Job overview
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Medical laboratory Assistant with strong organisational skills and a positive attitude to support our busy histopathology team. To assist in the routine Histology lab & cut-up and diagnostic cytology preparation areas.The ideal candidate should have experience of working in Cellular Pathology
(Histopathology).
The successful candidate will be primarily based at UHL but may occasionally support other ESEL sites depending on service needs. The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specifications outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required.
Why Choose UHL?
University Hospital London is easily accessible by public transport and benefits from strong bus and train links to southeast and central London. As part of Barts Health NHS Trust, you will also be working within a leading pathology network with excellent career progression
opportunities.
The department process in the region of 14,100 surgical specimens per annum from a range of clinical specialities. Applications are welcomed from candidates with suitable experience.
In return, we offer an excellent work environment, the department is fully computerised, and
UKCAS 15189:2012 accredited..
Main duties of the job
1. To enter patient sample request details and result details accurately into the departmental and designated Trust computer systems and ensure data integrity.
2. To use the laboratory information management system to search for test results in response to telephone and other enquiries, in accordance with the Data Protection and the Freedom of Information Acts.
3. To assist in the routine Histology lab & cut-up and diagnostic cytology preparation areas.
4. To be able to liaise and interact with clerical, medical and technical staff in a respectful and considerate manner.
Working for our organisation
The NHS East and South East London Pathology Partnership is an arms-length organisation providing pathology services to Barts Health NHS Trust, Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. The Pathology Partnership is hosted by Barts Health.
The Pathology Partnership was formed in May 2021. Between 2021 and 2024 the Partnership undertook a complex transformation programme to establish a single network of laboratories, underpinned by a single Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and single Quality Management System (QMS).
The Partnership has a main hub laboratory at the Royal London Hospital and Essential Service Laboratories (ESL) as a minimum at the six other hospital sites served by the Partnership.
The Partnership has three operational divisions:
5. Blood Sciences including Haematology, Blood Transfusion and Biochemistry
6. Microbiology and Virology
7. Cellular Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics
The 2024/25 total operating costs across the Partnership were c. £121m per annum with a workforce establishment of circa. 860 WTE.
We strive to live by our WeCare values and are committed to promoting inclusion, where every staff member has a sense of belonging. We value our differences and fully advocate, cultivate and support an inclusive working environment.
We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are underrepresented within the Pathology Partnership and Barts Health at this band
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the advertised closing date, once a sufficient number of applications has been received and we regret that we are unable to provide notification if your application is unsuccessful.
We are dedicated to being an outstanding place to work and will work with you to get the best experience. We know flexible working is not a one size fits all and will mean something different to everyone. We are inclusive, so if you are interested in flexible working, please speak to the recruiting manager.
*PLEASE NOTE – WE ARE UNABLE TO PROVIDE SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE*
Following the recent update on UK immigration policy for those on a Health and Care Visa or Skilled Worker Visa, please click on the link to check your eligibility before applying for this post -
1. To ensure that efficient electronic and paper filing systems are maintained to facilitate effective data retrieval.
2. Receive and distribute supplies and goods.
3. To communicate with colleagues, healthcare professionals and patients in a polite and courteous manner, showing the degree of professionalism expected.
4. Collect samples from other Pathology departments or other areas of the hospital as directed.
5. To check, send and sign out routine, specials and immunohistochemical slides for reporting following local SOPs.
6. To use initiative and be able to organise themselves on a daily basis in response to fluxes in workflow.
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents, please view the recruitment information pack.
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria
8. Substantive experience in working with computer systems
9. Experience in using databases
10. Experience of working to deadlines.
11. Previous experience in answering and dealing with telephone enquiries.
Desirable criteria
12. Previous computing experience or VDU work.
13. Previous experience working in a Cellular Pathology Department
Skills
Essential criteria
14. Good attention to detail. Supervisory and training skills.
15. Good organisational and interpersonal skills
16. Able to follow and learn instructions and standard operating procedures
17. Methodical and organised.
18. Able to build and develop working relationships with colleagues within and outside the Trust.
Desirable criteria
19. Able to show initiative.
20. Good interpersonal skills.
Knowledge
Essential criteria
21. Previous laboratory-based work experience.
22. Knowledge of Health & Safety
23. Able to communicate effectively (written and verbal)
Qualifications
Essential criteria
24. GCSE grade C/ equivalent in Maths and English.
Desirable criteria
25. GCSE standard attained in other science subjects or equivalent
Other
Essential criteria
26. Able to undertake ‘house-keeping duties’,
27. Able to perform required duties with any appropriate aids or adaptations.
28. Hold no reservations in handling human body fluids, tissue, organs, or infected material in accordance with Health & Safety policies.
29. The post holder must be willing to have appropriate vaccinations.
Desirable criteria
30. Previous NHS experience
31. Able to prioritise workload.
32. Able to work using own initiative.