JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Details:

Job Title: Biomedical Science Support Worker

Band: Band 2

Location: Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital

Department: Microbiology Specimen Reception

Managerially Accountable to: Microbiology Reception Manager

Professionally Accountable to: Microbiology Network Manager and Clinical

Head of Department

Job Purpose:

To assist in the efficient running of the Specimen Reception area and to provide
support services to the Microbiology Department.

To support the delivery of a high quality, safe and compassionate healthcare service,
all staff are expected to act as a role model to others in all aspects of their work and
consistently demonstrate NNUH’s ‘PRIDE’ values of People focused, Respect,
Integrity, Dedication and Excellence and demonstrate behaviours that support and
encourage an inclusive culture.

Overview of Essential Responsibilities:

1.To receive, and sort specimens and to register patient and specimen details in
the Laboratory Information system.

2.To separate and store blood and other specimens for current and future
laboratory testing.

3.To file and scan report cards and other documents.

4.To answer telephone enquiries from general practitioners and hospital

departments concerning details of specimens and patient information.

5.To pack and send laboratory specimens which are being referred to other
laboratories.

6.To assist with patient enquiries.

7.To act as receptionist for laboratory visitors, etc.

 8. To liaise with the hospital transport system in the delivery of specimens.

9.To do preparative work and perform simple laboratory routines and duties as
an assistant to and under the supervision of the Healthcare Scientists.

10. To locate, sort and file specimens for permanent storage.

11. To enter referred reports into the computer system.

12. To perform any other duties as required by the Consultant Head of

Department commensurate with grade.

Training

1. Complete mandatory and “in-service” training in IT use and laboratory

information services, Health and Safety, Sample handling and labelling
procedures.

Health & Safety

1. To abide by the Health and Safety Code of Practice for the department.

2. Deal with spillages of patient body fluids.

3. Deal with chemical Spills.

4. Deals with samples broken in centrifuge.

5. Able to use, maintain and decontaminate Class 1 Biological Safety Cabinet.

6. Trained to safely handle and dispense strong mineral acids.

Other

1. To ensure the application of Trust policies where applicable to Pathology.

2. To participate in annual performance review.

3. Any other duties as required by the Laboratory Manager, scientist grade staff
or reception manager.

It is expected that all Trust employees will adhere to, and follow good infection
control practices, as detailed in the Trust’s Infection Control Manual and other
related policies and guidelines.

Line Management/Financial Management Responsibilities:

N/A

Specific Additional Responsibilities:

None

Functional Requirements
Direct face to face patient No Blood/body fluid exposure Yes
contact
Managing a team who hold No Prevention and No
professional registrations management of aggression
Exposure prone No Crouching/stooping or No
procedures (EPP) kneeling
Manual handling No Frequent hand Yes
washing/wearing gloves
Night working/shift work Yes Chemical sensitisers No
VDU user Yes Noise No
Driving patients No Other (please state) No

Job Specification:
Means of Assessment
Essential/ Application Form/
Desirable Interview/Test
Qualifications/training and
professional development

GCSE in science subject Desirable AF/I

Participation in CPD Desirable I

Experience

Background knowledge and laboratory- Desirable AF/I

based work experience.
Skills, abilities and knowledge

Suitable level of literacy and numeracy Essential AF/T

Suitable level of manual dexterity Essential T

Good communication and interpersonal Desirable AF/I

skills

Ability to organise own workload Desirable I

 Attitude, aptitude

Must be self-motivated and able to work Essential I

on own initiative as required

Effective team member Essential I

Flexibility regarding tasks and hours Essential AF/I

worked to meet 7 day working required

Effective role model, demonstrating Essential AF/I

NNUH’s PRIDE values of People
focussed, Respect, Integrity, Dedication
and Excellence

Demonstrates understanding and Essential AF/I

commitment to Equality, Diversity and
Inclusion

Reasonable adjustments can be considered to support disabled candidates in

respect of the requirements of this role.

For information regarding general terms and conditions of employment please ask
your line manager or Human Resources.

This job description indicates currently the main responsibilities of the post. It is not
a complete list and may be amended and developed as necessary in consultation
with the manager and post holder. We would aim to reach agreement on any
changes, but if agreement is not possible, the Trust reserves the right to make
changes to this job description.