Job overview
We are currently seeking a Higher Biomedical Support Worker (Band 3) to join our busy yet welcoming Histopathology team.
Our department processes approximately 44,000 surgical and diagnostic requests each year across two hospital sites: Luton & Dunstable Hospital and Bedford Hospital. As part of the Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, a large general hospital, we handle a diverse range of tissue and diagnostic cytology specimens, including post-mortem cases.
The main Cellular Pathology Laboratory is located at Bedford Hospital, with staff expected to support occasional shifts at the Luton & Dunstable site. The department is equipped with a range of new technologies, including scanners for digitising glass slides.
We are proud to maintain full UKAS accreditation and comply with HTA and MHRA standards.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will play an active role in the day-to-day operations of the department, providing support across various technical aspects of the service.
They will work closely with Biomedical Scientists (BMS) and senior laboratory staff to help deliver a high-quality, efficient, and effective service in alignment with the Quality Management System (QMS).
Adherence to departmental policies and procedures is essential, ensuring compliance with current UKAS standards, relevant national and European legislation, and the requirements of discipline-specific regulatory bodies.
Additionally, the post holder may be involved in supporting the training and development of other support staff.
Working for our organisation
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Assist Biomedical Scientists (BMS) and senior laboratory staff in delivering a cohesive and effective service.
Adhere to the department’s quality policy and agreed quality objectives.
Comply with UKAS standards using the established Pathology Quality Management System, fulfilling quality circles and audits aligned with ISO 15189.
Follow departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) via the Q-Pulse Document Management Module.
Observe all relevant policies and procedures appropriate to the role.
Carry out day-to-day departmental operations and contribute effectively within the team.
Ensure test requests are processed within agreed turnaround times and in accordance with quality protocols.
Participate in departmental audits, including vertical, horizontal, and examination audits.
Follow the Risk Management Policy, including reporting incidents, accidents, and adverse events, and adhering to applicable risk assessments.
Support departmental communication by sharing and receiving information from management, operational, and Health & Safety meetings.
When required, engage in departmental activities and perform a limited range of tests and assays methodically, within the scope of training.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
GCSE or 'O' level science
Desirable criteria
A level Biology
Experience
Essential criteria
Working in a UK Pathology department for a min of 2 years
Ability to organise own work
Ability to communicate well
Desirable criteria
Working in a UK Cellular Pathology department for a min of 2 years
Knowledge
Essential criteria
Fundamentals of H&S standards
IT literacy
Desirable criteria
Knowledge of histological techniques
Knowledge of patient sample pathways in a NHS Hospital
