Job overview

Medical Laboratory Assistant (Microbiology) 

No previous experience required – full training given.

The Microbiology laboratory team at Wye Valley NHS Trust require enthusiastic and committed staff .

A non-vocationally trained assistant providing an essential support service to Biomedical Scientists in the Department of Microbiology. Post holder will be in the Microbiology laboratory as part of a specialist team, preparing and processing patient samples prior to analysis and scientific/clinical interpretation. The post will include some weekend/evening rota work as part of our 24/7 service.

Main duties of the job

Technical:

• To sort, number and register patient samples as part of the preparation and processing of clinical specimens sent to the Microbiology laboratory for testing.
• To ensure that samples received are assigned for the requested tests and patient/samples details are correctly entered into the computer systems. This pre-analytical phase is a crucial responsibility requiring concentration and accuracy
• To follow agreed protocols and policies under supervision, for processing specimens, seeking advice where appropriate from Biomedical Scientists and senior staff
• Duties include daily housekeeping work in the laboratory, monitoring and replenishing laboratory stocks and consumables including culture media
• Redirect and take specimens to other departments in Pathology as required
• To be responsible for the preparation and packaging of samples, (following strict postal regulations) referred to other laboratories, ensuring the correct destination and documentation is included with the package
• To be responsible with all staff for the daily monitoring of equipment including fridges and freezers, ensuring the integrity of the samples and reagents used in testing, performing analyser maintenance and filling out appropriate documentation
• To contribute to the care and maintenance of laboratory work areas to provide a safe and clean laboratory environment. Assist in the ongoing maintenance of specialist laboratory equipment including centrifuges and safety cabinets

See JD & PS

Working for our organisation

Wye Valley NHS Trust is a member of an NHS Foundation Group with South Warwickshire NHS FT , the George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

Located on the border with Wales in the shadow of the Black Mountains, we provide acute and community services across Herefordshire and into parts of Powys and run Hereford County Hospital and the community hospitals in Bromyard, Leominster and Ross-on-Wye.

We are a progressive and forward looking trust with ambitious plans to improve quality and integrate patient pathways through close collaborative working with our partners to deliver the quality of care we’d want for our family and friends.

More than 3,500 people work for the Trust – they tell us it’s a great place to work, blending the busyness of a DGH with the benefits of working in a beautiful rural and unspoilt county like Herefordshire.

We can offer a great work-life balance and have a fine tradition of working with staff to help them achieve their full potential.

Russell Hardy, Trust Chairman: “The strength of the Trust is its amazing staff; a great place to work, a great place to develop your career and a great place to reach your potential.”

Our values - Care, Accountability, Respect and Excellence - are at the heart of all we do. We believe in providing the right care in the right place at the right time…all the time.