Senior Pathology Support Worker, Immunology

Job summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated candidate who has some general laboratory skills for the accurate and safe use of laboratory equipment but Immunology experience is not necessary. To be successful, the candidate will need a flexible attitude towards work with good organisational skills, attention to detail and communication. They must have the ability to work under pressure and work well within a team as well as being friendly and reliable,

The laboratory is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) for the provision of pre-registration training. For candidates who possess a biomedical science degree approved by the IBMS, it may be possible after a period of time/training to complete the IBMS Registration Training portfolio in this post.

Main duties of the job

Once trained, the successful candidate will spend approximately 50% of their working time in Immunology specimen reception and sample referral and 50% supporting the Biomedical Scientists running the analysers. Specimen reception duties include answering the telephone, responding to emails, tracking blood and urine samples into the racks, sample disposal and general housekeeping duties such as water bath maintenance. Sample referral duties include packaging samples ready for posting and entering results onto the LIMS.

Supporting the Biomedical Scientists running the analysers will include retrieving samples, loading samples and reagents, maintenance of the analysers and returning samples to the racks.

Team work is key in all areas of the laboratory and you must be flexible as the rota may be changed at short notice depending on staff sickness / workload. You must be able to work quickly and efficiently and with excellent attention to detail. Good communication with your colleagues as well as good time management is essential in this busy laboratory as we all work together to produce high quality results for the patients.

About us

Ashford and St. Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the largest provider of acute hospital services to Surrey residents, serving a population of 410,00 people and employing approximately 4,800 staff.

Our vision is to provide an outstanding experience and best outcomes for patients and the team. We are committed to providing continuous professional development and flexibility to deliver our workforce plan.

We are part of a collaborative Group with the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust. As part of this partnership, colleagues may occasionally work across both organisations to support shared services, development opportunities and patient care.

St Peter's Hospital delivers complex medical and surgical care, maternity and emergency services. Day and orthopaedic surgery, ophthalmology and outpatient services are delivered at Ashford Hospital. Additional services are delivered at Woking Community Hospital.

Our Values provide us with the behaviours we respect and can commit to. By living our values through our everyday interactions, we can build a stronger, more resilient, and forward- thinking organisation, guiding us to achieve success and make a positive impact on how we deliver our services.

We can offer you the full range of NHS benefits and discounts.

Please note that adverts may close early, so early application is encouraged.

For more information about careers at ASPH please visit:www.asph-careers.org

Job responsibilities

Please refer to attached job description.

This post involves routine laboratory duties to support the department including:

• Receipt of samples from main specimen reception
• Tracking samples electronically into racks
• Disposal of samples/reagents,
• Responsibility for the referral of samples to other laboratories
• Packaging samples according to postal regulations
• Entry of results into the laboratory computer information system (LIMS).
• Complete stock control checklists
• Answering the telephone
• Responding to department emails
• Comply with requirements for mandatory training
• Assist in training new staff
• Loading and running a variety of analysers under the supervision of a BMS

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• oEducation to GCSE, GNVQ level 2 or equivalent to include English and maths.

Attitude, behaviours and values

Essential

• Always puts patients first
• Takes pride in their work and their team
• Flexible in their attitudes and behaviours to support team working and delivery of objectives

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working within Pathology
• Evidence examples of team working

Desirable

• Experience of Immunology techniques
• Experience of laboratory IT systems and data entry

Skills

Essential

• You are able to communicate effectively to ensure high standards of care, treatment, service or support as appropriate to your role

Other requirements

Essential

• Able to demonstrate that you are honest, reliable and trustworthy
• Able to work under pressure and to meet deadlines
• A team worker/player
• Motivated and willing to develop knowledge and skills