Job summary
- Main area
- Pathology
- Grade
- Band 3
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time
- Part time
- Flexible working
- Term time hours
- Job ref
- 279-7358839-AUG25
- Employer
- 279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- St Richards hospital
- Town
- Chichester
- Salary
- £24,937 - £26,598 per annum pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 11/09/2025 23:59
Employer heading
Cellular Pathology Senior Administrative Assistant
Band 3
About our Trust
At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First . In fact our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
As part of our commitment to access for all, please see the different ways you can access the application form:
https://apps.trac.jobs/accessibility?_ts=1
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Job overview
The Cellular Pathology Laboratory (main base St Richards Hospital, Chichester) currently dealing with approximately 35,000 – 40,000 Histology specimens.
In addition to routine Histology samples the department undertakes work in Immunocytochemistry (ICC), Special Stains, Non-Gynae Diagnostic Cytology and Digital Pathology using whole slide imaging. The main laboratory at St Richards Hospital is currently open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, whilst the Worthing Hospital laboratory is open from 8am to 5pm, also Monday to Friday.
Our friendly and dedicated administrative team, based at St Richards hospital, plays a key role in supporting the smooth running of the department, contributing to Histology turn-around times and cancer wait times.
Main duties of the job
We are seeking a highly organised and detail-oriented Senior Administrative Assistant to join our Cellular Pathology team at St Richard’s Hospital. You will provide vital administrative support to Consultants, Registrars, and laboratory staff, contributing directly to the production of histology reports, including audio typing. This includes co-ordinating external send-away of pathology cases, preparing histology reports for MDT meetings, and ensuring timely and accurate data entry using systems such as WinPath LIMS and Excel.
The role requires excellent communication skills, the ability to prioritise workload in a busy environment, and strong attention to detail. You’ll work collaboratively across multiple departments and external providers, playing a key part in maintaining quality standards and contributing to continuous service improvement. Full training in departmental systems and processes will be provided.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
As a Senior Administrative Assistant in Cellular Pathology, you will play a key role in supporting the day-to-day running of the histology service at St Richard’s Hospital, including:
-
Produce high-quality histology reports, including audio typing from Consultants, Registrars and Biomedical Scientists.
-
Coordinate the preparation and dispatch of pathology cases to external providers, including slide batching and clinical documentation .
- Responsible for preparation of histology reports and slide/digital images for Specialist MDT meetings
-
Track case progress using WinPath LIMS, Excel, and Cerebro (laboratory tracking system) to ensure timely and accurate data management.
-
Communicate effectively with internal clinical teams and external providers to support case flow and reporting.
-
Maintain accurate patient records in line with Trust policies and data protection regulations.
-
Assist with quality assurance, audit preparation, and contribute to the department’s UKAS ISO15189 accreditation.
-
Support general administrative duties and help ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the Cellular Pathology service.
-
Uphold the Trust’s values of Compassion, Communication, Teamwork, Respect, Professionalism, and Inclusion in all aspects of your work.
Person specification
Qualifications, Experience & Skills
Essential criteria
- NVQ3 or equivalent award
- GCSE English minimum Grade C or equivalent
- GCSE Maths minimum Grade C or equivalent
- Proven ability to concentrate on processes for extended periods, e.g. typing, slide retrieval for MDT sessions, etc.
- Demonstrable computer keyboard skills required for accurately inputting high levels of data
- Demonstrable ability to use software programmes such as Word & Excel.
Desirable criteria
- GCSE ICT minimum Grade C or equivalent
- RSA3 or equivalent qualifications in Secretarial related subjects
- Proven experience of working in a Medical environment
- Experience in 'audio typing'
Equality Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
- Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
- Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Leisa Cook
- Job title
- Lead Biomedical Scientist
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01243 788122
- Additional information
ext 32622
Paula Halford - Adminstrative Supervisor [email protected] or ext 31908
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