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
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Specific 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.
Maintain and check the daily stocks of reagents, kits and consumables required for the analytical equipment and load reagents on to analysers.
Monitor all stock levels within the department on a weekly basis and advise BMS staff if supplies fall below minimum stock levels.
Receive, unpack, log and store all reagents used within the laboratory.
Please see attached job description for further information.
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- Previous work experience in a similar role, preferably in the NHS
- Worked with biological specimens in a previous role
Desirable
- Previous experience of working in a Pathology department
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- 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
Education and Training
Essential
- Numerate and literate to NVQ level 3 (or equivalent pathology / laboratory experience)
- Grade C or above GCSE English and Mathematics or equivalent
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Healthcare Scientist Support Worker - Blood Transfusion with Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust in Dartford, South East, England. It is listed as a Band 3 Healthcare support worker role. The advertised salary is £25,760 - £27,476 per annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 20 Jul 2026.
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