Medical Laboratory Assistant - Microbiology

You will be working in a UKAS accredited medical laboratory - working to a high standard which is evident in the quality service we give to our patients, and ensuring the diagnosis and treatment they require.

Experience is not necessary as training is provided in all areas and your work day will vary, which is an attractive feature of the job role! From receiving specimens, to booking them on via the laboratory computer systems and processing them; this role will keep you interested and stimulated throughout the day.

You play an essential role in excellent patient care, assisting Biomedical Scientists, who identify infectious organisms and determine the best treatment.

Teamwork is important but the ability to work independently and use your initiative is a desirable attribute.

Duties to include but not be limited to:

To receive, label, book in and prepare clinical samples: Blood Cultures, Urines, Faeces, Wound/Respiratory/Genital/MRSA screen swabs, Sputums, Tissues, Sterile/Non-sterile fluids according to department Standard Operating Procedures.

To take part in Internal Quality Control and Internal Quality Assurance procedures related to culture media, laboratory instruments and reagents following Standard Operating Procedures.

To ensure the correct disposal of clinical/non-clinical waste and sharps according to defined protocols including autoclaving.

Temperature monitoring of fridges/incubators throughout the laboratory autonomously at the beginning of each day.

Ensuring that laboratory in use stock is within date and taking part within stock disposal/rotation processes.

To provide accurate data entry and text/data processing using the computer/data base systems.

Responding to telephone enquires where no interpretation of results is required.

Working autonomously and as a team where concentration is required for long periods of time.

Effective prioritisation of tasks especially during periods of under-staffing.

All staff are encouraged to take part in continual professional development activities.

To undertake routine tasks in the preparation of equipment maintenance and cleaning.

To perform duties in accordance with Trust and Directorate Health and Safety at Work Polices.

To ensure safe handling of hazardous and infective materials according to defined protocols.

To ensure equipment is used safely and according to manufacturers guidelines and faults and breakdowns are reported to senior staff.

To ensure that a high standard of care and service is maintained to patients, members of staff and the general public in accordance with Directorate Polices.

NOTE: When completing your application please ensure your supporting information is aligned to the essential and desirable criteria required for this role.

We have 10,000 fantastic people working hard to deliver quality services to our patients. Whatever your role, you help look after 370,000 people in our local area & give specialist care to 1.5 million people across Lancashire & Cumbria.

Working with us gives you the knowledge and sense of pride that every activity you do genuinely does make a difference to support our patients & staff, ensuring we keep thriving & delivering outstanding healthcare right across our local towns.

You'll have access to varied development opportunities, learn new skills, meet fab people & do things you'd never have done. You'll learn about working in a hospital, interacting with people from all different roles to build skills & enhance your career path.

You'll make an impact, be challenged to think differently, be bold & help innovate to keep improving things. Everything we do centres around patient care which means your role is pivotal and something really to be proud of.

Essential: - Educated to GCSE standard, or equivalent; - NVQ2 Clinical Support

Desirable: - ECDL or equivalent IT qualification

Essential: - Experience of working with others in a team; - Basic IT skills; - General appreciation of the importance of Health & Safety issues; - Understands the need for confidentiality

Desirable: - Previous Data Input experience; - Previous Laboratory Experience