Medical Laboratory Assistant

MLA staff play a key role in the laboratory providing a number of important tasks that facilitate the efficient processing of assays and the timely reporting of results for patients. They ensure that samples are received into the labs and are stored in the sample storage system, where they can be easily located when required. There may also be a need to track down samples from other laboratories by querying the IT system. 95% of our analyses are performed on automated analysers, and MLA staff will also be trained on some of these analysers in order to support the Biomedical and Clinical Scientist staff.
An aptitude for good Customer Service is expected as the team frequently interacts with users of the service.
We are committed to staff training and staff are actively encouraged to develop themselves through the various training opportunities available within Synnovis.
You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development programme.

Working for our organisation
Your development and learning
You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Academy through which you can receive funding / support for advanced qualifications.
Through our Innovation Accelerator Fund, you can apply for finance to get that new innovative scientific project off the ground, and participate with the wider scientific community through symposiums, conferences and other peer group meetings.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities
At Synnovis, we are currently shaping the future of pathology services by creating a world-leading Hub and Spoke pathology network with our NHS partners. A large part of this modernisation will involve moving 70% of our services to a purpose built, state of the art Hub laboratory in the heart of London. For now, the job you are applying for will be based at one of our hospital sites however, from 1 April 2024 our people and services start to move to our Hub laboratory in Blackfriars, Southwark, SE1, with some work remaining in refurbished essential services laboratories across our hospital network, focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests. Please do ask your recruiting manager if you wish to find out more., a. To undertake operational duties as directed by qualified Biomedical Scientist/Clinical Scientist staff or through the supervisor, which includes sample processing and preparation, inputting of patient results and associated clerical duties.
b. To prepare blood samples for Immunological testing from internal and external users of our service.
c. To prepare samples for despatch to other NHS Hospitals (as required).
d. To maintain manual and computerised records.
e. To liaise with all areas of the department and with other internal departments and external hospitals with respect to service delivery.
f. To answer telephone enquiries for results, passing requests for advice to appropriate senior staff. To reply to enquiries from external hospitals asking about outstanding results.
g. To monitor and record fridge and freezer temperatures on a daily basis.
h. To assist with training and supervision of other MLA colleagues to carry out safely all procedures relating to this role.
i. To maintain confidentiality at all times with regard to patient information and results. The MLA must not disclose any information concerning patients to unauthorised persons, under the 1984 Data Protection Act.
j. To work with the team to regularly review the working practice as part of the Department's drive towards maintaining a high quality and safe service (in accordance with UKAS accreditation and ISO 15182:2022 guidelines).
k. To follow and implement the Department Safety Policy and Code of Practice. Inform the Safety Officer on safety issues within the Department.
l. To develop an understanding of the scientific basis of Laboratory work.
Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.
The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.
The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.
King's College Hospital Foundation Trust is one of the UK's leading NHS Foundation Trusts in specialist teaching. King's has various divisions including Neurosciences, Haematology, Cancer and Cardiovascular sciences, where there are unlimited opportunities to develop and perfect your career.
Over the last 170 years, King's has delivered nothing but world class service to all its patients from deprived communities as well as some of the wealthiest in London.

The place to work in pathology
We are looking for top talent to join the UK's leading and fastest growing pathology company - a scientific organisation with a clinical purpose.
Working in partnership with our service partners, Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospitals, King's College Hospital and Princess Royal University Hospital we aim to set the standard for the future of pathology.

Job overview
We are looking for 2 enthusiastic Medical Laboratory Assistants (Band 3), for full time (37.5 hours per week) cross-site roles within the Immunology Laboratories. We are embarking on a project to transfer our services to a purpose-built hub laboratory at Friars Bridge Court, Blackfriars, as part of Synnovis' plan to create a world-leading integrated pathology network. This is a unique opportunity for you to contribute and help us deliver this project!
We are particularly interested to hear from those with previous laboratory experience, but this is not mandatory as full training will be provided.
These are 6 month fixed term contract roles. The successful applicants will join our ever growing, friendly and interactive team which delivers an excellent diagnostic Immunology service to King's College Hospital, Guy's and St. Thomas's Hospitals, local GPs and other customers throughout the UK. An extended working day is in operation from 08:00 to 19:30, Monday to Friday, which is covered by three shifts. There is also a 3 hour paid voluntary shift on Saturdays. Our service is fully UKAS accredited, and we are accredited by the IBMS for Training. The laboratory team comprises 29 staff members, which includes Biomedical Scientists, Clinical Scientists, and Medical Laboratory Assistants. The laboratory team is supported by a team of Medical personnel and administrative staff., Our Bank workers enjoy competitive market rates and flexible contract assignments across all of our sites, dependent on your availability and location.
For our Permanent workforce we offer a competitive benefits package.
All employees are entitled to:
+ Contributory pension scheme
+ Generous annual leave entitlement
+ Ground breaking development
opportunities
Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All employees have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in the course of their daily duties and for ensuring that they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.