Pathology Specimen Reception Assistant (Band 3)

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., 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.
  
  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.