Overview
We are seeking a Biomedical Support Worker to join the Microbiology department at Bedford Hospital. The laboratory is equipped with a variety of equipment including the BioMerieux BacT/Alert Virtuo, BD MGIT, DS2, the BioMerieux Vidas and Biofire, Roche Cobas 6800, Cepheid GeneXpert and Bruker Maldi-TOF. The department is UKAS accredited to ISO 15189:2012 and is an IBMS approved training laboratory. You will work as part of the Microbiology team to provide a high level of microbiological analysis to provide patients with the highest level of diagnosis and treatment. The laboratory has recently merged with the L&D Hospital Microbiology department and delivers a range of investigations to Bedford Hospital, Luton and Dunstable Hospital and the surrounding GPs.
Responsibilities
* Perform a range of microbiological techniques under supervision to assist in the clinical diagnosis of microbiological disease.
* Contribute to day-to-day operations and limited technical aspects of the service.
* Assist Higher Biomedical Support Workers, Biomedical Scientists (BMS) and senior laboratory BMS in delivering a high quality, efficient and effective service through the Quality Management System (QMS).
* Follow policies and procedures to ensure the service complies with current UKAS standards, national and European legislation and discipline-specific regulatory bodies.
* May assist in training other support staff.
* Support the implementation and delivery of a cohesive service, following the department’s quality policy and quality objectives.
* Adhere to the UKAS standards for the department using the Pathology Quality Management System to fulfill quality circles and audits under ISO 15189 compliance.
* Support actions required to resolve nonconformities identified in internal/external audits or complaints.
* Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the department using the Document Management Module of the Q-Pulse system.
Qualifications and requirements
* Minimum of GCSEs (or equivalent) in English Language and Science, with good numerical literacy and communication skills.
* Previous laboratory or hospital experience is desirable, but full training will be provided.
* Core hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with participation in the shift pattern, including weekends, once fully trained. Shift pattern: 07:00 – 22:00.
Working pattern and training
The post holder will work under the supervision of Biomedical Scientists. Following training, the post holder would be expected to participate in the shift pattern including weekends and bank holidays. Travel between hospital sites may be required.
About the Trust
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people across Bedfordshire and surrounding areas across two hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. The Trust is committed to training and development and to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available. The Trust promotes equality, diversity and inclusion through values-based recruitment and aims to create a culture that values differences.
Additional information
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering the first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job; review for full details and responsibilities. To assist BMS and laboratory senior BMS in the implementation and delivery of a cohesive service; to follow the quality policy and UKAS standards; to follow SOPs and use the Q-Pulse document management system.
Advert closes on Friday 26 Sep 2025.
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