Phlebotomist

Job overview

If you are passionate about patient care and would like to work in a busy, dynamic environment, then the role of Phlebotomist may be for you. Our team of Phlebotomists take blood samples from inpatients at West Suffolk Hospital (WSH) and also from outpatients at Mildenhall Health Centre Hub, Newmarket Community Hospital,  Sudbury Community Health Centre and WSH - you will need to be able to drive to access all locations. The inpatient service is provided 7 days a week, whilst for outpatients the service is weekdays plus Saturday mornings at WSH.

It would be advantageous if you have had some experience in this field, although the right attitude is more important and training will be provided. The post holder will be responsible for obtaining blood samples from inpatients and outpatients by means of venepuncture and will include associated reception tasks. The successful applicant will be able to exhibit good people and communication skills, attention to detail, manual dexterity in addition to good numeracy and literacy skills.

The phlebotomy role is important in delivering a high quality, timely and cost-effective service, whilst upholding the Trusts vision and values including the principles of Patient First.

If you would like to help us put patients first or for further information, please contact either Shan Barnes, Phlebotomy Manager on 01284 712767.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be part of the Phlebotomy team and will take blood samples by venepuncture from inpatients and outpatients at various locations within and remote from West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.  As well as the ambassadorial role of this front-line service there will also be opportunities to participate more fully with the work of all pathology departments and to provide cover for Pathology Reception.

• To be part of the team responsible for the collection of blood samples by venepuncture from patients served by West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust - if undergoing training, the collecting of blood samples will be supervised.
• Communication with all patients of varying needs.
• Positive identification of patient and labelling of samples.
• Requirement to perform phlebotomy duties at various locations to support the phlebotomy service, e.g. Outpatient Phlebotomy Department, inpatient wards and McMillan Unit at West Suffolk Hospital or Outpatient Phlebotomy at Sudbury Community Health Centre, Newmarket and Mildenhall. This may include new locations in the future as the phlebotomy service develops.
• Maintains records in relation to activities carried out.

Please see full job description to view full main duties of job.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Job responsibilities

Technical and scientific

• Perform phlebotomy activities accurately and efficiently.
• Accurate identification of patient and labelling of samples according to standard procedures.
• Ensure that correct pre and post-test requirements have been observed by the patient.
• Responsible for data entry on to the computer system.
• Make judgements in accordance with policies and procedures to identify action and report anomalies.
• Ensure the correct handling, storage and appropriate delivery of samples to laboratory.
• Participate in the day to day management of stock control and usage to ensure efficient use where appropriate.
• Assist in the introduction of new processes and systems.
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment.
• Use equipment in a safe manner and report any equipment faults to a more senior member of staff.
• Participate in collection of samples for Research and Development, clinical trials and equipment testing.

Communication

• Communicate effectively with patients, carers, colleagues and clinicians.
• Undertake Pathology reception duties when required. These include receiving visitors to the wider department, service engineers and printing ICE request forms as necessary.

Information Resources

• Ensure adequate identification criteria, appropriate and accurate data entry
• To ensure patient confidentiality and conformance to Data Protection Act and Caldicott Guidelines.
• Be able to use Laboratory Information system, email, internet and automated operating systems, and other software packages as required.

Quality/Governance/Risk Management

• Follow policies and procedures ensuring that the use of Q-Pulse quality management system of the Trust is complied with where appropriate.
• Comment on proposals for change to appropriate policies and standard operating procedures within own area.
• Assist in audits and where appropriate, propose service improvements within own area.
• Complete incident forms where appropriate.

Education, Training and Development

• Support less experienced and other staff where required and demonstrates own work.
• Participates in appraisal process in line with current policies.
• Responsible for personal education, training and competencies.

Other Duties and Additional Responsibilities

The post-holder will be expected to participate in the delivery of specific duties and/or specialised responsibilities in line with the banding of the post.  These responsibilities will be agreed with the post holder, will be subject to regular review and may be amended at any time with the post holder’s agreement.