Medical Laboratory Assistant

This is an opportunity to join a friendly, well-motivated team and we would encourage you to contact us to discuss the post further.

This role involves the handling, receipt and distribution of pathology samples, as well as general laboratory and clerical duties.

The work is interesting and varied and there is an emphasis on accuracy and attention to detail.

Experience of computer systems and telephone enquires is desirable.

Previous laboratory experience or data entry would also be an advantage but is not necessary as full training will be given.

Attention to detail and manual dexterity are necessary skills.

The role involves a work pattern covering 24hrs a day including weekends, late shifts, day shifts and night work.

BeKnown at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. By us. By our patients. By our community

We are a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high-quality care and compassion to more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for, treat and support people in hospital, at home and in various community settings.

The West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care services (emergency department, maternity and neonatal services, day surgery unit, eye treatment centre, Macmillan unit and children's ward). It has 500+ beds and is a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge.

Adult and paediatric community services, provided in collaboration with West Suffolk Alliance partners, include a range of nursing, therapy, specialist, and ongoing temporary care and rehabilitation, some at our Newmarket Community Hospital.

We do our utmost to achieve outstanding clinical outcomes for patients and our values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety and team work guide how we work and behave as a team.

With nearly 5,000 staff, from all over the world, we strive to make our organisation a great place to work. Whatever your role or ambition, we want to help you be the best you can be.

We promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyones voice counts and you can #BeKnown for whoever you are.

Join us. What will you #BeKnown for?

Job summary

Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs) provide an essential role within all Pathology disciplines. This role involves the preparation and processing of patient samples. In addition, at WSFT we aim to embed quality within all Pathology teams and this will form a significant part of the MLA role.
- Performs a range of routine and non-routine healthcare science activities under supervision, e.g. performs standard laboratory tests.
- Maintains clinical records in relation to activities carried out.
- Demonstrate own duties to new or less experienced employees.
- To work flexibly in reflection of service needs this may include an extended working day and/or participation in delivery of a 24 hour, 7 days per week service.
- The work of the service brings staff into constant contact with human body fluids, tissues and hazardous chemicals. This may include blood, pus, urine, faeces, and respiratory secretions.
- Maintain and promote professional image of pathology department

NB: Post holder must not work outside their defined field of competence

Key working relationships

Laboratory Managers

Quality Manager

Laboratory Quality Leads

Laboratory Training Officers

Laboratory Health & Safety Link Persons

Pathology colleagues

Other healthcare colleagues

Job responsibilities

**Technical and scientific**:

- Under supervision, perform a range of manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations accurately and efficiently.
- Responsible for sample receipt, numbering and data entry on to the computer system. Use own judgement to identify, action and report mislabelled or mislaid specimens, unsuitable sample or process failure.
- Supports quality control processes.
- Participate in the day to day management of stock control and usage.
- Assist in the introduction of new techniques.
- Clean and maintain equipment to achieve the optimum instrument performance and maintain a clean and safe working environment.
- Report any equipment faults to a biomedical scientist.
- Participate in processing samples for Research and Development, clinical trials and equipment testing.

**Communication**:

- Communicates with colleagues and clinicians, e.g. provides test results by telephone as appropriate.
- Undertake reception duties, including communication with patients.

**Information resources**:

- Records test results/maintains integrity, accuracy of laboratory data, including data entered by self.
- Be able to record test results on the computer and manual systems in accordance with agreed standard operating procedures.
- To ensure patient confidentiality and conformance to Data Protection Act and Caldicott Guidelines.

**Quality/Governance/Risk Management**:

- Follow policies and procedures ensuring that the quality management system is complied with.
- Comment on proposals for change to appropri