Job Overview
Berkshire & Surrey Pathology Services (a joint venture with Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Ashford & St Peters Hospitals NHS Trust and Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust and East Surrey Hospital) is looking for a Bank Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) based at Frimley Park Hospital.
We are looking for an energetic, enthusiastic and well‑motivated individual with a good scientific background to complement our existing Microbiology MLA team. Essential qualities include efficiency, organisation, good communication skills, attention to detail and reliability as a team member.
Good keyboard skills are desirable. The role requires the ability to demonstrate practical skills and to work collaboratively as part of a team.
Main duties of the job
The postholder will assist in the preparation of analytical work for the Bacteriology Department across a range of department work areas under the supervision of a Registered Biomedical Scientist.
The postholder is required to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at all times for any tasks carried out and must communicate with pathology staff, hospital staff, porters, drivers and couriers.
The postholder will provide support to the BMS staff through sorting, numbering and entering data onto the Laboratory Information Management System, and will operate the department waste disposal systems including the use of autoclaves safely.
The diagnostic work of the department includes processing samples such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, faeces, sputum, tissues and diverse secretions, with processed samples then interpreted for the presence of bacterial, fungal or parasitic pathogens.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
* Keep the laboratory manager informed of all matters regarding laboratory procedures and help with the smooth running of the department
* Assist in monitoring stock control of consumables held in stores
* Ensure the cleaning and defrosting of equipment such as fridges, freezers and incubators
* Inform a team leader, section head or Biomedical Scientist of any refrigerator/freezer temperatures that are out of range on a daily basis
* Work in cooperation with BMS staff to ensure workload is processed in a timely and efficient manner
* Display and maintain an appropriate level of IT skills
* Input patient and request data, maintain and amend patient records, interrogate laboratory and hospital databases, and perform basic word processing and spreadsheet work
* Perform a range of administrative tasks in all sections of the laboratory as required, including archiving and retrieval of specimens and data, maintenance of archived material and audit trails
* Answer telephone calls and deal with messages and enquiries
* Provide training support and assistance to new staff as appropriate (including demonstration of procedures to less experienced staff)
* Maintain good standards of discipline, dress, time‑keeping and behaviour
* Assist in departmental work as instructed, following SOPs under the supervision of laboratory managers, team leaders and/or Biomedical Scientist staff
* Maintain a clean and safe working environment through good laboratory practice, including disposal of clinical waste, autoclaving and decontamination processes
* Participate fully in all aspects of the service, including both routine and non‑core hours
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria
* Able to perform technically challenging procedures where applicable
* Ability to develop knowledge and understanding of microbiology techniques sufficient to undertake specimen processing and reception
Desirable criteria
* Some experience of diagnostic microbiology
Skills and Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Able to understand and follow Standard Operating Procedures
* Ability to follow laboratory H&S practice
* Possess basic IT skills
* Able to follow written instructions
* Ability to communicate clearly
Desirable criteria
* Understanding of need for service quality
* Understanding that work relates directly to patient care
* Observant of detail, ability to make basic judgement decisions
* Ability to prioritise tasks and organise daily work
* Experience of team working
Qualifications
Essential criteria
* Good basic education
* Willing to undergo relevant training
Desirable criteria
* Interest in working to a higher level of qualification
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