Pathology Healthcare Science Support

Job overview

Pathology Healthcare Science Support

Department: Pathology Support unit

Band: 3 £24.071 to £25.674 Pro rata if part-time

Hours: Full time, 37.5 per week, there are 3 shifts 10:45-17:15, 12:30 - 19:00 & 14:30 - 21:00 all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working

Pathology and Blood Sciences have also had major investment in new equipment and refurbishment. We are committed to the quality of service we provide our patients and users and were recently awarded ISO 15189 accreditation for Haematology/Blood Transfusion and Chemistry repertoires.

Here at Milton Keynes we have committed leadership who engage our staff, listen to innovative ideas, and involve our people in the challenges and improvements that our organisation faces. Continuing professional and personal development is encouraged and supported. We provide a comprehensive 24/7 service which staff support through flexible rostering.

Applications are invited to join the Pathology Support Unit of Blood Sciences as a Clinical Support Worker working with a team of dedicated healthcare professionals to deliver a high quality service that is responsive to patient requirements.

For further information contact Linda Roberts Deputy PSU Manager() on

Please note that we are not able to offer sponsorship for this role.

Interview date: 22 October 2024

Main duties of the job

You will be a key member of the PSU team providing support services to departments analysing and reporting on, blood, urine, faeces and other materials to achieve the objectives of efficient and effective patient care. You will be required to deliver a service that meets the quality standards of ISO 15189 and participate in work patterns that support our 24/7 service.

• To provide essential pre-analytical management of pathology specimens and requests to maintain workflow to specialist laboratory services for timely analysis.
• To provide effective post analytical management of specialist laboratory investigations ensuring results are accurate, reported within expected timelines and available for scientific validation and review by clinical service users.
• To provide assistance to both patients and clinical staff using the pathology service.
• To manage deliveries of patient material, consumables, reagents and mail.
• To provide this role over a 7 day working pattern and support delivery of a 24/7 pathology service.

Working for our organisation

NHS Staff Survey: Staff levels have significantly improved since 2022, with employees agreeing that
"there are enough staff at this organisation for me to do my job properly." 35.15%

You can expect a warm welcome at Milton Keynes University Hospital, our staff are friendly and welcoming. We listen to each other and work together to embed our Trusts values and behaviours. At MKUH we appreciate our staff and reward them with an outstanding benefits package including:

Free on-site parking

Free tea and coffee

Great flexible working opportunities

Discounted gym membership

Lease car scheme

Generous annual leave and pension scheme

On site nursery (chargeable)

Extensive staff health and well-being programme

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital; we conduct research and teaching on site to improve the care of our patients. The hospital is undergoing significant investment, and we are proud to be rated good by the CQC. Visit our website to catch up on our latest news.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Take receipt of referred test results, verify requested analysis is present and enter data on Pathology LIMS system for technical validation.
• Take receipt of pathology specimens and verify sample is suitable for requested analysis
• Monitor temperatures of incubators, refrigerators, freezers. Report any discrepancies to Team Leader/Manager staff.

Please refer to attached Job description for further information.

We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity, and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.

MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.

We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once enough applications have been received.

MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.

By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.

Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months.

Person specification Qualifications and knowledge Essential criteria

• Level 3 qualification i.e. A level in Maths and/or Science. In the absence of this Level 2 qualification i.e. GCSE in Maths, Science or English with experience in Healthcare science.
• Knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office applications
• Knowledge of Manual Handling and Health & Safety legislation
• Knowledge of ISO 15189 Standards for Medical laboratories
• Knowledge of Data Protection Action and GDPR

Desirable criteria

• Level 4 Science based qualification i.e HND or first part Foundation Degree

Experience Essential criteria

• Experience in Healthcare and/or Healthcare Science
• Customer Service/Care experience

Desirable criteria

• Experience using with Laboratory Information Systems
• Experience in leading teams

Skills Essential criteria

• Good interpersonal skills
• Record Keeping skills
• Good organisational skills
• Methodical and accurate approach to tasks

Personal and people development Essential criteria

• Ability to work individually and in a team
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to manage conflict
• Ability to train other staff

Communication Essential criteria

• Clear and accurate written and verbal use of English communication at all levels of the organisation
• Good Telephone ability
• Ability to apply principles of GDPR