Medical Laboratory Assistant - Entry Level
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Applications are invited from enthusiastic, confident, motivated and hardworking individuals to work as Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs) within the combined Blood Science Specimen Reception areas in Pathology.
MLAs are the first point of contact for the Laboratory; therefore, a friendly, approachable personality and excellent communication skills are essential. You should have good attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to follow defined protocols while working quickly but effectively under pressure.
Please note there are fixed-term and permanent positions available.
Main Duties of the Job
The role involves supporting scientific staff in the receipt, analytical preparation, labelling, and data entry of patient samples & requests, maintenance and quality control of Point of Care Testing equipment, and general laboratory support duties. The role requires a calm, organised approach with attention to detail and good keyboard skills.
Previous experience in an NHS clinical laboratory would be an advantage but not essential as full training will be provided.
The Blood Science department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and the successful candidate will be expected to support and participate in late shift rosters.
The main Pathology services are located at North Tyneside Hospital, Wansbeck Hospital, and the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, the first of its kind in England. There is also a smaller Specimen reception and Point of Care testing based at Hexham Hospital. You may be expected to work at any of the sites as required for service provision; therefore, a full driving license and access to a vehicle are essential.
Job Responsibilities
The main duties of the role are to:
* Perform basic sample reception and process duties including the receipt, barcode labelling, and preparation of samples for analysis, loading of samples onto analysers or other laboratory equipment, and sample archiving.
* Perform clerical tasks including data input of patient demographics and test request information and maintain clerical records.
* Perform general housekeeping duties including maintaining stock levels, general cleaning, and waste disposal.
* Maintain and promote a professional image.
* The work of the service brings staff into constant contact with human body fluids, tissues, and hazardous chemicals, including blood, urine, fluid, and faeces.
* The post holder may be required to work at NTGH/NSECH/WGH/HGH.
* To work flexibly in reflection of service needs; this may include an extended working day and/or participation in delivery of a 24 hours, 7 days per week service.
* The post holder will be responsible to the Biomedical Scientists in Blood Sciences.
* The work involves handling biological samples and paperwork associated with this process; therefore, the departmental health and safety policies must be adhered to at all times.
NB: The post holder must not work outside their defined field of competence.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* GCSE Maths and English or equivalent qualifications and/or experience that demonstrate an appropriate level of literacy and numeracy.
* Training on a range of routine procedures within specimen reception and the laboratory will be given 'in house' and takes approximately 6 months, during which competency is assessed.
* Computer/keyboard/word processing qualifications, e.g., ECDL.
* GCSE in Science (A-C) or equivalent.
* NVQ Level II in Medical Laboratory Sciences or equivalent.
* Practical experience of working in a Biomedical Science 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 Name
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
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