Job description

Pathology Assistants have a crucial role in our laboratory work. In this position you will be performing Covid tests, and carrying out other non-interpretive laboratory procedures, entering data onto our systems, booking-in and handling patient samples, packing specimens, preparing reagents and performing simple analytical procedures. You will also be providing information and advice to both colleagues and service users, gained through knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory procedures and requirements. The post-holder will take part in a 7-day week shift system.

ESHT Pathology is looking to recruit a Pathology Assistant to join our progressive, busy and friendly Covid testing department. Applications are invited from enthusiastic individuals who have an interest in Healthcare Sciences and are keen and committed to learning new skills associated with this post.

In return you will be rewarded with a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance and pension scheme, alongside on-going training to support you in becoming a competent and qualified member of the team. There are opportunities for experienced Pathology Assistants to specialise in a particular area of work in the future.

Pathology is based over two sites. There are Covid testing laboratories at both Eastbourne DGH and the Conquest Hospital in Hastings. You may be required to travel cross-site as part of this job.

The post-holder will be responsible for data entry into the laboratory computer system, making use of e-Searcher to correctly identify patient details, and handling samples of a potentially hazardous nature. This will include unpacking, sorting and booking in samples, packing specimens to send away to referral laboratories, preparing reagents, loading tests onto analysers and other general tasks of this nature.

The post holder will be required to be polite and diplomatic on the telephone when providing information to medical staff or patients, being aware of the Data Protection Act at all times and ensuring that they do not give information to unauthorised persons. Pathology Assistants need to have a good knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory procedures.

Pathology Assistants will have completed a period of training to enable them to pass the laboratory competency based training programme. This programme will have assessed their abilities in areas such as data entry, dealing with unusual specimens falling outside normal laboratory criteria, ability to perform complex non-interpretative laboratory procedures etc. Once trained, Pathology Assistants will take part in the 7-day work shift system.

Experienced Pathology Assistants may proceed to specialise in a particular area of work where the expertise that they have acquired is highly beneficial to the laboratory.

We are proud to provide ‘Outstanding’ care and be a great place to work

We provide safe, compassionate and high quality care to half a million people living or visiting East Sussex. We are one of the largest organisations in East Sussex, the only integrated provider of acute and community care in Sussex. Our extensive services are provided by 7000 + members of staff working from acute hospitals in Hastings and Eastbourne, three community hospitals in Bexhill, Rye and Uckfield, over 100 community sites and in people’s own homes.

In 2020 the Care Quality Commission rated us as ‘Good’ overall, and ‘Outstanding’ for being caring and effective. The Conquest Hospital and our Community Services are rated ‘Outstanding’. Eastbourne DGH rated ‘Good’.

In 2020, the Trust launched its ambitious ‘Building for our Future’ programme. This once in a lifetime programme aims to repair, redevelop and expand our hospitals, transforming the environment in which we provide care for generations to come.

Please refer to the job description attached.

If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.