Are you highly organised, detail-oriented, and looking to make a real difference in patient care? An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Specimen Receptionist (AFC Band 3) to join our enthusiastic and supportive team within the Blood Sciences Department at Bedford Hospital.
In this vital frontline role, you'll be part of a dedicated team handling clinical specimens, playing a key part in the smooth operation of our fast-paced and essential pathology service. No two days are the same, and your work will directly contribute to the timely diagnosis and treatment of patients across the hospital.
We're committed to your growth. You'll receive full training and ongoing support, with opportunities for Continuing Personal Development (CPD) through both in-house training and relevant external events. It's a fantastic chance to gain hands-on experience in a busy and high-performing healthcare environment.
The role is 22.5 hours per week, worked on a 7-day rota (averaged over a 12-week period), once you've completed training and achieved competency in key tasks. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. If you have a disability, we're happy to make reasonable adjustments and provide support throughout the recruitment process. We're proud to promote equality of opportunity and value diversity across our workforce.
The successful candidate will be expected to:
* Receive and dispatch samples to appropriate laboratories.
* Sort and label specimens for blood sciences.
* Undertake accurate and precise data entry on laboratory computer systems, which requires frequent periods of concentration.
* Maintain, process, and distribute orders of consumables for GP surgeries.
* File and distribute patient reports.
* Organise personal workload effectively.
* Handle telephone enquiries from service users and, where required, communicate test results which may be of a complex and/or sensitive nature.
* Participate in mentoring, guidance, and training of inexperienced/new staff when required.
* Communicate effectively with laboratory and medical staff to ensure specimens are dealt with appropriately and in a timely fashion.
* Liaise with GP surgeries, hospital clinics, and other departments within Pathology.
* Undertake the reception, identification, and processing of pathological samples in the Specimen Reception.
* Sort and label specimens.
* Maintain stores and ensure GP consumable orders are completed and distributed.
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people across Bedfordshire and surrounding areas, across two hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity, and Paediatrics.
You will be joining a friendly, high-performing Trust committed to the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in the region, you will have access to high-quality training and development programs to help grow your career. Our state-of-the-art facilities place us at the forefront of healthcare innovation. The Trust remains committed to delivering the best patient care using the latest clinical knowledge and technology.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient applications are received. We encourage you to apply promptly. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.
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