About Association of Medical Laboratory Assistants: chairman's message

“Hello and welcome to AMLA. My name is Maureen Jenkins. I am a medical laboratory assistant (MLA) and have worked in the National Health Service for over 30 years. I am based in the Biochemistry Department, Stobhill Hospital, part of North Glasgow Trust Hospitals.

Obtaining recognition and a voice for MLAs has been something I have hoped for since the introduction of the grade. The only way forward for MLA staff is through education and training provided at a pace suitable to the individual, and AMLA will have these high on the list of priorities for members.

I would urge every MLA to become a member of AMLA. The task is very daunting and new to us, but we have a potential membership of more than 2,000 people. Together we can build a solid foundation, make a difference and prepare the way for our future as a professional group with a very valid contribution to make within the NHS.”

AMLA is the professional body which has been introduced to provide advice and guidance on education and training for Medical Laboratory Assistants and to promote the professional capabilities and aspirations of this group employed in hospital laboratories throughout the National Health Service.

AMLA will also provide staff with the opportunity to make a contribution to decisions which will affect both their ability to practise within their given discipline and their future status within the service.

AMLA Objectives

The main objectives of AMLA are to:

• remove any untrained, unqualified perception of the grade and develop a professional status
• encourage uniform national standards of proficiency
• extend and improve vocational and academic training and education
• enhance job package and encourage recruitment
• raise the profile of the MLA post throughout the NHS
• introduce a grading structure and the ability to progress through career gateways
• introduce a voluntary register for members
• develop a code of practice
• give accessibility to state registration