Medical Laboratory Assistant

The post will be based in Cellular Pathology Department at the Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-On-Trent.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified, competent and versatile individuals to join our dedicated, busy and friendly department.

To perform the laboratory duties required in the analysis of histological and diagnostic cytology clinical specimens, in order to ensure effective patient diagnosis, monitoring and treatment. The post holder will fulfil the departmental objective of a delivering a service run over 7 days with good quality analytical and interpretive laboratory provision to benefit of patient care.

The post holder will be required to work as part of a large team, providing support to our Biomedical Scientists and Histopathologists within the department. The post holder will rotate through all sections of our laboratory and undertake data input and extract, specimen handling and processing, section cutting and routine and specialist (Immunocytochemistry) staining, non gynae cytology, and administrative duties. They will also be required to have good numerical accuracy and dexterity when numerical filing tissue blocks, slides and request cards plus maintaining and updating spread sheets. Please see the attached Job Description for the full list of duties for this role.

The North Midlands and Cheshire Pathology Services (NMCPS) formed in December 2020 and is a network collaboration between The University Hospital of North Midlands (UHNM), Mid Cheshire and East Cheshire NHS Trusts (MCHFT). UHNM are the host provider of the network. The Cellular pathology department is situated on the Royal Stoke site.

This post is suitable for someone who is highly motivated, proactive, enthusiastic, a good team worker with excellent organisational and interpersonal skills. The ability to prioritise tasks together with effective communication is essential. You should have a methodical and organised approach to work and be able to work under your own initiative once fully trained.

A good general education demonstrable at GCSE level or equivalent is required with a sound knowledge of Microsoft computer packages (Word and Excel) and experience of data input, extract and manipulation. Basic knowledge of Health and Safety, confidentiality and data quality is essential to this role. You must be numerate and able to handle numbers accurately and without error. A willingness to undertake in house training and development is an essential. Previous laboratory experience is preferable but not crucial as in house training will be given to enable the successful applicant to meet the requirements of the job.

This is a busy department with a combined workload across the NMCPS network of approximately 80,000 Histology requests per annum. You must be keen to embrace new ways of working and committed to providing a class leading diagnostic service to our patients. We are looking for an experienced, competent and versatile individual with proven experience all aspects of routine Histology. The service has full UKAS ISO: 15189 accreditation and holds the relevant HTA licenses. Our laboratory is an IBMS accredited training laboratory. We are committed to developing staff of all grades to ensure a high standard of quality.

Cellular Pathology has received significant investment over the previous year and is currently implementing Vantage tracking, SMART automation, Digital Pathology and a new LIMS. The successful candidate will be at the forefront of advances within Histology.

The hospitals within the network are located in very desirable areas to live; surrounded by historical market towns and countryside. The Peak District and the Welsh borders are within easy reach and there are also excellent transport links allowing easy access into Manchester, Birmingham, Chester, Liverpool and London. There are some excellent schools, wonderful restaurants and a wealth of social and health activities available in the surrounding areas.

Flexible working, including agile working, is supported by the department.

See Job Description and Person Specification for a detailed description of the role.