Job summary
- Main area
- Health Science Services
- Grade
- Band 2
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Shift work over 24/7)
- Job ref
- 176-F-8166419
- Employer
- North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Peterborough City Hospital
- Town
- Peterborough
- Salary
- £25,272 per annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 28/08/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Assistant Technical Officer
Band 2
Job overview
Assistant Technical Officer (ATO) - Specimen Reception
Our busy, fully computerised Pathology Laboratory at Peterborough City Hospital requires staff members to join our team that supports analytical and diagnostic procedures performed in the Pathology Laboratories.
Specimen Reception is a fast-paced, high output environment covering a 24 hour period. The role involves receiving, sorting, labelling and preparing specimens; data entry, and dealing with telephone enquiries. We are looking for individuals with good data entry skills, attention to detail, and ability to focus.
The laboratory operates a 24/7 service and, after appropriate training, you will be expected to support the departmental shift system as required, including weekends and bank holidays.
We currently have vacancies within our Specimen Reception area for:
- Assistant Technical Officer
- 37.5 hours per week
- Band 2
Successful candidates will be required to participate in the 24/7 rota with all the variety of shifts.
Main duties of the job
The main duties for this role include ensuring the accurate receipt and identification of pathology specimens and request forms for Blood Sciences. This involves maintaining the integrity of the matching process between samples and forms. Additionally, the role includes preparing samples for processing by labelling, storing, and retrieving them in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
Administrative and clerical tasks are also essential, such as welcoming visitors, handling general telephone inquiries, performing data entry tasks including the input of patient information and test requests into the laboratory computer system, and retrieving patient information while verifying data accuracy.
Effective communication with clinical staff is a key responsibility, involving the exchange of information about laboratory test requests and results, discussing the quality of received test request information and samples, and providing advice on test and result availability.
Working for our organisation
Priority will be given to colleagues identified as at risk through the Trust’s redeployment process.
We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in our workforce and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, with a special focus on welcoming individuals from disabled, Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, as well as those from our local area.
In line with our dedication to employee support, we offer a variety of benefits. For more information, please see the attached staff benefits leaflet.
We strive to create a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees feel valued and empowered to excel in their roles. Join us and become part of a team dedicated to making a positive difference in our community.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Adheres to the Trust’s health and safety and risk management policies and
procedures within the Clinical Biochemistry Service and all other areas of
Pathology.
• Has a duty to maintain the health, safety and welfare of self, employees,
patients or other third parties visiting the department or general areas of the Trust
• Ensures that adverse event forms are completed for any accidents, incidents or near misses that are relevant to the individual or the Department.
• Informs line manager of any Health and Safety concerns identified
• Adhere to a safe system of work in the section with due regard to current
Health and Safety and COSHH systems, informing Senior staff of any
concerns identified.
• Ensure compliance with the Trust’s health and safety and risk management
policies and procedures; maintain safe systems of work within the department or area you work. You have a duty to maintain the health, safety and welfare of staff, patients or other third parties visiting your department or general
areas of the Trust.
Please see Job Description for further information
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- 5 GCSE or equivalent
Desirable criteria
- NVQ 2/3 in laboratory or science dicipline
Experience
Essential criteria
- Experience of data entry or administrative typing
Desirable criteria
- Previous experience of working in a NHS setting
- NHS laboratory experience within Specimen Reception (Blood Sciences)
- Experience of data entry on to computer LIMS systems
Key Skills
Desirable criteria
- Understanding of medical terminology
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Asif Mahmood
- Job title
- Pathology Specimen Reception Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01733678199
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