Our busy and friendly Microbiology team at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals is looking for a Band 2 BANK Medical Laboratory Assistants to join us as we continue to deliver high-quality diagnostics and patient care. The post holder will work in the context of the objectives of the Pathology Directorate and the Blackpool Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust within the Bacteriology department. Applicants will need to be able to work between 8am and 8pm. Participation in weekend and Bank Holiday sessions will also be required. We welcome and encourage application from anyone with protected characteristics, as well as supporting reservists and Veterans who are looking for a rewarding and challenging career within the NHS, and especially here at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Honesty with regards to the above is encouraged and appreciated during the application process to ensure the correct support if required is offered from the start of application. This can be a challenging role, and we want to ensure the best support and well‑being for all of our staff.
Responsibilities
* Receiving and booking in samples - Accepting microbiology specimens (e.g. swabs, urine, blood cultures), checking labelling, and entering data into the laboratory information system.
* Preparing and processing specimens - Plating samples onto culture media, preparing slides, or setting up tests under supervision and following aseptic technique.
* Operating basic laboratory equipment - Using automated systems (e.g. incubators, analysers), loading samples, and reporting any faults.
* Maintaining laboratory hygiene and safety - Cleaning work areas, using personal protective equipment (PPE), and disposing of clinical waste appropriately.
* Stock control and general support - Replenishing consumables, restocking media and reagents, temperature monitoring and assisting biomedical scientists and other staff with day‑to‑day tasks.
* Responding to telephone enquiries where no interpretation of results is required.
Duties will be carried out following established Standard Operating Procedures, under the supervision of State Registered Biomedical Scientists. Previous laboratory experience is a distinct advantage. A comprehensive training program is provided.
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals encourages flexible working in all our roles to support staff in maintaining healthy home‑life balance. Working patterns such as part‑time working, compressed hours, annualised hours working can be explored. We encourage applicants to state clearly on their application forms this request and discuss these options at interview.
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is ideally situated just a 1‑hour drive from Manchester & Liverpool. The Trust provides services to the 440,000 residents of Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre and North Lancashire, as well as specialist tertiary care for Cardiac and Haematology patients. As one of the United Kingdom's largest coastal resort, Blackpool has plenty to offer its residents — it's not just a good place to work; it's a great place to live. In addition to its bustling centre and historic seafront, the town is world famous for its many attractions, including the famous Blackpool Tower. Blackpool also offers several scenic cycling routes around our local parks and across the surrounding countryside, as well as boasting panoramic views of the coast on its picturesque promenade. Further afield, Blackpool also benefits from less than three‑hour connections via rail to Edinburgh in the North and London in the South.
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