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- Tasks: Join our busy Blood Sciences team, processing 1500-2000 samples daily.
- Company: Be part of County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, providing vital healthcare services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible shifts, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment while supporting patient care.
- Qualifications: NVQ 3 CLS or equivalent, with strong literacy and numeracy skills required.
- Other info: We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and offer opportunities for growth.
The predicted salary is between 20600 - 21500 £ per year.
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant
The closing date is 08 July 2025
We are seeking an individual with excellent literacy andnumeracy skills to work as a Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant in our verybusy Department of Blood Sciences which processes 1500-2000 samples per siteeach day.
The Medical Laboratory Assistant role involvesworking as a member of staff providing support to Specimen Reception,Biochemistry, Immunology, Haematology and Blood Transfusion. You will beworking alongside a team of Biomedical Scientists and Associate Practitioners.
Main duties of the job
Main tasks include:
Prioritising urgent and AE samples to avoid delays andensure best patient care.
Receipt of samples from within the Hospital via a vacuum tubesystem or in person and from GP surgeries via courier services.
Booking a large volume of patient samples on to theLaboratory Computer System and ensuring the correct test requests are inputted.There are thousands of different test codes and you must have excellentattention to detail to select the correct codes.
Centrifuging samples and correctly loading the samples on tothe relevant laboratory analysers.
Organising referral and packaging and sending of samples toother Trust sites and to other Trusts nationwide.
Answering reception and telephone queries and liaising withother Trust staff and the general public.
Receiving deliveries, ensuring they go to the correctdepartment within Pathology and unpacking and organising the stock asrequested.
Scanning request forms and ensuring printed reports are sentto the correct requesting departments, GPs or clinics in a timely manner.
Please refer to the Job Description and PersonalSpecification for full details.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks
We provide hospital services from two acute sites – Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients\’ homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents
Over reliance onAI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant\’s chances ofsuccess
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
From April 9th 2025 – Healthcare assistants – You must have a minimum of two yearsof experience working within the NHS as a HCA for the Trust to considersponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria andhave a current visa expiring within 3 months)
Job responsibilities
You should be able to demonstrate good keyboard skills andbe computer literate and have experience of working in a reception or clericalenvironment. Previous Laboratory experience would be an advantage. If you arewell organised, have excellent attention to detail, are a good communicator,team player, conscientious and flexible this job may suit you. You must be ableto ask questions and take on board information given.
You must be able to work on a 24/7 shift rotawhich includes dayshifts, late shifts, nightshifts, weekend dayshifts andnightshifts, Bank Holiday dayshifts and nightshifts including Christmas Day.This is a requirement of the post. Dayshifts and late shifts are 7.5 or 8hours. Nightshifts and some weekends and Bank Holidays are 12 hours. Onweekends, bank holidays and nightshifts you will often be the sole PathologyReception worker on site (there will be Biomedical Scientists on site also).
Person Specification
Special Requirements
- Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post
- Able to handle blood and body samples
- Able to work flexibly
- Able to participate in shift working, week end working, bank holidays.
Qualifications
- NVQ 3 CLS or equivalent
- IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part 1 or demonstrable assessed competency
- CPD
- NVQ 3 Health (Pathology stream) or equivalent
- Science and/or Maths GCSE or above
Special Requirements
- Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post
- Able to handle blood and body samples
- Able to work flexibly
- Able to participate in shift working, week end working, bank holidays.
Experience
- Previous laboratory experience
- Employment with public interaction
- Supervisory experience
- Training experience
Special Skills & Knowledge
- Follow protocols and instructions accurately
- Excellent communication skills, verbal and written
- Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to concentrate for long periods
- Microsoft Office applications
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 name
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
£24,625 to £25,674 a yearper annum, pro rata
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant employer: CDDFT Charity
Contact Detail:
CDDFT Charity Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific laboratory processes and protocols mentioned in the job description. Understanding the workflow of specimen reception, sample processing, and the various tests will give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust. They can provide insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your communication skills, especially in handling queries from both staff and the public. Being able to demonstrate effective communication during your interview will show that you are a team player and can handle the demands of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with shift work and flexibility. Since the role requires working various shifts, being able to articulate your adaptability and willingness to work during weekends and holidays will make you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant role. Emphasise your attention to detail, communication skills, and any previous laboratory experience.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the job description. Mention your ability to handle blood and body samples, your experience in a clerical environment, and your flexibility in working shifts.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications such as NVQ 3 CLS or equivalent, and any other relevant certifications. Make sure to mention your GCSEs in Science and Maths, as these are essential for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this position.
How to prepare for a job interview at CDDFT Charity
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant. Understand the importance of prioritising samples and the processes involved in specimen reception, as this will show your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Since the job requires excellent attention to detail, be prepared to discuss examples from your past experience where you successfully managed tasks that required precision, such as booking patient samples or handling laboratory equipment.
✨Showcase Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be ready to explain how you've handled queries or liaised with colleagues in previous positions. This will highlight your ability to work well within a team and interact with the public.
✨Prepare for Shift Work Questions
As the position involves working on a 24/7 shift rota, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to work various shifts, including nights and weekends. This shows your understanding of the demands of the role.
