Medical Laboratory Assistant

The department receives over 30,000 specimens per year and undertakes all routine histological procedures including specimen dissection, microtomy, frozen sections, special stains and immunocytochemistry. We are UKAS accredited and registered with the IBMS as a pre and post registration training laboratory., The preparation of GP and surgical specimens for histological examination including:
1. Reception and organisation of patient samples
2. Assisting pathologists/Biomedical staff at specimen dissection
3. Assisting with preparation of tissue for processing and embedding
4. Organisation and preparation of slides for digital scanning
+ Carry out a range of routine work procedures and practices according to the SOPs provided.
+ Perform manual procedures such as measurement of volumes and making up solutions.
+ Prepare samples for diagnostic testing and process them to the point of reporting.
+ Prepare slides for digital and scanning and loading/unbloading of slides onto the scanner
+ Monitor laboratory stock levels.
+ Work to policies and processes within your working area and propose changes when required.
+ Be able to prioritise work and make informed judgements on daily processes.
+ Enter data manually into the laboratory computer system ready for reporting.
+ Maintain concentration required for the processing of samples for prolonged periods.
Communication:
+ Provide and receive routine information in written, electronic or verbal form for your own use but also to inform members of your team or users of the laboratory service.
+ Attend laboratory briefings when required and any other meetings deemed necessary by your manager.
+ Attend relevant training sessions when required.
+ You may be expected to demonstrate your own duties to other MLAs and where necessary provide them with basic training.
Supervision:
+ Be able to assist in the supervision of inexperienced MLAs within your area once trained and competent.
+ Work on your own initiative but with supervision available, using the guidance of SOPs and good practice policies.
Working Environment:
+ There will be frequent exposure to chemicals and possibly to micro-organisms which can cause disease.
+ Regular use of chemicals both hazardous and non-hazardous.
+ You will be expected to bend and lift boxes of reagents on a regular basis., Applications will be transferred to TRAC system, by completing an application your are giving authorisation for the transfer of your data.
Correspondence regarding your application will be sent to you via a TRAC system account.
We are an equal opportunities employer, which aims to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.
We welcome applications from members of our black and minority ethnic (BME) communities, especially in relation to senior posts within at KGH.
Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible.
Appointments will be made on merit.
In submitting an application form, you authorise Kettering General Hospital (KGH) NHS Foundation Trust to confirm any previous NHS service details via the Electronic Staff Record (ESR) Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) process. Including factual reference, occupational health clearance and statutory and mandatory training record.
If you need to have a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check, as a requirement of the role, you will be required to repay the cost of obtaining a DBS check (£50) and this amount will be reclaimed from your first salary. From 1st February 2019 all new starters to the Trust are required to join the DBS update service as per Trust DBS Re-checking Policy which has an annual cost of £13. New employees who do not join the update service will be required to pay £50 for a new DBS check in 3 years time.
Please note that news starters with KGH are subject to a six month probationary period.
Please ensure that the information you provide on your application form is correct, accurate and that nothing has been omitted. Any information that is stated in your application form in relation to qualifications/training courses/work/education experience/references must be able to be evidenced. Failure to do so may result if your offer being withdrawn.
"Safeguarding is everyone's business. KGH considers Safeguarding a priority amongst its citizen's and a key value for all employed to the service."
We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities. The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals. We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative. We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and reliable person to join our friendly and highly motivated Histology team at Kettering General Hospital., + Be comfortable working within a team but also have the skills and confidence to work independently.
+ Undertake computer data entry.
+ You should be able to work accurately and efficiently
+ Have the ability to concentre for protracted periods of time
+ Excellent communication skills
+ General administrative tasks
+ Undertake numerical filing of specimen blocks and slides.
+ Good organisational and data entry skills are essential.

You will work as a Medical Laboratory Assistant in the Cellular Pathology Department and report to the Cellular Pathology Manager. The position is full-time (37.5hrs per week). The department operates Monday to Friday (9:00-17:30)