Job summary
- Main area
- Blood Transfusion
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 3
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 252-7556419
- Employer
- Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Medway Maritime Hospital
- Town
- Gillingham
- Salary
- £24,937 - £26,598 per annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 09/11/2025 23:59
Employer heading
Healthcare Scientist Support Worker - Blood Transfusion
NHS AfC: Band 3
Job overview
The role of the Healthcare Science Support Worker (HSSW) is primarily to support the department’s Biomedical Scientists (BMS) and provide administrative assistance in the processing of patient specimens. This will primarily include: preparing specimens, processing specimens, loading analysers, running and maintaining analysers and dealing with phone calls.
This position will not be supported for visa sponsorship. All applicants are expected to have valid right to work document to work in the UK when applying for this position.
Please note, this post may close earlier than the given closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
Main duties of the job
To identify and load patient samples and begin analytical test procedure according to SOPs.
To perform daily tasks recorded on checklists. Including daily, weekly and monthly maintenance on all analytical and non-analytical tasks within the laboratory.
To maintain and check the daily stocks of reagents, kits and consumables required for the analytical equipment and load reagents on to analysers.
To monitor all stock levels within the department on a weekly basis and advise BMS staff if supplies fall below minimum stock levels.
To liaise with clinical staff over the phone
Working for our organisation
We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you’ll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we’ve achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities.
If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. Due to the government regulations for mandatory vaccinations for COVID-19 for NHS employees, it has been necessary to take significant steps to protect the health and safety of our staff and our patients. In order to comply with our duty of care, we require all of our staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Your vaccination status will be a condition of your employment and evidence of vaccination will be obtained during the recruitment process, unless you are medically exempt.
Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Technical Responsibilities:
Support the work of BMS staff working within the laboratory.
Book in samples for testing within the department or referral to other departments.
Prepare samples for testing on automated and manual laboratory analysers, identify and load patient samples and begin analytical test procedure according to SOPs then unload, sort and store samples appropriately.
Maintain test turnaround times by dealing with samples in a timely manner
Perform daily tasks recorded on checklists. Including daily, weekly and monthly maintenance on all analytical and non-analytical tasks within the laboratory such as temperature chart changes, checking of massive blood loss bleep, laboratory mobile and alarms.
Inform BMS staff of any issues, inconsistencies or inaccuracies within the department.
Perform a second demographic check on all samples (if required) prior to loading on to automated analysers.
Please see attached job description for further information.
Person specification
Education and Training
Essential criteria
- Numerate and literate to NVQ level 3 (or equivalent pathology / laboratory experience)
- Grade C or above GCSE English and Mathematics or equivalent
Knowledge and Skills
Essential criteria
- Use of Laboratory Information System
- Ability to work well within a Team
- Computer literate with good keyboard skills
- Ability to multitask
- Good communication / interpersonal skills
- Ability to operate and maintain automated laboratory analysers
- Good telephone manner
- Excellent organisational skills
- Ability to manage demanding workload and produce results in a timely manner
Experience
Essential criteria
- Worked with biological specimens in a previous role
- Previous work experience in a similar role, preferably in the NHS
- Worked with biological specimens in a previous role
Desirable criteria
- Previous experience of working in a Pathology department
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Sarah Haskins
- Job title
- Head of Blood Transfusion
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01634 976051
- Additional information
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