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Job summary

Main area
Blood Sciences
Grade
Band 3
Contract
Fixed term: 12 months (Shift work)
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Shift working between 08:00-20:00 M-F plus occasional week-end work (currently 0900-1300))
Job ref
418-COR4796-SJ
Employer
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Bedford Hospital South Wing
Town
Bedford
Salary
£22,816 - £24,336 Per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
05/08/2024 23:59

Employer heading

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust logo

Pathology Specimen Reception Assistant (Band 3)

Band 3

Job overview

An opportunity exists for a Specimen receptionist (AFC band 3) to join the team of dedicated enthusiastic staff in the Blood Sciences Department at Bedford Hospital.  The successful candidate will work as a member of a dedicated team in specimen reception.

Every encouragement will be given with participation in Continual Personal Development through onsite training and attendance at suitable external events alongside gaining valuable experience working in a busy Blood Sciences Department. 

The successful applicant will be required to work 22.5 hrs per week (averaged over a 12 week period) on a 7 day rota, after training and acquiring competency in the required tasks  

 Applications are welcome from applicants with a disability. We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways through the application process. All applicants are welcome to apply regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. Equality of opportunity is our policy.

 

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will be expected to

  • Receive and dispatch samples to appropriate laboratories.
  • Sort and label specimens for blood sciences
  • Undertake accurate and precise data entry on laboratory computer system which requires frequent periods of concentration.
  • Maintain, process and distribute orders of consumables for GP surgeries
  • File and distribute patient reports.
  • Organisation of personal workload
  • Handle telephone enquiries from service users and where required communicate test results which may be of a complex and/or sensitive nature.
  • Participate in mentoring guidance and training of inexperienced/new staff when required.
  • Effectively communicate with laboratory and medical staff to ensure that specimens are dealt with appropriately and in a timely fashion.
  • Liaise with GP surgeries, hospital clinics and other departments within Pathology.

 

Working for our organisation

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton.  Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. 

We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and responsibilities. 

  • To undertake the reception, identification and processing of pathological samples in the Specimen Reception.
  • Sorting and labelling of specimens
  • Undertake accurate and precise data entry on laboratory computer system which requires frequent periods of concentration
  • Maintenance of stores
  • To ensure that GP consumable orders are completed and distributed to GP surgeries.

Person specification

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Proven key board skills
  • Experience of word processing packages, databases and spreadsheets.
  • Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive patient information in a methodical and professional manner
  • Ability to work as part of a team across a range of staff groups.
Desirable criteria
  • Previous experience working within the laboratory setting

Education

Essential criteria
  • Educated to a good GCSE level in English & Mathematics
  • Previous administrative and clerical experience in a healthcare or customer service environment
Desirable criteria
  • Keyboard and IT skills preferably ECDL

Skills & Knowledge

Essential criteria
  • Excellent communication skills – written and verbal
  • Good interpersonal and telephone skills
  • Able to work to deadlines and prioritise workload
Desirable criteria
  • Willingness to learn

Employer certification / accreditation badges

NHS Pastoral Care Quality AwardApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveArmed Forces Covenant (Silver Award)Care quality commission - GoodDisability confident employerNational Preceptorship for Nursing Quality Mark 2024Employer with Heart

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Sharon Mucha
Job title
Specimen Reception Team Leader
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01234792150
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