Job overview
An opportunity exists for a permanent Specimen Reception Assistant (AfC Band 3) to join the team of dedicated enthusiastic staff in the Blood Sciences Department at Luton & Dunstable Hospital. The successful candidate will work as a member of a dedicated team in specimen reception.
Every encouragement will be given with participation in Continual Personal Development through onsite training and attendance at suitable external events alongside gaining valuable experience working in a busy Blood Sciences Department.
Applications are welcome from applicants with a disability. We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways through the application process. All applicants are welcome to apply regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. Equality of opportunity is our policy.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will be expected to:
1. Receive and dispatch samples to appropriate laboratories
2. Sort and label specimens for blood sciences
3. Undertake accurate and precise data entry on laboratory computer system which requires frequent periods of concentration
4. Maintain, process and distribute orders of consumables for GP surgeries
5. File and distribute patient reports
6. Organisation of personal workload
7. Handle telephone enquiries from service users and where required, communicate test results which may be of a complex and/or sensitive nature
8. Participate in mentoring guidance and training of inexperienced/new staff when required
9. Effectively communicate with laboratory and medical staff to ensure that specimens are dealt with appropriately and in a timely fashion
10. Liaise with GP surgeries, hospital clinics and other departments within Pathology
Working for our organisation
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity and creating a culture that values differences.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and responsibilities.
11. To undertake the reception, identification and processing of pathological samples in Specimen Reception
12. Sorting and labelling of specimens
13. Undertake accurate and precise data entry on laboratory computer system which requires frequent periods of concentration
14. Maintenance of stores
15. To ensure that GP consumable orders are completed and distributed to GP surgeries
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria
16. Proven key board skills
17. Experience of word processing packages, databases and spreadsheets.
18. Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive patient information in a methodical and professional manner
19. Ability to work as part of a team across a range of staff groups.
Desirable criteria
20. Previous experience working within the laboratory setting
Education
Essential criteria
21. Educated to a good GCSE level in English & Mathematics
22. Previous administrative and clerical experience in a healthcare or customer service environment
Desirable criteria
23. Keyboard and IT skills preferably ECDL
Skills & Knowledge
Essential criteria
24. Excellent communication skills – written and verbal
25. Good interpersonal and telephone skills
26. Able to work to deadlines and prioritise workload
Desirable criteria
27. Willingness to learn
If you have problems applying, contact
Address Luton & Dunstable Hospital NHS Trust
Lewsey Road
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU4 0DZ
Telephone 01582 497325