Medical Laboratory Assistant - Cellular Pathology

Job description

Our cultural ambition is to have a culture that places people at the heart of all we do, where we all belong, and where learning, improvement and excellence thrive.

Job overview

We are looking for a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) to work in our friendly, well-equipped Cellular Pathology department, which processes approximately 35,000 samples per year. Our work contributes to the initial detection and diagnosis of cancer and other diseases for patients attending Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and in the wider local community.

The central histology laboratory service is situated on the Royal Hampshire Hospital site in Winchester with a small satellite team based at the Basingstoke & North Hampshire Hospital.

This a permanent full time position working 37.5 hours per week

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work as part of the satellite team at Basingstoke & North Hampshire Hospital (Basingstoke ) on a permanent basis, with occasional rotation to Royal Hampshire County Hospital (Winchester), under the supervision of Biomedical Scientists, an MLA Team Leader, and clinical staff.

This role involve performing a range of tasks that contribute to the diagnostic service, including sample handling, preparation and tracking, consultant support during specimen dissection, patient data entry and maintaining equipment.

Working for our organisation

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT) provides hospital services to around 570,000 people living in Hampshire and parts of West Berkshire, and specialist services to patients from all over the country.

We deliver a full range of district hospital services in a variety of locations.

The Cellular Pathology Department is in an exciting period of service development and is looking towards implementing a Digital Pathology solution.

Hampshire Hospitals Cellular Pathology is accredited by UKAS to ISO15189:2012 and complies with HTA standards

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Happy to Talk Flexible Working - all requests for flexible and part time working will be considered.

Further information about the Trust and this role can be found on the Job Description and Person Specification document attached.

Person specification

Training and qualifications

Essential criteria

• Literacy and numeracy to at least GCSE or eqivalent level evidenced

Experience and knowledge

Essential criteria

• Experience of dealing with sensitive information evident

Desirable criteria

• Previous laboratory or NHS experience

Skills and abilities

Essential criteria

• Ability to work both individually or as part of a team
• Ability to follow complex procedures is evidenced

Desirable criteria

• Evidence of strong communication skills

Using AI in Your Application

We support the use of technology to help manage time and improve efficiency, but it is your responsibility to ensure your application is personalised and accurately reflects your own skills, experience and values.

AI tools can be useful when drafting an application, but they should only be used to assist you. The content submitted must be your own work and an authentic representation of your knowledge, abilities and experiences.

Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may be rejected. For example, we may receive multiple applications containing identical or generic wording that does not reflect the individual applicant.

The use of AI during assessments, including interviews, is not permitted unless this has been agreed in advance as a reasonable adjustment. For virtual interviews, you may be asked to provide a 360-degree view of the room and confirm that no additional devices are being used. If AI use is suspected during an interview, we may pause the interview, ask questions regarding its use, or adapt our assessment approach.

Working in healthcare requires integrity, honesty and accountability. We expect all applications and assessments to be a genuine reflection of your own experience, knowledge and values.
Our Commitment to Inclusion

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in both the delivery of our services and the recruitment and management of our staff.

We welcome applications from everyone who has the skills, experience and values required for the role, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity.
Happy to Talk Flexible Working

We are committed to supporting flexible ways of working and will consider all requests for flexible and part-time working wherever service needs allow.
Important Information About Your Application
Recruitment Process

Applications are submitted through our recruitment system, Trac. Following submission, all correspondence relating to your application will be sent from apps.trac.jobs. Please regularly check your inbox, including your junk or spam folders.

Shortlisted candidates will normally be contacted at least five working days before their interview date.
Vacancy Closing Dates

This vacancy may close before the advertised closing date if sufficient applications are received. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.
English Language Requirement

In line with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016, all applicants must be able to communicate effectively in spoken and written English. This will be assessed during the recruitment process.
Pre-Employment Checks and Probation
Keeping Patients Safe

At Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, patient safety is our highest priority. We recommend that staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and understand that we continue to care for patients who are COVID-19 positive within our services.
Probationary Period

All new employees will be required to complete a six-month probationary period as part of their employment with the Trust.

Tackling Climate Change: Hampshire Hospitals aims to embed sustainability and net zero carbon principles into the delivery of care across all its services. To find out more, search