Job Overview
Berkshire & Surrey Pathology Services, a joint venture between Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Ashford & St Peters Hospitals NHS Trust, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust and East Surrey Hospital, invites applications for a full‑time Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) to be based at Frimley Park Hospital. The role supports the existing Microbiology MLA team and requires enthusiasm, strong organisational skills, communication, attention to detail, digital literacy and a collaborative approach. The post works within a shift system and may, on rare occasions, require working at Wexham Park Hospital.
Responsibilities
* Assist in the preparation of analytical work for the Bacteriology Department under the supervision of a Registered Biomedical Scientist.
* Follow Standard Operating Procedures at all times for any tasks carried out.
* Communicate with pathology staff, hospital staff, porters, drivers and couriers.
* Provide support to Biomedical Scientist staff.
* Process samples – blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, faeces, sputum, tissues and diverse secretions – and enter data into the Laboratory Information Management System.
* Operate waste disposal systems, including autoclaves, safely.
* Participate in monitoring stock control of consumables and in cleaning and defrosting of equipment such as fridges, freezers and incubators.
* Maintain an appropriate level of IT skills: input patient and request data, maintain and amend patient records, interrogate laboratory and hospital databases, perform basic word processing and spreadsheet work.
* Perform a range of administrative tasks, including archiving and retrieval of specimens and data, maintenance of archived material and audit trails.
* Disposal of clinical waste, autoclaving, decontamination processes, and other laboratory safety duties.
* Participate fully in all aspects of the service, including routine and non‑core hours.
Visa Sponsorship
This position is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already hold the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the contract.
Qualifications
Essential criteria
* GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade A* to C in Mathematics, English Language and two relevant Science subjects.
* Ability to understand and follow Standard Operating Procedures.
* Ability to communicate clearly.
* Basic IT skills.
* Knowledge of microbiology techniques sufficient to undertake specimen processing and reception.
* Adherence to laboratory health & safety practice, ability to meet deadlines, good written communication, basic mathematical calculations, teamwork.
Desirable criteria
* Interest in pursuing higher level qualifications.
* Willingness to undergo relevant training.
* Understanding of service quality and patient care, experience in a routine laboratory, ability to prioritise tasks, observe details, and make basic judgement decisions.
Experience
Essential criteria
* Experience performing technically challenging procedures where applicable.
Desirable criteria
* Experience in diagnostic microbiology, team working and in a routine laboratory setting.
Employer Commitment
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is an inclusive and disability‑confident employer committed to equal opportunities. We offer development opportunities, support for work‑life balance and flexible working arrangements.
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