• Job Description

  Req#: C9179-25-0404?language=en&page=703&sort=publicationDateDesc

  Job summary

  We are inviting applications from motivated and passionate candidates to join our friendly and hardworking team in Specimen Reception department at West Suffolk Hospital Pathology department.

  Candidates should have a minimum of GCSE Mathematics and English or equivalent.

  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.

  Training and competency assessment will be undertaken with an expectation for the candidate to participate in the shift rota including evening , weekend, nights and bank holiday working.

  Main duties of the job

  The successful candidate will be part of the team receiving samples and preparing them for analysis. Preparation involves labelling and entering on to the computer system.

  A small amount of maintenance on the analysers will be expected - full training will be given. You will be performing these tasks, with associate practitioners and biomedical scientists performing more complex tasks.

  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.

  About us

  #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?

  Details

  Date posted

  13 August 2025

  Pay scheme

  Agenda for change

  Band

  Band 3

  Salary

  £24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum, pro rata

  Contract

  Permanent

  Working pattern

  Full-time, Flexible working

  Reference number

  179-7224708-C

  Job locations

  West Suffolk Hospital

  Hardwick Lane

  Bury St Edmunds

  IP33 2QZ

  
  

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  Please see job description for full details.

  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.
  • Be able to use Laboratory Information system, email, internet and automated operating systems, and other software packages as required.

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  Please see job description for full details.

  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.
  • Be able to use Laboratory Information system, email, internet and automated operating systems, and other software packages as required.

  Person Specification

  Education & Qualification

  Essential

  • GCSE Maths and English (A-C) or equivalent

  Desirable

  • Appropriate NVQ level 3/diploma

  Experience & Knowledge

  Essential

  • Awareness of the work performed in a hospital laboratory.

  Desirable

  • Practical experience of working in a Biomedical Science laboratory
  • Knowledge of Pathology IT systems
  • Previous relevant experience of working in the NHS

  Skills & Abilities

  Essential

  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrable interpersonal skills - can work as part of a team.
  • Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods of time.
  • Manual dexterity appropriate to activities associated with post.

  Personal Qualities

  Essential

  • High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Strives for excellence.
  • Self-motivated.
  • Flexible approach to working hours and duties
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
  • Puts the patient first in everything that is undertaken.
  • Awareness of self and impact on others.
  • Able to work with body fluids and hazardous materials.

  Person Specification

  Education & Qualification

  Essential

  • GCSE Maths and English (A-C) or equivalent

  Desirable

  • Appropriate NVQ level 3/diploma

  Experience & Knowledge

  Essential

  • Awareness of the work performed in a hospital laboratory.

  Desirable

  • Practical experience of working in a Biomedical Science laboratory
  • Knowledge of Pathology IT systems
  • Previous relevant experience of working in the NHS

  Skills & Abilities

  Essential

  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrable interpersonal skills - can work as part of a team.
  • Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods of time.
  • Manual dexterity appropriate to activities associated with post.

  Personal Qualities

  Essential

  • High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Strives for excellence.
  • Self-motivated.
  • Flexible approach to working hours and duties
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
  • Puts the patient first in everything that is undertaken.
  • Awareness of self and impact on others.
  • Able to work with body fluids and hazardous materials.

  Disclosure and Barring Service Check

  This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

  Employer details

  Employer name

  West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust

  Address

  West Suffolk Hospital

  Hardwick Lane

  Bury St Edmunds

  IP33 2QZ

  
  

  Employer's website

  https://www.wsh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

  Employer details

  Employer name

  West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust

  Address

  West Suffolk Hospital

  Hardwick Lane

  Bury St Edmunds

  IP33 2QZ

  
  

  Employer's website

  https://www.wsh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

• About the company

  National Health Service (NHS) is the umbrella term for the publicly-funded healthcare systems of the United Kingdom (UK). The founding principles were that services should be comprehensive, universal and free at the point of delivery—a health service based on clinical need, not ability to pay. Each service provides a comprehensive range of health services, free at the point of use for people ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom apart from dental treatment and optical care.

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