Phlebotomist

Job overview

We are looking for motivated and caring individuals to join our busy and friendly team, where full training and ongoing support will be provided from the outset.

This role offers an opportunity to play an important part in delivering high-quality care and treatment to our patients.

The successful applicant will demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, good manual dexterity, and the ability to remain calm and professional in a pressurised environment.

You will be able to work independently when required, while also contributing effectively as part of a team, with flexibility being essential.

A range of shift times are available; however, flexibility is key, as you may be required to cover other sites across the Trust and Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services.

Department operating hours are 07:30–17:00 Monday to Friday, and 08:00–10:30 on Saturdays and Bank Holidays, on a rota basis.

Main duties of the job

• The post holder will work as a phlebotomist, undertaking the collection of blood samples from patients across inpatient wards, outpatient departments, and other local hospitals where services are provided.
• Blood samples must be taken accurately and safely, as high-quality specimens are essential in supporting clinicians to diagnose, monitor, and treat patients effectively.
• The role requires strict adherence to the Trust’s corporate policies and procedures, ensuring all duties are carried out in line with statutory, professional, and legal requirements.
• This provides a consistent, safe, and professional framework for patient care and service delivery.
• The post holder will also participate in the provision of a Bank Holiday service, covering ward requests as part of a team rota, demonstrating flexibility and commitment to maintaining essential clinical services.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• The post holder will be trained as a phlebotomist and will work on a rota basis across Wexham Park Hospital, Heatherwood Hospital, St Peter’s Hospital, and King Edward VII Hospital.
• Duties will be undertaken in wards, outpatient clinics, GP surgeries, and other departments as required.
• The role involves the routine handling of biological samples, and strict adherence to departmental health and safety policies is always essential.
• The post holder will be trained to perform a range of venepuncture techniques in varied clinical environments and will initially work under supervision until deemed competent to work independently.
• There is an opportunity to progress to Band 3 after one year of service, subject to meeting the Band 3 job description criteria and successfully completing all required competencies.
• Clinical and technical responsibilities include collecting blood samples from inpatients and outpatients using approved venepuncture procedures, maintaining patient and personal safety, working in line with risk management and occupational health legislation, and following Trust protocols when dealing with high-risk patients.
• The post holder will ensure sample quality by applying appropriate clinical knowledge, including correct site selection, tourniquet use, and bottle selection, and will be proficient in performing venepuncture for Dynamic Function Tests.

This job description is an indication of the type and range of tasks that are expected of the post holder, and other duties may be required, in line with the role and the banding. It will be reviewed and amended from time to time in consultation with the post holder to take account of changing organisational need.

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.