We have three main hospitals providing acute services to around 330,000 local residents. The organisation also provides specialist tertiary care for cardiac and haematology services, delivers community health services to over 445,000 residents including those in North Lancashire and hosts the National Artificial Eye Service across England. Plus, we provide urgent and emergency care services to an estimated 18 million people who visit the seaside resort each year. We employ over 7000 people from 68 different countries.
Equality and Diversity
We welcome and encourage application from anyone with protected characteristics, as well as supporting reservists and Veterans who are looking for a rewarding and challenging career within the NHS.
Flexible Working
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals encourages flexible working in all our roles to support staff in maintaining healthy home‑life balance. Working patterns such as part time, self‑rostering, compressed hours, annualised hours, term time, reverse term time and flexitime working can be explored.
Position
Our busy and friendly Microbiology team at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals is looking for 2 WTE Band 2 Medical Laboratory Assistants to join us as we continue to deliver high‑quality diagnostics and patient care.
The post holder will work in the context of the objectives of the Pathology Directorate and the Blackpool Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust within the Bacteriology department.
Applicants will need to be able to work between 8am and 8pm. Participation in weekend and Bank Holiday sessions will also be required.
Responsibilities
* Receiving and booking in samples – accepting microbiology specimens (e.g. swabs, urine, blood cultures), checking labelling, and entering data into the laboratory information system.
* Preparing and processing specimens – plating samples onto culture media, preparing slides, or setting up tests under supervision and following aseptic technique.
* Operating basic laboratory equipment – using automated systems (e.g. incubators, analysers), loading samples, and reporting any faults.
* Maintaining laboratory hygiene and safety – cleaning work areas, using personal protective equipment (PPE), and disposing of clinical waste appropriately.
* Stock control and general support – replenishing consumables, restocking media and reagents, monitoring temperatures and assisting biomedical scientists and other staff with day‑to‑day tasks.
* Responding to telephone enquiries where no interpretation of results is required.
Duties will be carried out following established Standard Operating Procedures, under the supervision of State Registered Biomedical Scientists. Previous laboratory experience is a distinct advantage. A comprehensive training programme is provided.
About the Trust
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is situated on the west coast of Lancashire, with services covering the local authority areas of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre. The Trust is part of the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care System (ICS) supporting a population of around 1.6 million people.
The Trust provides services to the 440,000 residents of Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre and North Lancashire, as well as specialist tertiary care for Cardiac and Haematology patients.
As one of the United Kingdom's largest coastal resorts, Blackpool has plenty to offer its residents – it is not just a good place to work; it is a great place to live. The town offers historic seafront, world‑famous attractions such as Blackpool Tower, scenic cycling routes and panoramic coastlines.
Disclosures and Barring Service (DBS) Checks
In accordance with the role requirements, a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out as part of your pre‑employment checks. You will be required to repay the cost on appointment, with the amount deducted from your salary either monthly or as a one‑off payment at commencement. The level of check required depends on the role you have been offered. Currently the charges are: Basic DBS check £25.50, Standard DBS check £25.50 and Enhanced DBS check £53.50. You can choose to pay over 1‑3 months from your salary. You are encouraged to register for the DBS update service – an annual fee of £16 that eliminates repeated disclosure costs.
Should you withdraw your application, you may be required to reimburse the cost of the DBS check. DBS checks remain free of charge for volunteer positions.
By submitting an application for this vacancy you confirm your agreement to the above in the event of successful appointment. The DBS Code of Practice can be accessed here. Please ensure that you read the attached Person Specification; your application will be judged against it.
The Trust operates a strict non‑smoking policy. Staff are not permitted to smoke on Trust premises or grounds at any time, nor to take breaks during working hours for smoking purposes.
The Trust does not offer interview expenses to shortlisted candidates unless indicated in the advert.
#J-18808-Ljbffr