Job Description

We are looking for a self-motivated individual who is both flexible and versatile in their approach to work and join our excellent and friendly Pathology Reception team. You must be able to work well under pressure and in challenging conditions. You will be a strong team player with good interpersonal skills and will possess a positive attitude and be constructive toward change.



The post involves the reception of people and Pathology samples, sample sorting and handling, data entry and communication of Pathology reports. All post holders are expected to be able to have a good telephone manner and customer skills, excellent communication skills, clear and legible handwriting, be able to perform data entry consistently and have a good understanding of medical terminology and biomedical investigation. Post Holders will fully participate in the extended weekday, weekend and bank holiday rotas.



This is a Full-time vacancy with shifts between the hours of 9:00 and 17:30 (hours to be extended to be between 08:00-19:00 when competent). After completion of training the opportunity to work weekends (09:00-13:00) will be offered.



You must have excellent keyboard skills, adaptability and a capacity for processing information quickly and accurately. You must also be willing to show a commitment to the ever changing demands of the NHS.

Skills required:

Clear speaking voice

Provide a high quality, responsive and efficient reception service

Excellent telephone manner with sound communication skills

Methodical and organised with the ability to prioritise workload

Demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail

Team Player



The Trust asks all staff to attend an induction programme.

Training will be undertaken locally.



At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.



We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.



As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.



We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.



Main Duties and Responsibilities



Scientific & analytical



To receive, sort and process a substantial quantity of clinical samples, identifying and resolving problems such as leaking samples, labelling errors, missing information etc.



To perform substantial amounts of accurate data input on computers for prolonged periods of time of patient information and investigations requested by hospital clinical staff and GPs



To maintain attention to accuracy at all times during data input and labelling of samples.



Follows standard operating procedures (SOP) at all times



Understands analytical work that is going to be undertaken



Diagnostic & interpretive



Understands the urgency of requests; prioritising work according to SOPs.



Judges whether samples are suitable for testing and takes appropriate action.



Ensures system for phoning results is adhered to.



To answer calls on the Pathology enquiry line on a rota basis, giving results, information and advice within their competency.



To take significant numbers of requests for supplementary tests, find the appropriate sample and order the test(s), contacting the requestor about any issues this may cause



Supervisory & management



Undertakes training as appraisee and participates in annual and six monthly review



May participate in overtime arrangements when assessed as competent to do so.



Books leave in accordance with departmental policy



Reports personal absence to senior member of staff, according to trust policy.



Is aware of and understands trust policies for grievance, discipline and capability



Communication & liaison



Maintains awareness of changes and developments in the section and other departments within Pathology.



To act as the first point of contact for all of pathology, dealing with a wide range of enquiries maintaining confidentiality. This includes communication with outside sources with information of a sensitive nature either in person or over the telephone. To inform appropriate staff that people have arrived.



Participates in the staff questionnaire. Feeds comments up through the management system.



Communicates with patients and staff on appointments, specimen collections, procedures for samples pre analysis etc



Ensures that results are not given inappropriately to patients, explaining why when necessary.



Ensures that external visitors complete visitor logs and issues badges as appropriate



Issues results in accordance with departmental SOP's



To collate, envelope and dispatch pathology reports.



To co-operate with other staff within the Pathology department in order that resources are used to maximum benefit.



Attends meetings as directed



Education & training



Supports competency training for junior staff in co-operation with the section trainers.



Responsible for own personal development



Expected to complete the NVQ level 2 or equivalent in pathology support when established



Attends all courses as directed.



Attends all mandatory and statutory training courses as directed.



Assessment of new staff is carried out after 4 months by a suitably qualified assessor. After successful completion of the assessment new staff will be required to participate in the extended weekday, weekend and bank holiday rotas in addition to the contracted hours



Information management & technology



Works within standard operating procedures and policies to ensure high quality data, thus maintaining the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases. Recognises data quality problems and brings to the attention of senior staff.



Attends training on the use of display screen equipment and ensures that working practices comply.



Reports any non-functional hardware to senior staff.



Uses the laboratory information management system according to authorised protocols.



Uses quality management system for read only access



Complies with local and national policies for the safe, secure and confidential processing and storage of patient and other laboratory information



Financial & resource management



Uses resources efficiently and cost effectively.



To sign for deliveries and inform stores staff of large deliveries.



Reports low level of supplies appropriately to ensure continuing supply.



Ensures that stocks are stored appropriately.



Uses equipment safely, taking into account its complexity, limitations and value



Clinical audit and quality management



Assists with data collection for audits as directed



Is aware of all types of documentation within the laboratory organisation



Health & safety



Works within all health and safety policies in a safe manner, recognising hazards within the workplace and applying agreed precautionary measures.



Is mindful of duties towards colleagues, visitors and patients in maintaining a safe environment and safe working practices. Reports any defects noticed.



Applies knowledge from training in display screen equipment, personal protective equipment and manual handling to own work practices



Applies knowledge from fire safety training to ensure safety for self and others. Complies with all fire procedures as directed.



Understands the implications of COSHH and risk assessment documentation and works within defined control measures at all times.



Maintains awareness of all emergency and major incident procedures, and acts accordingly in the event of an incident



Understands and adheres to trust policies for clinical waste disposal.



Understands the reporting system for clinical incident reporting and uses it appropriately.



Other Role-Specific Duties



Carry out any other reasonable duties commensurate with the role and delegated or requested by the manager or supervisor, as the needs of the service require.



The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the Department and the Organisation.

Candidate Information Pack:

https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/