Medical Laboratory Assistant

at  279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

The Cellular Pathology laboratory at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton is looking for a enthusiastic and self motivated laboratory assistant to join our busy Histopathology team.
UHSx East Cellular pathology receives approximately 34,000 Histology requests and 5,000 Cytology requests per annum, with all the routine technical work being performed at RSCH.
The post will involve supporting the department in providing diagnostic services including specimen data entry, specimen preparation and handling, dealing with telephone enquiries, equipment maintenance, stock control, laboratory waste control and some semi automated and automated technical procedures.
The successful applicant must be conscientious and enthusiastic and able to work well as part of a team and under pressure. Good hand eye coordination, good keyboard skills and attention to detail are essential requirements.
The successful applicant must also have good communication and IT skills and will be expected to participate fully in the accreditation activities of the department.
Relevant experience would be an advantage but full training will be provided.
Candidates looking for a Trainee Biomedical Scientist position or a progressional career post need not apply.
This is a full time position with working hours of Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
The post will involve supporting the department in providing diagnostic Cellular Pathology services and includes specimen data entry, specimen preparation, assisting the medical and scientific team during specimen dissection, matching completed cases for final quality control check, machine operation and maintenance, dealing with telephone enquiries; stock control; and laboratory waste disposal.
This position will be based at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, working and the post-holder will be held accountable to the HR policies and procedures of UHSx.
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Follows standard operating procedures at all times
Participates in data entry for cellular pathology samples.
Understand the urgency of requests; prioritising work according to SOP’s.
Checks samples before processing for identification, status and suitability for diagnostic investigations, referring to a BMS when necessary.
Prepare specimens, making decisions from a range of options on the type of process to be used e.g. fixation, wet preparations, referral to another area of Pathology if appropriate.
Assist the Consultant Pathologist, Registrar or BMS at the specimen dissection bench, recording details and check specimen details.
Undertake routine maintenance and troubleshooting on complex equipment to ensure correct functioning
Load slide scanners as and when directed
Matchs completed cases for final quality control check
Prepare reagents, stock solutions and laboratory disinfectants as directed.
Cleans and disinfects equipment and work areas as appropriate
Report anomalies to senior staff according to SOP’s.
Help maintain the filing system of slides and blocks.
To be aware of and work within own technical competence
Suggests changes to protocols/ Policies where appropriate.
Information management & technology
Works within SOPs and policies to ensure high quality data, thus maintaining the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases. Recognises data quality problems and brings to the attention of senior staff.
Attends training on the use of display screen equipment and ensures that working practices comply.
Reports any non-functional hardware to senior staff.
Uses the laboratory information management system according to authorised protocols. Uses quality management system for read only access
Complies with local and national policies for the safe, secure and confidential processing and storage of patient and other laboratory information.
Uses the laboratory information management system

Please refer the Job description for details