Pathology Specimen Reception Assistant (Band 3) | Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


Company:	Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Salary:	£25,760 - £27,476 Pro rata
Hours:	Part-time
Location:	Bedford, MK42 9DJ
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	3 Aug 2026
Closing date:	2 Sept 2026

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Summary

Are you highly organised, detail-oriented, and looking to make a real difference in patient care? An exciting opportunity has arisen for aSpecimen Receptionist (AFC Band 3)to join our enthusiastic and supportive team within theBlood 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 forContinuing 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 is22.5 hours per week, worked on a7-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 promoteequality of opportunityand value diversity across our workforce.

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.

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.

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

• To ensure that GP consumable orders are completed and distributed to GP surgeries.

This advert closes on Monday 17 Aug 2026

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