Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to join our busy Blood Sciences Specimen Reception team as a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) on a 1 year fixed-term basis.



This vital role involves the accurate receipting, sorting, and processing of patient samples prior to laboratory analysis. The Specimen Reception team supports the entire Pathology service, ensuring samples are appropriately distributed to the correct disciplines and patient data is accurately entered into the laboratory information system (Winpath).

You will need to demonstrate:

A strong work ethic and attention to detail Good IT and communication skills The ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment

In return, we offer a supportive and inclusive working environment, access to comprehensive training, and opportunities for career development within our Trust.

Working Pattern:

Participation in a 24/7 shift rota is required, including evenings, nights, weekends, and bank holidays.



Cross-site working is expected and there will be planned rotation between sites.



Please be aware that we may close this advert early should we receive a high volume of applications. Early applications are encouraged.



To work in a team of support staff playing a crucial role in the reception and preparation of patient samples and requests, to facilitate the provision of a quality and timely diagnostic and monitoring service essential for patient care. To supervise other staff in reception and provide training and support.



We're an organisation that is getting better and better and our improvements are driven by a determination to deliver care we're proud of and our patients are happy with. We're no longer in special measures ; we've opened two new theatres at our Elective Surgical Hub in King George Hospital (KGH); and, in recognition of our progress, we've been shortlisted for Trust of the Year at the Health Service Journal Awards.



We operate from two main sites - KGH in Goodmayes and Queen's Hospital in Romford. We have two busy emergency departments with more than 330,000 people visiting them last year. We're campaigning to secure the 35m we need to transform the A&E at Queen's and get rid of corridor care.



Our patients are benefitting from our Women's Health Hub in Ilford; an Ageing Well Centre in Hornchurch; and Community Diagnostic Centres (CDC) at Barking Community Hospital and at St George's Health and Wellbeing Hub .



These CDCs are open 12 hours a day, 7 days a week and are providing an extra 94,000 scans a year.



The majority of our 8,000 staff - who come from 146 different countries - live in the three diverse London boroughs we serve and are from black, Asian and minority ethnic groups. Many can work flexibly and more than 400 of them are on our Ofsted accredited apprenticeship programmes . We're proud to be a London Living Wage employer.



We're looking forward to introducing an electronic patient record that will be transformative for our staff and beneficial for our patients.



For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed and Person Specification.



The person specification listed below is not the full specification requirements for the role. Please ensure you review the full specification on the job description prior to submitting your application.



Applicants are advised to read all the information on the advert and the supporting information before completing and submitting an application. As you complete your application please ensure you clearly demonstrate how you meet the criteria in the person specification for this post by adequately completing the supporting information section of the application form.



All new staff appointed at the Trust are subject to a probationary period.



Applications should be made online, however, queries regarding the application process or assistance with completion of the form (for applicants with a disability) can be made to Amanda Vickers, Recruitment Advisor, on 01708 435000 ext. 5926. Further details regarding the post may be obtained by contacting the manager as per the contact details above.