Pathology Healthcare Science Assistant | Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Pathology Healthcare Science Assistant

Department

Pathology Support Unit

Band

2/3: £25,272 - £27,476 per annum

This is a development post starting at band 2

Hours

37.5 per week, worked across 7 days including weekends and bank holidays. Shifts are worked between 08:45 and 21:00, in accordance with the departmental rota and service requirements, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working.

Join the Pathology Support Unit at Milton Keynes University Hospital and become part of a friendly, dedicated team at the heart of our ISO 15189 accredited diagnostic services.

This is a developmental role, with structured training and support to help you develop your skills and progress to the Senior Pathology Healthcare Science Assistant role, following successful completion of training and demonstration of the required knowledge and competencies.

For further information, please contact Shane Breckenridge, Pathology Support Unit Manager, at shane.breckenridge@mkuh.nhs.uk or Jonathan Popoola, Deputy Pathology Support Unit Manager, at jonathan.popoola@mkuh.nhs.uk.

We are not able to provide sponsorship for this role

Interview date

28 September 2026

Strong 81.2% of additional clinical services feel care of patients is their top priority''NHS Survey, 2024''

'We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute'

Motivated, organised and detail-oriented individuals are invited to join our Pathology team. You will work in a busy laboratory environment where accuracy, excellent communication and the ability to prioritise tasks are essential. The role involves following established procedures, managing routine work, using computer systems and delivering a high-quality service to patients and clinical staff.

We are committed to investing in our people and laboratories, with modern equipment, upgraded facilities and a supportive culture that encourages staff development, innovation and continuous improvement. Full training and support will be provided to help you succeed.

Key responsibilities include the pre-analytical management of pathology specimens and requests to ensure efficient workflow and timely analysis, and the post-analytical management of specialist investigations to ensure accurate results are available for scientific validation and clinical review. The role also involves assisting patients and healthcare professionals, managing deliveries of specimens, consumables, reagents and mail, and supporting the delivery of a 24/7 pathology service across a 7-day working pattern.

Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a “Good” rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.

As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.

We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre. We have just opened the Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards.

Further investment is underway, including the recently approved Women and Children’s Centre, set to open by 2030.

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For further information about Milton Keynes please visit -Visit Milton Keynes

You'll play a vital role in ensuring patient samples and requests are received, processed and prepared accurately, enabling timely laboratory testing and supporting excellent patient care. From supporting patients and healthcare professionals at reception to handling specimens, data entry and laboratory support activities, no two days are the same, and every task contributes to the safe and efficient delivery of our Pathology service.

Maintain a professional approach to work at all times and to deal courteously with enquiries from within and outside the hospital.

Manage Pathology reception, receiving visitors and patients, dealing with enquiries and ensuring that printed results are sent to requesters at an acceptable rate.

Please refer to the attached job descriptions for further information

This advert closes on Wednesday 23 Sep 2026