
Job overview
An opportunity has arisen for a Specimen Reception Supervisor in the Pathology laboratory based at The Royal Oldham Hospital, part of The Northern Care Alliance. This opportunity is open to staff wishing to act up or experience a supervisory role within Specimen Reception. Applications are invited from enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join our team where you will receive full training for the post.
Main duties of the job
Pathology laboratories investigate a variety of patient specimens from within the hospital and the wider community. Seventy percent of patients require pathology investigations to help aid diagnosis or monitor their treatment.
Staff in specimen reception, are the first line of contact for patients and visitors to the laboratory, they receive patient samples and enter both patient and test information onto the laboratory computer system. They also carry out other general clerical and administrative duties including taking enquiries both in person and via the telephone, sorting and distributing test reports and other incoming and outgoing post and filing request cards.
- · To assist in the provision of an effective front line Specimen Reception service.
- · To manage the Pathology specimen reception area, taking responsibility for day-to-day function of specimen reception including planning, supervising and scheduling pathology reception staff.
- · To provide a robust, reliable, timely and efficient service.
- · To deliver a high-quality service that meets the needs of the patients and service users
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To read more information about the advertised role, and the main job duties/responsibilities please open the Job Description and Person Specification located under the supporting documents heading. You can also read more information about working at the Northern Care Alliance within the attached Candidate Information Pack or by visiting our careers website: www.careers.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk
Person specification
Other
Essential
- Flexible approach to working patterns
Skills
Essential
- Time management and organisational skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
Knowledge
Essential
- Confidentiality
- Health and safety
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to GCSE Level or equivalent for Mathematics and English/NVQ L3 in Lab Techniques
Knowledge, Training & Experience
Essential
- Previous experience at a supervisory level
- Previous laboratory experience
- Awareness of confidentiality issues
- Awareness of health and safety issues
- Experience in training
Desirable
- NHS laboratory experience
- Practical and working knowledge of Pathology IT systems
- Aware of current issues within the NHS
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Specimen Reception Supervisor with Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust in Salford, North West, England. It is listed as a Band 4 Administrative and IT role. The advertised salary is £28,392 - £31,157 pro rata. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 07 Jul 2026.
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