Job overview
The post involves the training and developing of any new recruit either in Pathology Reception or in Blood Science. The training will include demonstrating sample sorting and handling, data entry and communication of Pathology reports. You will need to ensure that new post holders are 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 a good understanding of medical terminology and biomedical investigation.
Main duties of the job
Please see full job description below or on the job description attached to this vacancy. For further information contact the Pathology Support Services Management Team.
Working for our organisation
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and 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, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
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.
Scientific & analytical
oTo receive, sort and process a substantial quantity of clinical samples, identifying and resolving problems such as leaking samples, labelling errors, missing information etc.
oTo 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
oTo maintain attention to accuracy at all times during data input and labelling of samples.
oFollows standard operating procedures (SOP) at all times
oUnderstands analytical work that is going to be undertaken
oEnsure trainees understand the above skills
Communication
oMaintains awareness of changes and developments in the section and other departments within Pathology.
oTo 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.
oParticipates in the staff questionnaire. Feeds comments up through the management system.
oCommunicates with patients and staff on appointments, specimen collections, procedures for samples pre analysis etc
oEnsures that results are not given inappropriately to patients, explaining why when necessary.
oEnsures that external visitors complete visitor logs and issues badges as appropriate
oIssues results in accordance with departmental SOP’s
oTo collate, envelope and dispatch pathology reports.
oTo co-operate with other staff within the Pathology department in order that resources are used to maximum benefit.
oAttends meetings as directed.
oEnsure trainees understand the skills required to be a Pathology Support Worker.
Service delivery & improvement
oIterates the understanding the urgency of requests; prioritising work according to SOPs.
oExplains whether samples are suitable for testing and takes appropriate action.
oExplains system for phoning results and guidance is adhered to and remaining within the confines of the responsibilities
oDemonstrate the requirement for supplementary tests, find the appropriate sample and order the test(s), contacting the requestor about any issues this may cause.
oAssists with data collection for audits as directed
oIs aware of all types of documentation within the laboratory organisation.
oUses resources efficiently and cost effectively.
oTo sign for deliveries and inform stores staff of large deliveries.
oReports low level of supplies appropriately to ensure continuing supply.
oEnsures that stocks are stored appropriately.
oUses equipment safely, taking into account its complexity, limitations and value.
People management & development
oUndertakes training as appraisee (and appraiser after additional training) and participates in annual and six monthly review
oMay participate in overtime arrangements when assessed as competent to do so.
oBooks leave in accordance with departmental policy
oReports personal absence to senior member of staff, according to trust policy.
oIs aware of and understands trust policies for grievance, discipline and capability.
oExplains and ensures that all colleagues they are responsible for are aware of these criteria.
oResponsible for carrying out duties in line with the Trust’s e-rostering processes, including managing rosters, supporting staff allocation, and contributing to effective budget reconciliation and workforce planning
Information management & technology
oWorks 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.
oAttends training on the use of display screen equipment and ensures that working practices comply.
oReports any non-functional hardware to senior staff.
oUses the laboratory information management system according to authorised protocols.
oUses quality management system for read only access
oComplies with local and national policies for the safe, secure and confidential processing and storage of patient and other laboratory information
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics at grade C / level 5 or above.
Experience
Essential criteria
2. Previous administration and clerical experience in a healthcare or customer service environment.
3. Previous experience in training and development of staff & service
Desirable criteria
4. Previous experience of a Pathology Support Worker or equivalent laboratory role
5. Previous experience in the NHS
Skills
Essential criteria
6. Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken English.
7. Proficient and accurate computer skills including data entry and word processing.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
8. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
9. 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