Medical Laboratory Assistant - Microbiology

Microbiology Laboratory – Pathology Department
2X Medical Laboratory Assistant Band 2
18.75hrs a week (Part-Time PM)

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Medical Laboratory Assistant to join our friendly professional Microbiology team based at Hereford County Hospital. The successful applicants will ideally have experience working within the NHS or laboratory environment but this is not essential not essential as full training will be provided. These MLA posts are ideal for those seeking NHS laboratory experience and to develop their skills and knowledge of Microbiology in its essential role contributing to patient care.

Applicants should have an interest in healthcare science. You need to possess a wide range of skills demonstrating good numeracy and literacy, a high standard of verbal and written English, computer/keyboard skills and attention to detail. The ability to meet the safe moving and handling requirements of the post with any aids or adaptions that may be required. Potential applicants must be able to multi-task, concentrate for prolonged periods, work well under pressure and be able to work flexibly to assist the BMSs who provide a 24/7 service.

• 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

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

The Trust encourages applications from people outside of the NHS and welcomes the valuable experiences and skills they can bring to the organisation.

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

For more information about the role and responsibilities please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification.