Job overview
BMS and other Science Graduates Need Not Apply
Previous applicants need not apply
This is an administration-based role - not a laboratory post
Substantive and Bank Roles applications will be considered
We are looking for self-motivated individuals who are both flexible and versatile in their approach to work and join our excellent and friendly Pathology Reception team. You must be able to work well under pressure and in challenging conditions. You will be a strong team player with good interpersonal skills and will possess a positive attitude and be constructive toward change.
The post involves the reception of people and pathology samples, sample sorting and handling, data entry and communication of pathology reports. All post holders are expected to be able to have a good telephone manner and customer skills, excellent communication skills, clear and legible handwriting, be able to perform data entry consistently and have an understanding of medical terminology and biomedical investigation. Post holders will fully participate in the extended weekday, weekend and bank holiday rotas.
Main duties of the job
These are full-time vacancies with shifts between the hours of 9:00 and 17:30 (hours extended to a current pattern of between 08:00-19:00 when competent). After completion of training the opportunity to work weekends (09:00-13:00/17:00) will be offered.
You must have excellent keyboard skills, adaptability and a capacity for processing information quickly and accurately. You must also be willing to show a commitment to the ever-changing demands of the NHS.
Skills required:
Clear speaking voice
Provide a high quality, responsive and efficient reception service
Excellent telephone manner with sound communication skills
Methodical and organised with the ability to prioritise workload
Demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail
Team Player
The Trust asks all staff to attend an induction programme.
Training will be undertaken locally.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Scientific & analytical
1. To receive, sort and process a substantial quantity of clinical samples, identifying and resolving problems such as leaking samples, labelling errors, missing information etc.
2. To perform substantial amounts of accurate data input on computers for prolonged periods of time of patient information and investigations requested by hospital clinical staff and GPs
3. To maintain attention to accuracy at all times during data input and labelling of samples.
4. Follows standard operating procedures (SOP) at all times
5. Understands analytical work that is going to be undertaken
Diagnostic & interpretive
6. Understands the urgency of requests; prioritising work according to SOPs.
7. Judges whether samples are suitable for testing and takes appropriate action.
8. Ensures system for phoning results is adhered to.
9. To answer calls on the Pathology enquiry line on a rota basis, giving results, information and advice within their competency.
10. To take significant numbers of requests for supplementary tests, find the appropriate sample and order the test(s), contacting the requestor about any issues this may cause
Supervisory & management
11. Undertakes training as appraisee and participates in annual and six monthly review
12. May participate in overtime arrangements when assessed as competent to do so.
13. Books leave in accordance with departmental policy
14. Reports personal absence to senior member of staff, according to trust policy.
15. Is aware of and understands trust policies for grievance, discipline and capability
Communication & liaison
16. Maintains awareness of changes and developments in the section and other departments within Pathology.
17. To act as the first point of contact for all of pathology, dealing with a wide range of enquiries maintaining confidentiality. This includes communication with outside sources with information of a sensitive nature either in person or over the telephone. To inform appropriate staff that people have arrived.
18. Participates in the staff questionnaire. Feeds comments up through the management system.
19. Communicates with patients and staff on appointments, specimen collections, procedures for samples pre analysis etc
20. Ensures that results are not given inappropriately to patients, explaining why when necessary.
21. Ensures that external visitors complete visitor logs and issues badges as appropriate
22. Issues results in accordance with departmental SOP’s
23. To collate, envelope and dispatch pathology reports.
24. To co-operate with other staff within the Pathology department in order that resources are used to maximum benefit.
25. Attends meetings as directed
Education & training
26. Supports competency training for junior staff in co-operation with the section trainers.
27. Responsible for own personal development
28. Attends all courses as directed.
29. Attends all mandatory and statutory training courses as directed.
Assessment of new staff is carried out after 4 months by a suitably qualified assessor. After successful completion of the assessment new staff will be required to participate in the extended weekday, weekend and bank holiday rotas in addition to the contracted hours
Information management & technology
30. Works within standard operating procedures and policies to ensure high quality data, thus maintaining the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases. Recognises data quality problems and brings to the attention of senior staff.
31. Attends training on the use of display screen equipment and ensures that working practices comply.
32. Reports any non-functional hardware to senior staff.
33. Uses the laboratory information management system according to authorised protocols.
34. Uses quality management system for read only access
35. Complies with local and national policies for the safe, secure and confidential processing and storage of patient and other laboratory information
Financial & resource management
36. Uses resources efficiently and cost effectively.
37. To sign for deliveries and inform stores staff of large deliveries.
38. Reports low level of supplies appropriately to ensure continuing supply.
39. Ensures that stocks are stored appropriately.
40. Uses equipment safely, taking into account its complexity, limitations and value
Clinical audit and quality management
41. Assists with data collection for audits as directed
42. Is aware of all types of documentation within the laboratory organisation
Health & safety
43. Works within all health and safety policies in a safe manner, recognising hazards within the workplace and applying agreed precautionary measures.
44. Is mindful of duties towards colleagues, visitors and patients in maintaining a safe environment and safe working practices. Reports any defects noticed.
45. Applies knowledge from training in display screen equipment, personal protective equipment and manual handling to own work practices
46. Applies knowledge from fire safety training to ensure safety for self and others. Complies with all fire procedures as directed.
47. Understands the implications of COSHH and risk assessment documentation and works within defined control measures at all times.
48. Maintains awareness of all emergency and major incident procedures, and acts accordingly in the event of an incident
49. Understands and adheres to trust policies for clinical waste disposal.
50. Understands the reporting system for clinical incident reporting and uses it appropriately.
Other Role-Specific Duties
51. Carry out any other reasonable duties commensurate with the role and delegated or requested by the manager or supervisor, as the needs of the service require.
52. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the Department and the Organisation.
Candidate Information Pack:
Person specification
Keyboard / Typing Skills
Essential criteria
53. Keyboard and Typing
Desirable criteria
54. RSA/ NVQ
Communication + Clinical Skill
Essential criteria
55. Good communication skills, via telephone, face to face and electronically
Desirable criteria
56. Medical Terminology
Personal Management
Essential criteria
57. Team player and individual worker, able to prioritise workload
Motivation
Essential criteria
58. Why do they want to work for us (Reception)
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
59. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
60. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications