Job overview
We have the opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our Histopathology team at Colchester as a Medical Laboratory Assistant for hours per week. These hours would be worked flexibility during the working week, which can be discussed further at interview.
No previous experience is required as training will be provided however you will need to have a keen interest in pathology.
You will join a busy, dedicated and friendly team consisting of Medical Laboratory Assistants, Assistant Practitioners and Biomedical Scientists.
About our Pathology Service
Main duties of the job
1. Responsible for sample receipt, numbering and data entry on to the computer system of pathology samples. Use your own judgement to identify, action and report mislabelled or mislaid specimens, unsuitable sample or process failure.
2. Filing of prepared tissue blocks and slides.
3. Under supervision, perform a range of manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations accurately and efficiently.
4. Participate in the day to day management of stock control and usage.
5. Undertake reception duties, including communication with internal members of staff and courier companies.
6. Records test results /maintains integrity, accuracy of laboratory data, including data entered by yourself.
7. Maintains clinical records in relation to activities carried out.
8. The work of the service brings staff into contact with human body fluids, tissues and hazardous chemicals. This may include blood, pus, urine, faeces, and respiratory secretions.
9. Maintain the professional image of pathology department.
Working for our organisation
We are ESNEFT and we provide hospital and community health services to almost one million people across east Suffolk and north Essex. Our dedicated staff deliver care from acute hospitals in Colchester and Ipswich, community hospitals, surgeries, community clinics and in patients’ own homes.
We are one of the largest NHS organisations in England, employing more than 12,000 staff.
We pride ourselves on supporting our staff. We offer a wide range of training and development opportunities, as well as flexible working options.
Along with supporting you to achieve your career goals we offer a generous pension scheme, unsocial hours payments (where applicable), 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata) and access to a range of NHS discounts. Our Staff Health and Wellbeing programme offer a variety of services.
Our philosophy is that Time Matters to everyone. Across the Trust, we concentrate on improving the things we do and removing those which cause time delays for our staff and patients.
We are investing in our commitment to Time Matters with a partnership with leading electronic patient record (EPR) supplier Epic. This digital transformation will bring what’s widely regarded as the world’s best EPR system to ESNEFT, transforming life in hospital for staff and patients.
If you are passionate about patient care and want to develop your skills and knowledge, then we want to hear from you.
Find out about living and working here -
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For full details of the responsibilities and duties of this role please see the attached job description.
Person specification
Education
Essential criteria
10. GCSE Maths and English (A-C) or equivalent
Desirable criteria
11. GCSE in Science (A-C) or equivalent
12. Appropriate NVQ level 2/diploma
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
13. Demonstrable knowledge of a range of routine and non-routine healthcare science duties equivalent to an NVQ level 2/diploma
Desirable criteria
14. Practical experience of working in a Biomedical Science laboratory / Histopathology
15. Knowledge of Pathology IT systems
16. Knowledge of Quality Management Systems
17. European Computer Driving Licence or equivalent