Job overview
The post holder will be responsible for the day to day running of the Pathology Administration Service and ensure that the service provided is that of a high standard. This includes being Line Manager for all staff within the Pathology administration office, Central Specimen Reception and the Secretarial service for the Department.
They will be expected to coordinate administrative activities with the departmental teams. They will be expected to implement policies and procedures, relevant to their grade, that the service is required to comply with; including UKAS standards, national and European legislation and discipline specific regulatory bodies.
The post holder will be responsible for ensuring provision of a comprehensive Pathology Ordering service, including electronic checking of invoices before passing onto the Office Manager for authorisation. They will also be responsible for the provision of PA/Administration support to the Pathology Departments.
The ability to communicate at all levels with patients, medical colleagues, healthcare science professionals, referral laboratories, other NHS professionals both within and outside the Trust and external suppliers and maintain a high standard of service to meet the needs of the patient.
They will have responsibilities for and support staff in the department of employment, including training, development, and performance.
Main duties of the job
- Act independently to plan, manage and prioritise own time and workload as well as that of the Pathology Office, Central Specimen Reception and Secretarial team.
- To assist with the planning of the rosters for Pathology administration office, Specimen Reception, and Secretarial staff, ensuring that the services provided are of a high standard.
- To ensure that there is a continuation of key services when staff absences occur.
- Liaise with Consultants, junior medical, BMS, technical and administrative Staff (in Pathology); GP’s, Consultants and all levels of staff within the hospital and at other hospitals.
- To assist with the recruitment of new members of staff in accordance with the Trust’s policies.
- To keep up-to-date personnel records for those staff that are under their management to include annual leave, sickness records and to carry annual staff appraisals.
- To record and populate Health Roster for Consultant Pathologists’ annual, study and sick leave.
- To assist with the procurement of goods and services for the department.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To oversee the running of an efficient administrative service on the Bedford site. See main duties and attached JD
Person specification
Skills
Essential
- Ability to audio type
- Ability to use IT programs
Desirable
- Computer drivers licence
Personal
Essential
- Manage personal patient information
- Ability to work under own initiative
- Experience in training small groups or one to one
Desirable
- Ability to communicate with staff of other grades up to Clinical Consultant
- Ability to communicate with staff from outside the department and trust
experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience in Pathology Laboratory environment
- Experience of working in an office environment
Desirable
- Teaching / Training experience
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE in English and Maths
Desirable
- Additional training to diploma level or above
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Pathology Admin & Clerical Site Lead (12mth Fixed Term) with Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Bedford Hospital. It is listed as a Band 5 Administrative and IT role. The advertised salary is £32,073 - £39,043 per annum. The contract type is 12 months (Fixed Term). The application deadline is 07 Sep 2026.
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