Job Description

The South of Tyne Pathology Service is an established consolidated network with laboratories across three sites, servicing both Gateshead and South Tyneside/Sunderland trusts.
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Blood Sciences Service for a Higher Level Pathology Support Worker position to work across the three hospital sites.
Main duties of the job
Our forward thinking and innovative department has state of the art equipment and technology and a fantastic training ethos to encourage development of staff to reach their full potential.
The clinical laboratory team provides a High Quality Specialist Diagnostic Service to improve the Health Care of the people of South of Tyne and Wear.
As part of the team the post holder will be expected to further develop knowledge and skills in a range of scientific procedures within Blood Sciences. The role involves being responsible for performing and supervising other pathology support workers in a range of scientific procedures on biological samples that will contribute to the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of diseases and the investigation of pathological processes.
Successful candidates will have:

• An innovative, forward looking approach
• Excellent interpersonal / communication skills
• Enthusiasm to learn and develop technical knowledge
• Ability to adapt in a dynamic environment
• The necessary experience to undertake the challenging role

The posts will be on Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust terms and conditions of employment.
Full participation in the relevant Department's extended working day and the out of hours service is a mandatory requirement of all posts following suitable training. This includes a 24/7 working pattern, including early, late and night shifts (including weekends) in line with changing service requirements.
About us
Based in the North East of England we provide a range of hospital and community health services from our leading facilities, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon urgent care centre and Bensham Hospital, all within Gateshead.
Established in 2005, we were one of the first foundation trusts in the country and since then have consistently achieved the highest levels of care for patients.
We now employ around 4,800 staff and currently provide 444 hospital beds across the Gateshead region.
Our values should be the 'golden thread' which runs through everything we do - they are the core of who we are. Our five values can easily be remembered by the simple acronymICORE; Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, Engagement.
We have a number of staff networks including the BAME network, D-Ability network, LGBTQ+ Network and the Women's Network, to challenge us and help us to constantly improve. Our armed forces network is one of our emerging networks.
The health and wellbeing of our staff is one of our highest priorities, and we offer a range of support and initiatives as part of our 'Balance' programme balancegateshead.com to cater for our diverse workforce, so that your individual needs can be supported, allowing you a happy and healthy working experience with us.
Details
Date posted
21 July 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 3
Salary
24,937 to 26,598 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
297-7144832
Job locations
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Sheriff Hill
Gateshead
NE9 6SX
Job description
Job responsibilities
As an Pathology Support Worker (Higher grade) in the Blood Sciences reception Department, the post holder will contribute to the provision of the clinical laboratory service, as part of a team of Biomedical Scientists and support workers, performing work activities in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.
The post holder will follow an in-service certificated competency training programme. Under the guidance of qualified staff, the Pathology Support Worker (Higher grade) will be responsible for performing a range of scientific procedures on biological samples that contribute to the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of diseases and the investigation of other pathological processes. The post holder will provide operational and training support within Blood Sciences reception.
After suitable training and competence assessment the post holder will use practical skills to perform tasks associated with the pre-analytical preparation of specimens; analysis preparing and using a range of processes using a range of complex laboratory equipment to conduct routine Departmental procedures/tests. These tasks are of a more advanced nature than those of a Pathology Support Worker.
A detailed description of key duties and responsibilities can be found within the attached job specification for each grade.
We aim to attract and retain a talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.
The Laboratories are situated in the heart of the North East, close to the historic and cultural cities of Newcastle and Durham. The area offers excellent leisure, sport and shopping facilities with the Northumbria coast and countryside nearby. There are excellent transport links both regionally and between the laboratory sites.
The Trust also offers key additional benefits such as onsite childcare facilities, cycle to work schemes, discounted travel options and health and well being initiatives. Job description
Job responsibilities
As an Pathology Support Worker (Higher grade) in the Blood Sciences reception Department, the post holder will contribute to the provision of the clinical laboratory service, as part of a team of Biomedical Scientists and support workers, performing work activities in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.
The post holder will follow an in-service certificated competency training programme. Under the guidance of qualified staff, the Pathology Support Worker (Higher grade) will be responsible for performing a range of scientific procedures on biological samples that contribute to the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of diseases and the investigation of other pathological processes. The post holder will provide operational and training support within Blood Sciences reception.
After suitable training and competence assessment the post holder will use practical skills to perform tasks associated with the pre-analytical preparation of specimens; analysis preparing and using a range of processes using a range of complex laboratory equipment to conduct routine Departmental procedures/tests. These tasks are of a more advanced nature than those of a Pathology Support Worker.
A detailed description of key duties and responsibilities can be found within the attached job specification for each grade.
We aim to attract and retain a talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.
The Laboratories are situated in the heart of the North East, close to the historic and cultural cities of Newcastle and Durham. The area offers excellent leisure, sport and shopping facilities with the Northumbria coast and countryside nearby. There are excellent transport links both regionally and between the laboratory sites.
The Trust also offers key additional benefits such as onsite childcare facilities, cycle to work schemes, discounted travel options and health and well being initiatives.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Minimum of NVQ3 in Clinical Laboratory Support or equivalent level qualification in a relevant topic
• GCSE Grades A-C to include Mathematics and English Language or equivalent

Desirable

• GCSE or A level in a science subject
• Supervisory training course or qualification

Experience
Essential

• Considerable Biomedical NHS Pathology Laboratory Experience or equivalent

Desirable

• Experience in Blood Sciences Laboratory

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Minimum of NVQ3 in Clinical Laboratory Support or equivalent level qualification in a relevant topic
• GCSE Grades A-C to include Mathematics and English Language or equivalent

Desirable

• GCSE or A level in a science subject
• Supervisory training course or qualification

Experience
Essential

• Considerable Biomedical NHS Pathology Laboratory Experience or equivalent

Desirable

• Experience in Blood Sciences Laboratory