances. To participate in training activities so that own competence to practise in the laboratory is demonstrably maintained through on-going assessment, as appropriate. To participate in the maintaining of records, for all staff of whatever grade, which indicate both training received and the outcome of any assessment(s) of competence, for all relevant laboratory procedures. To participate in training activities so that own competence to practice in the laboratory is demonstrably maintained through ongoing assessment, as appropriate. Duties associated within front Pathology Specimen Reception. To receive all patients and visitors to Pathology, promptly and with sympathy, politeness and courtesy. To assist with general clerical work as directed in the Pathology office or Specimen reception. To deal with telephone enquiries from doctors, nurses and other ward staff and for arrangement of tests with patients. The transfer of more involved queries to more senior laboratory staff. Issue various specimen containers to porters, ward staff and patients when requested. Package samples and arrange for them to be sent by taxi, courier or post as instructed. Put out items to be picked up by the courier for delivery to other hospitals or GP surgeries as required. To ensure that levels of stocks kept in specimen reception are adequate. Duties associated within the blood sciences department The reception of all patient samples into the laboratory checking, barcoding and use of Beckman DXA pre analytical automation for processing samples for analysis The fast tracking of all urgent sample through the pre-analytical section to enable fast turnaround times to be maintained. Patient and sample data entry into the laboratory computer system to the required set standard Use of Beckman DXA Perform daily/weekly maintenance Prepare all racks at the start of the day Check and load all consumables during the day Load patient samples Check all alarms / errors and correct as necessary Process any short samples and aliquots as necessary Stocktake all consumables and inform pre-analytics manager of any shortages Clean and disinfect pre-analytics work area, laboratory equipment including centrifuges and fume cupboards, on a regular basis according to maintenance logs. Support links Privacy policy Terms and conditions Accessibility Statement Cookies Help and guidance Crown copyright Person Specification Qualifications Essential GCSE level Maths and English grade C or above, or grade 4 or above Desirable Science GCSEs at Grade C or above, or Grade 4 or above Knowledge and Skills Essential Ability to follow written instructions and able to speak, receive and issue instructions in English without the risk of misunderstanding. Good interpersonal skills and ability to relate well to other colleagues. The ability to effectively direct the work of a team to optimise and prioritise the throughput of work preventing delays occurring in the analytical process. Ability to identify work priorities, manage own workload and that of the MLA staff. Ability to maintain accurate records Able to communicate face to face, via email and telephone Good communication skills. Able to provide training to other members of staff by supervising more junior members of the team and allocating duties within the section. This will be achieved by allocating daily tasks and producing staffing rotas to ensure turnaround times are met. Awareness of health and safety issues Awareness of confidentiality Ability to work well under pressure to deal with frequent interruptions and work to deadlines Able to concentrate for long periods of time Ability to work in a laboratory environment with noise and heat Daily contact with bodily fluids Ability to give accurate results and have the patience to check they have been recorded correctly Desirable An understanding of the function and working relationships within the department Knowledge of pre-analytical automation Knowledge of audits Knowledge to undertake Personal Develpment Review for the pre-analytical team Experience Essential Experience in a clinical NHS laboratory is essential Data entry experience Experience of using computer packages such as Word and EXCEL Experience of training and the supervision of less experienced staff Desirable Previous experience as a Medical Laboratory Assistant in an NHS laboratory Person Specification Qualifications Essential GCSE level Maths and English grade C or above, or grade 4 or above Desirable Science GCSEs at Grade C or above, or Grade 4 or above Knowledge and Skills Essential Ability to follow written instructions and able to speak, receive and issue instructions in English without the risk of misunderstanding. Good interpersonal skills and ability to relate well to other colleagues. The ability to effectively direct the work of a team to optimise and prioritise the throughput of work preventing delays occurring in the analytical process. Ability to identify work priorities, manage own workload and that of the MLA staff. Ability to maintain accurate records Able to communicate face to face, via email and telephone Good communication skills. Able to provide training to other members of staff by supervising more junior members of the team and allocating duties within the section. This will be achieved by allocating daily tasks and producing staffing rotas to ensure turnaround times are met. Awareness of health and safety issues Awareness of confidentiality Ability to work well under pressure to deal with frequent interruptions and work to deadlines Able to concentrate for long periods of time Ability to work in a laboratory environment with noise and heat Daily contact with bodily fluids Ability to give accurate results and have the patience to check they have been recorded correctly Desirable An understanding of the function and working relationships within the department Knowledge of pre-analytical automation Knowledge of audits Knowledge to undertake Personal Develpment Review for the pre-analytical team Experience Essential Experience in a clinical NHS laboratory is essential Data entry experience Experience of using computer packages such as Word and EXCEL Experience of training and the supervision of less experienced staff Desirable Previous experience as a Medical Laboratory Assistant in an NHS laboratory 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. Employer details Employer name Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Address Charles Hastings Way Worcester Worcestershire WR5 1DD Employer's website https://www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)