Higher Medical Laboratory Assistant

An exciting opportunity has arisen for part time, Higher Medical Laboratory Assistant within the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences.

As a suitably trained individual you will work in a busy, modern laboratory undertaking data entry and initial processing of patient samples in supporting the Associate Practitioners and Biomedical Scientists.

Duties also include answering requests and providing test results by telephone and additional clerical duties.

Proficiency in the use of keyboard together with good communication and team-working skills are required. Also essential is an aptitude in both numeracy and literacy together with the ability to work accurately.

Candidates will be expected to work variable shifts (including twilights, weekends and Bank Holidays) and will be expected to work on the two laboratory sites (Doncaster and Bassetlaw) in order to deliver the necessary service.

The Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is currently one of five Trusts involved in the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw (SYB) Pathology Transformation Programme. The aim is to design a Pathology Service that provides all SYB patients and clinicians with equitable access to high-quality, innovative laboratory medicine solutions that will ensure the best clinical outcomes for patients. The service will also be efficient and sustainable, encourage research and development in collaboration with Academia and Industry to improve health and innovation in the region and provide rewarding jobs and career opportunities for all staff.

Scientific and technical duties

Learn and retain an extensive knowledge of, and appropriate use of laboratory computer codes for clinical investigation, clinical details, specimen type and requesting source.

Involved in the processing of diagnostic test samples for example centrifuging a sample.

Ensure request forms and samples match with each other and information held in hospital and Lab Computer systems. Prepare specimens for processing by receiving, sorting, labelling and registering them into the laboratory computer system.

Undertake a range of duties within the laboratory under Biomedical Scientist supervision for example loading and unloading samples.

Assist in the dispatch of specimens, sundries and reports to outside agencies and hospital departments.

Decontamination and disposal of pathology specimen waste, including operation of the autoclaves.

Greet patients delivering samples and ask appropriate questions to obtain required information.

Use laboratory equipment for example a centrifuge and transport samples to required area in the Lab.

Safe preparation and use of chemical reagents wearing appropriate personal protective equipment under observance of COSHH.

Analytical and interpretive responsibilities

Book in receive and prepare samples in the laboratory under supervision of Biomedical Scientists.

Organise own tasks on a day to day basis within the limits of the technical requirements of the laboratory.

Could be expected to deal with products of conception.

Supervisory or Management duties.

Show other staff day to day duties as required.

Register patient details on the laboratory Computer systems with the necessary speed and accuracy.

Enter and retrieve data via a VDU.

May be expected to wear a telephone headset.

Service management or development

Compliance with the Health and Safety and Security policies of the Department and Division.

Compliance with all Corporate Policies and Procedures.

Attendance at laboratory meetings and performance appraisal as required.

Participate in the review of Standard Operating Procedures.

Any other duties consistent with the grade and considered appropriate by the Pathology management Team.

Communication and liaison.

Reporting of anomalies and problems to a senior member of staff.

Observation of safe practice, work protocols and standard operating procedures.

Recording information for audit purposes.

Provide Information to patients and clients where possible whether it be in person or over the phone and escalate as required.

Teaching or training responsibilities.

Compliance with training/education policies of the Department and Division.

Support MLA supervisor in training other staff.

Quality control or quality management.

Work within the quality framework established via ISO15189 Pathology Accreditation, MHRA and Human Tissue Authority Standards.

Adhere to Standard Operating Procedures.

IT skills.

Use the laboratory computer system, CAMIS and other information systems as appropriate.