Pathology Specimen Reception Assistant

Transformationunitgm; Bedford; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Bedford is seeking a part-time Specimen Receptionist to manage clinical specimens in the Blood Sciences Department. The role involves sorting and labeling specimens and ensuring timely processing to aid patient care. Applicants should have a good GCSE level in English and Mathematics, experience in a healthcare setting, and excellent communication skills. This position offers ongoing support and training in a dedicated team environment.

Benefits

Ongoing training and support

Opportunities for personal development

Qualifications

• Experience in dealing with sensitive patient information.
• Able to perform accurate data entry.
• Previous laboratory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Receive and dispatch samples to appropriate laboratories.
• Sort and label specimens for blood sciences.
• Maintain and distribute GP consumable orders.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Good interpersonal and telephone skills

Ability to work as part of a team

Willingness to learn

Education

Good GCSE level in English & Mathematics

Previous administrative experience in a healthcare setting

Tools

Word processing packages

Databases

Spreadsheets

Job description

Main area Blood Sciences Grade Band 3 Contract Permanent: Shift work Hours Part time - 22.5 hours per week (Shift working between 08:00-20:00 M-F plus occasional week-end work (currently 0900-1300)) Job ref 418-COR3218-MR

Employer Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Bedford Hospital South Wing Town Bedford Salary £24,937 - £26,598 Pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 05/02/2026 23:59

Pathology Specimen Reception Assistant (Band 3)

Band 3

Job overview

Are you highly organised, detail‑oriented, and looking to make a real difference in patient care? An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Specimen Receptionist (AFC Band 3) to join our enthusiastic and supportive team within the Blood Sciences Department at Bedford Hospital.

In this vital frontline role, you'll be part of a dedicated team handling clinical specimens playing a key part in the smooth operation of our fast‑paced and essential pathology service. No two days are the same, and your work will directly contribute to the timely diagnosis and treatment of patients across the hospital.

We’re committed to your growth. You’ll receive full training and ongoing support, with opportunities for Continuing Personal Development (CPD) through both in‑house training and relevant external events. It’s a fantastic chance to gain hands‑on experience in a busy and high‑performing healthcare environment.

The role is 22.5 hours per week, worked on a 7‑day rota (averaged over a 12‑week period), once you've completed training and achieved competency in key tasks.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. If you have a disability, we’re happy to make reasonable adjustments and provide support throughout the recruitment process. We’re proud to promote equality of opportunity and value diversity across our workforce.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will be expected to

• Receive and dispatch samples to appropriate laboratories.
• Sort and label specimens for blood sciences.
• Undertake accurate and precise data entry on laboratory computer system which requires frequent periods of concentration.
• Maintain, process and distribute orders of consumables for GP surgeries.
• File and distribute patient reports.
• Organisation of personal workload.
• Handle telephone enquiries from service users and, where required, communicate test results which may be of a complex and/or sensitive nature.
• Participate in mentoring, guidance and training of inexperienced/new staff when required.
• Effectively communicate with laboratory and medical staff to ensure that specimens are dealt with appropriately and in a timely fashion.
• Liaise with GP surgeries, hospital clinics and other departments within Pathology.

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.

We have state‑of‑the‑art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when a sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job; please review for the full details and responsibilities.

• To undertake the reception, identification and processing of pathological samples in the Specimen Reception.
• Sorting and labelling of specimens.
• Undertake accurate and precise data entry on laboratory computer system which requires frequent periods of concentration.
• Maintenance of stores.
• Ensure that GP consumable orders are completed and distributed to GP surgeries.

Person specification

Experience

• Experience of word processing packages, databases and spreadsheets.
• Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive patient information in a methodical and professional manner.
• Ability to work as part of a team across a range of staff groups.
• Previous experience working within the laboratory setting.

Education

• Educated to a good GCSE level in English & Mathematics.
• Previous administrative and clerical experience in a healthcare or customer service environment.
• Keyboard and IT skills preferably ECDL.

Skills & Knowledge

• Excellent communication skills – written and verbal.
• Good interpersonal and telephone skills.
• Able to work to deadlines and prioritise workload.
• Willingness to learn.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post.