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Medical Laboratory Assistant - Specimen Reception
The closing date is 09 October 2025
The Pathology Support Service at University Hospitals Sussex is looking to recruit a focused and methodical Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) to join the Specimen Reception team at St Richard's Hospital in Chichester.
Working as part of a large and diverse team of support staff to provide an efficient and effective pre and postanalytical service to the Blood Science laboratory, in accordance withthe training and operational requirements of the department.
This post is a Permanent Position, 15 Hours Per Week
The successful applicant will be expected to work flexibly between the hours of 08:00 and 20:00 Monday to Sunday; however our core operational hours are currently 11:00 and 18:00 Monday to Friday. In addition there is also the requirement to work public holidays on a rota basis.
Main duties of the job
The role includes pre-analytical sample sorting, preparation, data entry, receipt of stock, attending to telephone queries from service users and adhering to health & safety responsibilities. You will also be expected to provide support in our Pathology Office which involves interacting with patients, booking appointments and liaising with clinical staff.
You should have good attention to detail, manual dexterity and the ability to follow defined protocols whilst working quickly but effective under pressure. Experience of manually entering patient information quickly and accurately onto various laboratory computer systems, including ICE and Winpath, would be advantageous.
To assist in the receipt, verification and preparation of patient samples,the data entry of patient and specimen details onto the Pathology ITsystem as well as processing stock and consumable requests fromservice users.
About us
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.
Job responsibilities
Working as part of a team of Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs) in Specimen Reception to provide an efficient and effective pre and post analytical service to the Blood Science laboratory, in accordance with the training and operational requirements of the department.
To assist in the receipt, verification and preparation of patient samples, the data entry of patient and specimen details onto the Pathology IT system as well as processing stock and consumable requests from service users.
Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.
Person Specification
Administrative
* GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics at grade C / Level 5 or above.
* Previous experience in the NHS.
Information Resources / IT
* Proficient and accurate computer skills including data entry and word processing.
* Knowledge of data protection, data quality and patient confidentiality.
Planning and Organisation
* Effective time management skills and able to deal with conflicting or changing priorities.
Communication and Relationship Skills
* Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken English.
Scientific
* Previous experience in Pathology or equivalent laboratory environment.
* Knowledge of ICE and WinPath Laboratory systems.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
* Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles
* Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)
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