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Job overview

Assistant Technical Officer (ATO) - Specimen Reception

Our busy, fully computerised Pathology Laboratory at Peterborough City Hospital requires staff members to join our team that supports analytical and diagnostic procedures performed in the Pathology Laboratories.

Specimen Reception is a fast-paced, high output environment covering a 24 hour period. The role involves receiving, sorting, labelling and preparing specimens; data entry, and dealing with telephone enquiries. We are looking for individuals with good data entry skills, attention to detail, and ability to focus.

The laboratory operates a 24/7 service and, after appropriate training, you will be expected to support the departmental shift system as required, including weekends and bank holidays.

We currently have vacancies within our Specimen Reception area for:

• Assistant Technical Officer 
• 37.5 hours per week 
• Band 2

Successful candidates will be required to participate in the 24/7 rota with all the variety of shifts.

Main duties of the job

The main duties for this role include ensuring the accurate receipt and identification of pathology specimens and request forms for Blood Sciences. This involves maintaining the integrity of the matching process between samples and forms. Additionally, the role includes preparing samples for processing by labelling, storing, and retrieving them in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). 

Administrative and clerical tasks are also essential, such as welcoming visitors, handling general telephone inquiries, performing data entry tasks including the input of patient information and test requests into the laboratory computer system, and retrieving patient information while verifying data accuracy.

Effective communication with clinical staff is a key responsibility, involving the exchange of information about laboratory test requests and results, discussing the quality of received test request information and samples, and providing advice on test and result availability.

Working for our organisation

We are dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our workforce and warmly welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, with a particular emphasis on encouraging those from disabled, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, as well as candidates from our local area.

As part of our commitment to supporting our employees we offer a range of benefits including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 27 days and increasing to 29 days after five years of service and 33 days after 10 years of service, in addition to the national Bank Holidays (pro-rata for part time staff);
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme:
• Flexible working opportunities;
• Enhanced hourly rates for unsociable hours e.g. night shifts, weekends, bank holidays;
• Opportunities for career development and training to help you progress in your role;
• Wellbeing support and activities to promote a healthy work environment;
• Access to our in-house physiotherapy service;
• On-site canteens offering subsidised meals;
• Subsidised staff parking (currently free);
• Free Stagecoach Bus Travel to and from work within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

We strive to create a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees feel valued and empowered to excel in their roles.  Join us and become part of a team dedicated to making a positive difference in our community.