Medical Laboratory Assistant

To ensure that all specimens are sorted and labelled, with details entered in a computer, and samples prepared for analysis. Duties will include working late shifts, weekends, bank holidays and night working to ensure a 24-hour laboratory service.

We are seeking to recruit full time Medical Laboratory Assistants working in Sample Reception Department in Pathology at Russells Hall Hospital. Duties will include the preparation of samples for analysis and entry of patient information on to the computer system.

Experience of data entry and working in a laboratory will be an advantage, but full training will be given. This role includes shift working on rotational basis, although core days whilst training will be 9am - 5.30pm. There will also be rotational weekend and bank holiday working from 8am to 8pm.

This is a fixed term 12 month post only.

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust is one of the largest NHS trusts in the West Midlands providing primary, acute and community services and we are incredibly proud of the diversity of both our staff and the communities we serve. We are building a workforce that can help us to fulfil our values, improve quality of care for patients, and solve the health care problems of tomorrow. We’re passionate about the value that diversity of thinking and lived experience brings in enabling us to become a learning organisation and leader in delivering compassionate care for our patients.
We are delighted that we have been rated as “Good” by CQC. We have achieved numerous awards; The Nursing Times Best Diversity and Inclusion Practice and Best UK Employer of the Year for Nursing Staff in 2020.
The Trust is a supportive working environment committed to creating flexible working arrangements that suit your needs and as such will consider all requests from applicants who wish to work flexibly.

To perform accurate preparation and pre-analytical procedures as defined by the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including centrifuging samples where necessary.

To undertake the reception of samples within the department and their collection from Pathology Reception, using own initiative and dealing with matters independently where possible, referring to senior members of staff for guidance when necessary.

To ensure correct documentation and labelling of samples.

To identify and expedite urgent and priority samples.

Responsible for specimen and patient data entry into the laboratory computer and the storage of paper records.

To provide information as required.

To assist with the processing of specimens using automated laboratory techniques.

To perform manual laboratory techniques.

Dealing with telephone enquiries from colleagues, patients, medical staff and others and giving out authorised results according to protocols that protect patient confidentiality.

To ensure the safe disposal of samples and materials according to departmental policies.

To prepare reagents and perform Quality Assurance procedures according to SOPs.

To document and package specimens and request for reference to other laboratories ensuring that the correct tests have been requested and that transport regulations are adhered to according to written protocols.

Responsible for monitoring and requisitioning of stationery, pharmacy supplies and consumable goods from stock.

To undertake general laboratory house keeping as specified in the SOPs.

To handle bio hazardous samples and hazardous substances.

May be required to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays in line with service needs.

To see full list of duties and main responsibilities, please refer to the full job description attached to the vacancy on the Trust website.