Job summary
- Main area
- Pathology
- Grade
- Band 2
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday 0900-1700, 1000-1800 and 1200-2000 shifts)
- Job ref
- 390-CSS-BR-9693
- Employer
- Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Broomfield
- Town
- Chelmsford
- Salary
- £24,465 Per Annum (Pro Rata for Part Time)
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 13/07/2025 23:59
Employer heading

Medical Laboratory Assistant
Band 2
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is the only acute hospital provider in the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System (ICS), which is a system of health and care partners working together for our local population.
Within Mid and South Essex there are 149 GP practices, operating from over 200 sites, forming 27 Primary Care Networks and one Ambulance Trust. There are also three main community and mental health service providers who work together through a community collaborative.
We collaborate with other valuable partners, including three Healthwatch organisations, nine voluntary and community sector organisations and three top tier local authorities, with seven district, borough and city councils, as well as our local universities.
Job overview
Blood Sciences Specimen Reception MLAs assist the Haematology, Immunology, Blood Transfusion and Biochemistry laboratories in the provision of a high quality and efficient diagnostic service to patients and medical staff.
In accordance with agreed protocols and standard operational procedures, the post-holder will participate in the analysis of biological specimens by receiving, preparing and processing samples. This includes clerical input of patient and test details into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and performing required supportive duties, including:
• Undertaking all administrative duties involved in the receipt and processing of specimens and request forms.
• Undertaking pre and post analytical sample processing.
• Working as an effective team in an efficient, positive and competent manner.
• Helping provides a safe, clean and well-maintained environment
Main duties of the job
Follow procedures, protocols and directives as required providing a high-quality laboratory service.
• To receive, check and distribute samples received by Pathology Reception.
• To partake in the reception of samples for Blood Sciences and the preparation for analysis.
• Complete patient identity checks and to deal with any discrepancies in labelling.
• Barcode specimens and forms and enter requests into the Laboratory Information Management System (WinPath).
• Escalate or complete any additional pre-analytical processing requirements, such as centrifugation, separating or freezing.
Working for our organisation
We work together, and in conjunction with MSE Health and Care Partnership, to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients in a compassionate way, and provide a respectful, but vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.
From facilities through to consultant specialists we want to be the best, to achieve this we need to recruit not just those who are the finest in their field but also those who have the potential to be. Yes, experience is important but so is outlook – if you are dynamic, forward-thinking and enthusiastic we want you to join us.
We not only offer you a good working environment with flexible working opportunities, but also the opportunity to develop your career with access to appropriate training for your job and the support to succeed and progress.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For more details on this varied and rewarding role, please see the attached job description. We look forward to your application!
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- 5 GCSE's including Maths and English
- Or NVQ level 3
Desirable criteria
- Demonstrable experience in a clinical laboratory
Knowledge
Essential criteria
- Good Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
Desirable criteria
- Winpath Enterprise LIMS
Communication Skills
Essential criteria
- Good written and oral communication skills
Personal Development
Essential criteria
- Ability to work indivdually and as part of a team
- Ability to work in environment where clinical samples are handled
Desirable criteria
- Demonstrable in Science and healthcare
Applicant requirements
This post will require a submission for Disclosure to be made to check for any unspent criminal convictions.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Stuart Saville
- Job title
- Blood Sciences Specimen Reception Office manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 03004438731
- Additional information
Abbey Foster
03004437211
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