Band 3 Medical laboratory assistant

Job summary

The post holder will assist HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientists (BMS) within the Directorate to provide cross site support to laboratory services.

This job description is applicable to all laboratory disciplines and sections across University Hospitals Birmingham.

As an MLA the post holder will have some knowledge of biomedical procedures and is responsible for processing patient specimens for biomedical testing and maintaining all records involved in the diagnostic pathway after receiving appropriate training and ability to demonstrate competence. This includes: receiving, sorting, labelling and preparing specimens; resolving issues such as mislabelled or missing samples, performing reception duties, data entry, dealing with telephone enquiries and relaying test results to clinicians and other healthcare workers, performing general housekeeping duties. Depending on competency assessment the post holder may be required to operate specialist laboratory equipment. The post holder will provide support for and assist with the induction and training of new entrant medical laboratory staff and support with Q-pulse and the laboratory quality management system where appropriate.

The post holder will be guided by standard operating procedures (SOPs) but also propose improved ways of working to the working area or laboratory section. The post holder will deal with routine enquiries and know when to seek advice or when to refer non-routine matters to a supervisor.

Main duties, tasks & skills required

We are looking for people who work well within a team and have a patient focused attitude with quality in mind

In providing a 24/7 day service, there is requirement for weekend and statutory/ public holidays working, depending on the job taken participation in an overnight/late shifts would be necessary

Duties

To safely handle, use and dispose of biological samples

To receive, check conditions and record details of incoming goods

To collect, receive, sort, check patient and request details, label and process and where appropriate despatch patient samples in line with Departmental procedure

To report to the relevant supervisor or manager any errors or incidents in line with Departmental procedure

Prepare reagents according to standard operating procedures as directed by a supervisor or manager

Perform a range of laboratory tests following standard operating procedures that require speed, accuracy and good hand eye co-ordination.

Perform daily housekeeping duties e.g. tidy and clean benches and work areas, cleaning, decontamination and maintenance of laboratory equipment

Monitoring and recording of equipment for example temperature monitoring inform a supervisor or manager of any non-conformances

Understanding of automated instruments/equipment. Maintenance and problem solving will be crucial

There are posts for 3 laboratories

Clinical microbiology at QE UHB

Cellular pathology at QE & BHH UHB

About us

We are recognised as one of the leading NHS Foundation Trusts in the UK. Our vision is to Build Healthier Lives, and we recognise that we need incredible staff to do this.

Our commitment to our staff is to create the best place for them to work, and we are dedicated to:

Investing in the health and wellbeing of our staff, including a commitment of offering flexible working where we can;
Offer our staff a wide variety of training and development opportunities, to support their personal and career development objectives.

UHB is committed to ensuring that our staff are treated fairly and feel that they belong, by creating a kind and inclusive environment. This is about equity of opportunity; removing all barriers, including discrimination and ensuring each individual member of staff reach their true potential, achieve their ambitions and thrive in their work. This is more than words. We are taking action. Our commitment to an inclusive culture is embedded at all levels of the organisation where every voice is heard, driven by our diverse and active staff networks, and at Board level by the Fairness Taskforce led by our CEO. We nurture a culture which empowers staff to challenge discriminatory behaviours and to enable people to bring their 'whole self' to a kinder, more connected and bold place to work.

Job description

*Please Note*: For a detailed job description for this vacancy, please see attached Job Description* 

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

Education to GCSE in English and Maths.

NVQ level 3 or equivalent.

Experience

Essential

Awareness of National Health Service.

Awareness of the role of Medical Laboratories.

Awareness of Health and Safety issues.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

For help with your application, contact: 

Matthew Smith-Banks 

Matthew.Smith-Banks@uhb.nhs.uk 

01213716530