Apprentice Medical Laboratory Assistant - Cellular Pathology

We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join our team as an Apprentice Medical Laboratory Assistant in our friendly but busy Cellular Pathology department based at Queen’s Hospital.

Cellular Pathology receives 45,000 patient requests per annum. You will join our existing staff in preparing patient tissue and fluid samples in readiness for examination by qualified pathology staff.

The ideal candidate will have a genuine interest in science and Pathology, will be IT literate, have excellent communication and manual dexterity skills. Prior laboratory or NHS experience would be an advantage.

As this is an apprenticeship alongside the job you will be completing the Level 4 Healthcare Science Associate Apprenticeship.

Applicants are asked to carefully read the advert and Job Description before completing and submitting an application. Please ensure you clearly demonstrate how you meet the criteria in the person specification.

To be eligible for an Apprenticeship you must meet the following criteria:

Be 16 years old or over

Have the right to work in the UK

Have been permanently resident in the UK for the past 3 years

PLEASE NOTE: The post is initially offered as a fixed term contract; but will become permanent on successful completion of the apprenticeship.

The post holder will assist the Consultant Histopathologists, Specialty Doctors and Biomedical Scientist (BMS) in the preparation and technical work of the various sections of Histology and /or Cytology department. Duties are supervised by the Biomedical Scientists.

Under the leadership of our Chair Jacqui Smith and Matthew Trainer, our Chief Executive, we provide care for the residents of three of the most diverse London boroughs. More than half of our 7,500 strong workforce are from black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and most live in Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge. We also provide healthcare services to people in south west Essex, and specialist neurosciences services to the whole of the county.

Our services include all the major specialties of large acute hospitals, operating from two main sites - King George Hospital in Goodmayes and Queen’s Hospital in Romford. We also provide outpatient services at Brentwood Community Hospital, Barking Hospital, Loxford Polyclinic, and Harold Wood Polyclinic. We have two of the busiest emergency departments in London.

As we recover from Covid-19, we’re proud to be leading the way nationally in reducing the time our patients wait to get the treatment they need. The pandemic provided the drive for our teams to innovate and change.

We know we have more work to do to improve waiting times for urgent and emergency care, and our performance against the four-hour emergency access standard remains challenged, in comparison to many other London trusts.

We are particularly proud of our regional Neurosciences Centre; Radiotherapy Centre; Hyper Acute Stroke Unit; and dedicated breast care service at King George Hospital. We’re also pleased to be part of the NEL Cancer Alliance.

Applications are welcome from people who have lived experience of the care system. We are committed to equal opportunities and keen to support our local communities.

For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification.

The person specification listed below is not the full specification requirements for the role. Please ensure you review the full specification on the job description prior to submitting your application.

Applicants are advised to read all the information on the advert and the supporting information before completing and submitting an application. As you complete your application please ensure you clearly demonstrate how you meet the criteria in the person specification for this post by adequately completing the supporting information section of the application form.

All new staff appointed at the Trust are subject to a probationary period.

Applications should be made online, however, queries regarding the application process or assistance with completion of the form (for applicants with a disability) can be made to Amanda Vickers, Recruitment Advisor, on 01708 435000 ext. 5926. Further details regarding the post may be obtained by contacting the manager as per the contact details above.