Pathology Support Worker

University Hospitals Sussex; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading NHS foundation trust in the United Kingdom offers a part-time role in the Pathology Reception team. Ideal candidates should possess strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure. Responsibilities include receiving pathology samples, data entry, and effective communication with clinical staff and patients. The position emphasizes flexibility and a commitment to providing high-quality service in a dynamic healthcare environment.

Benefits

Compassionate and inclusive workplace

Extensive wellbeing programme

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Self-motivated individuals who are flexible and versatile in their approach to work.
• Ability to work well under pressure and in challenging conditions.
• Strength in teamwork and good interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Receive and process clinical samples, resolving issues like labelling errors.
• Perform accurate data input for patient information and investigations.
• Communicate results and information to staff and patients.

Skills

Clear speaking voice

Excellent telephone manner

Organised

Attention to detail

Team Player

Education

Good standard of education including English and Mathematics

Tools

Computer literacy and keyboard skills

Job description

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Main area Pathology Support Services Grade Band 2 Contract Permanent Hours Part time - 15 hours per week (Bank work hours will be considered) Job ref 279-7702167-JAN26

Employer University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type NHS
Site Princess Royal Hospital
Town Haywards Heath
Salary £24,465 Per annum pro rata
Salary period Yearly
Closing 21/01/2026 23:59

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to deliver Excellent Care Everywhere for our patients, our people and our communities. Whatever your role here at UHSussex you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us deliver Excellent Care Everywhere. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We value compassion, inclusion and respect as our core values. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our wellbeing programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

As part of our commitment to access for all, please see the different ways you can access the application form: https://apps.trac.jobs/accessibility?_ts=1

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job overview

We are looking for self-motivated individuals who are both flexible and versatile in their approach to work and join our excellent and friendly Pathology Reception team. You must be able to work well under pressure and in challenging conditions. You will be a strong team player with good interpersonal skills and will possess a positive attitude and be constructive toward change.

The post involves the reception of people and pathology samples, sample sorting and handling, data entry and communication of pathology reports. All post holders are expected to have a good telephone manner and customer skills, excellent communication skills, clear and legible handwriting, be able to perform data entry consistently and have an understanding of medical terminology and biomedical investigation. Post holders will fully participate in the extended weekday, weekend and bank holiday rotas.

Main duties of the job

This is a part-time vacancy with shifts between the hours 08:00 and 20:00. You must have excellent keyboard skills, adaptability and a capacity for processing information quickly and accurately. You must also be willing to show a commitment to the ever-changing demands of the NHS.

Skills required:

• Clear speaking voice
• Provide a high quality, responsive and efficient reception service
• Excellent telephone manner with sound communication skills
• Methodical and organised with the ability to prioritise workload
• Demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail
• Team Player

The Trust asks all staff to attend an induction programme. Training will be undertaken locally.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.

If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Scientific & analytical

• To receive, sort and process a substantial quantity of clinical samples, identifying and resolving problems such as leaking samples, labelling errors, missing information etc.
• To perform substantial amounts of accurate data input on computers for prolonged periods of time of patient information and investigations requested by hospital clinical staff and GPs
• To maintain attention to accuracy at all times during data input and labelling of samples.
• Follows standard operating procedures (SOP) at all times
• Understands analytical work that is going to be undertaken
• Understands the urgency of requests; prioritising work according to SOPs.
• Judges whether samples are suitable for testing and takes appropriate action.
• Ensures system for phoning results is adhered to.
• To answer calls on the Pathology enquiry line on a rota basis, giving results, information and advice within their competency.
• To take significant numbers of requests for supplementary tests, find the appropriate sample and order the test(s), contacting the requestor about any issues this may cause

Supervisory & management

• Undertakes training as appraisee and participates in annual and six monthly review
• May participate in overtime arrangements when assessed as competent to do so.
• Books leave in accordance with departmental policy
• Reports personal absence to senior member of staff, according to trust policy.
• Is aware of and understands trust policies for grievance, discipline and capability
• Maintains awareness of changes and developments in the section and other departments within Pathology.
• To act as the first point of contact for all of pathology, dealing with a wide range of enquiries maintaining confidentiality. This includes communication with outside sources with information of a sensitive nature either in person or over the telephone. To inform appropriate staff that people have arrived.
• Participates in the staff questionnaire. Feeds comments up through the management system.
• Communicates with patients and staff on appointments, specimen collections, procedures for samples pre analysis etc
• Ensures that results are not given inappropriately to patients, explaining why when necessary.
• Ensures that external visitors complete visitor logs and issues badges as appropriate
• Issues results in accordance with departmental SOP’s
• To collate, envelope and dispatch pathology reports.
• To co-operate with other staff within the Pathology department in order that resources are used to maximum benefit.
• Attends meetings as directed

Education & training

• Supports competency training for junior staff in co-operation with the section trainers.
• Responsible for own personal development
• Attends all courses as directed.
• Attends all mandatory and statutory training courses as directed.

Assessment of new staff is carried out after 4 months by a suitably qualified assessor. After successful completion of the assessment new staff will be required to participate in the extended weekday, weekend and bank holiday rotas in addition to the contracted hours

Information management & technology

• Works within standard operating procedures and policies to ensure high quality data, thus maintaining the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases. Recognises data quality problems and brings to the attention of senior staff.
• Attends training on the use of display screen equipment and ensures that working practices comply.
• Reports any non-functional hardware to senior staff.
• Uses the laboratory information management system according to authorised protocols.
• Uses quality management system for read only access
• Complies with local and national policies for the safe, secure and confidential processing and storage of patient and other laboratory information
• Uses resources efficiently and cost effectively.
• To sign for deliveries and inform stores staff of large deliveries.
• Reports low level of supplies appropriately to ensure continuing supply.
• Ensures that stocks are stored appropriately.
• Uses equipment safely, taking into account its complexity, limitations and value

Clinical audit and quality management

• Assists with data collection for audits as directed
• Is aware of all types of documentation within the laboratory organisation

Health & safety

• Works within all health and safety policies in a safe manner, recognising hazards within the workplace and applying agreed precautionary measures.
• Is mindful of duties towards colleagues, visitors and patients in maintaining a safe environment and safe working practices. Reports any defects noticed.
• Applies knowledge from training in display screen equipment, personal protective equipment and manual handling to own work practices
• Applies knowledge from fire safety training to ensure safety for self and others. Complies with all fire procedures as directed.
• Understands the implications of COSHH and risk assessment documentation and works within defined control measures at all times.
• Maintains awareness of all emergency and major incident procedures, and acts accordingly in the event of an incident
• Understands and adheres to trust policies for clinical waste disposal.
• Understands the reporting system for clinical incident reporting and uses it appropriately.

Other Role-Specific Duties

• Carry out any other reasonable duties commensurate with the role and delegated or requested by the manager or supervisor, as the needs of the service require.
• The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the Department and the Organisation.
• Good standard of education including English and Mathematics
• Computer Literate, IT and keyboard skills
• Previous experience in the NHS
• Understanding or experience of a Pathology services

Skills

• Able to adhere to departmental policies, procedure and guidelines.
• Knowledge of data protection, data quality and patient confidentiality
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

Important information for applicants:

A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications

Further Information

For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

Employer certification / accreditation badges

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Application numbers

This advert has been capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, it will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in this post to prevent you from missing out on applying for this opportunity.

Name Pathology Support Services Management Team
Job title Pathology Support Services Management Team
Email address [e-mail]
Telephone number 01444 441881

Additional information

For further questions please contact Amanda Sawyer - [e-mail] or 01444 441881 ext 68225