Melissa Cleal

An individual with a strong Scientific background and broad knowledge of different therapeutic areas, as evidenced through my education and employment history. I very much enjoy problem solving and approach each day focusing on finding solutions. I have developed excellent IT skills through essay and project writing, as well as being able to confidently work with spreadsheets to organise data sets.

Handling sensitive patient information in my current role requires excellent attention to detail. My ability to critically analyse scientific data has been strengthened through interpreting and recognising patterns in patient case studies throughout my university career. Having gained more than 6 years' experience in a clinical laboratory setting, I am eager to take on a new challenge within Medical Writing, which will enable me to better utilise my Scientific knowledge and reach my full potential.

Medical Laboratory Assistant - Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust - Redhill, Surrey

(2018-10)

• Receiving and booking in specimens at specimen reception and data entry using LIMS
• Liaising with staff, internal and external to the Trust in person, over the telephone and via email
• Resolving discrepancies with specimens received into the department in a timely manner, so as not to delay patient care
• Working together with Consultant Histopathologists and Secretarial staff to prepare slides for Multidisciplinary Meetings
• Assisting a Biomedical Scientist/Consultant Histopathologist with small and large specimen dissections using voice dictation systems
• Working independently in the Cytology preparation room, centrifuging liquid samples containing cells, fixing them onto glass slides and staining them ready for Histopathological analysis
• Working with the Mortuary to process post-mortem specimens and handling products of conception for sensitive disposal
• Maintaining the specimen following HTA guidelines and disposing of specimens safely, according to SOPs and using correct clinical/Human tissue waste procedures
• Maintaining Laboratory staining and processing equipment

Mortuary Assistant (Covid redeployment) - Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust - Redhill, Surrey

(2020-03 - 2020-09)

• Booking the deceased into the Mortuary
• Checking and logging property
• Releasing the deceased to Funeral Directors
• Booking in and releasing products of conception and infants
• Observations in the post-mortem room
• Cleaning and maintenance of the Mortuary
• Liaising with Funeral Directors, Coroners, Police, Ambulance and Medical staff, the Bereavement Team and relatives of the deceased
• Setting up viewings for relatives and friends of the deceased

Pharmacy Assistant - Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust - Redhill, Surrey

(2016-08 - 2018-10)

• Taking in and handing out prescriptions
• Answering and making telephone calls
• Dispensing prescriptions
• Using computer systems to generate stock lists and labels and dispense items to patients
• Ordering drugs and stationary items
• Receiving, Loading and unloading deliveries
• Delivering medicines to all area of the hospital
• Dealing with outpatient and staff queries face to face and over the telephone
• Preparing, packing and labelling medicines
• Training new staff members
• Working as part of a multidisciplinary team to achieve one goal

Post-Graduate Diploma - Biomedical Science - Ulster University (2022)

MSc - Infectious Diseases - University of Kent (2015)

BSc. Hons - Biosciences - Canterbury Christ Church University (2014)