GP Surgery Phlebotomist - 1 day a week

Job summary

We are looking for a reliable and compassionate Phlebotomist to join our friendly primary care team for one day per week (8 hours).

The successful candidate will provide a high-quality phlebotomy service to our patients, ensuring blood samples are collected safely, efficiently and with a positive patient experience at the heart of everything you do.

You will join a team of established Nurses and Health care assistants. Full support will be provided but you must already be a fully qualified phlebotomist, Nurse or HCA to carry out this role.

Main duties of the job

• Carry out venepuncture and blood collection safely and effectively.
• Provide a calm, professional and reassuring experience for patients.
• Correctly identify patients and ensure samples are accurately labelled and handled.
• Prepare and process specimens in accordance with practice and laboratory procedures.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical records.
• Follow infection prevention and control procedures at all times.
• Ensure appropriate equipment and clinical areas are clean, safe and well maintained.
• Recognise and appropriately respond to patients who may become unwell during or following blood collection.
• Work collaboratively with GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants and the wider practice team.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with all relevant policies and procedures.

About us

Cantilupe Surgery is based in Hereford city centre, with a branch surgery at Hampton Dene, a few miles away.

We serve a population of 12500 patients and comprise 3 GP Partners, 4 Salaried GPs, 3 Nurse Practitioners, a Prescribing Paramedic, 5 Nurses (including lead Nurse) and 3 Health Care Assistants.

We are proud to provide excellent care to our patients, over both sites.

Job responsibilities

Clinical Duties

• Undertake venepuncture safely and competently for adults and, where appropriately trained, children.
• Confirm patient identity and check relevant clinical information before undertaking venepuncture.
• Explain the procedure to patients and obtain appropriate consent.
• Provide reassurance and support to patients who may be anxious or apprehensive about having blood taken.
• Select appropriate equipment and blood collection tubes according to the requested investigations.
• Collect blood samples in accordance with relevant procedures and infection prevention and control requirements.
• Correctly label, package and store specimens prior to transportation to the laboratory.
• Ensure specimens are accompanied by accurate and complete clinical/request information.
• Recognise and appropriately manage complications associated with venepuncture, including bleeding, bruising, fainting and other adverse reactions.
• Follow appropriate procedures in the event of a difficult or unsuccessful blood draw and seek assistance when required.
• Dispose of sharps and clinical waste safely in accordance with practice policy.
• Maintain appropriate standards of infection prevention and control, including hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with information governance requirements.
• Escalate any clinical concerns or issues identified during an appointment to an appropriate clinician.
• Work within professional and personal competence and undertake additional training where required.

Patient Care

• Treat all patients with dignity, courtesy and respect.
• Communicate effectively with patients from a range of backgrounds and with differing communication needs.
• Maintain a calm and professional manner, particularly when dealing with anxious, vulnerable or distressed patients.
• Make reasonable adjustments where required to support patients with disabilities or additional needs.
• Provide appropriate information and aftercare advice following venepuncture.
• Maintain privacy and confidentiality at all times.

Person specification

Physical and Other Requirements

Essential

• Able to undertake venepuncture and associated clinical duties safely.
• Able to stand and work at a phlebotomy station for periods of time.
• Able to safely handle clinical equipment, specimens and clinical waste.
• Able to comply with occupational health requirements relevant to the role.
• Satisfactory employment references and appropriate pre-employment checks.
• Where applicable, satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Qualifications

Essential

• Essential Criteria
• Qualifications and Training
• Relevant phlebotomy training or recognised competency in venepuncture.
• Evidence of appropriate training in infection prevention and control.
• Basic understanding of health and safety and safe handling of clinical waste and sharps.
• Willingness to undertake mandatory and role-specific training.
• Experience
• Experience of undertaking venepuncture safely and competently.
• Experience of working directly with patients or members of the public in a healthcare or similar environment.
• Experience of handling clinical specimens appropriately.
• Experience of maintaining accurate patient records and documentation.
• Skills and Knowledge
• Demonstrates safe and competent venepuncture technique.
• Good understanding of infection prevention and control.
• Good understanding of patient confidentiality and information governance.
• Able to recognise and appropriately respond to common complications of venepuncture, such as fainting or bleeding.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to communicate effectively with patients who may be anxious, distressed or have additional communication needs.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Able to work safely and effectively without constant supervision.
• Able to recognise the limits of own competence and seek appropriate assistance.
• Personal Attributes
• Caring, compassionate and patient-centred approach.
• Professional, reliable and punctual.
• Calm and reassuring manner.
• Respectful and non-judgemental attitude.
• Works well as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Flexible and willing to adapt to changing service requirements.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of patient safety and confidentiality.

Desirable

• Desirable Criteria
• Qualifications and Training
• Additional healthcare qualification or relevant clinical training.
• Basic Life Support training.
• Safeguarding training.
• Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to the role.
• Experience
• Previous experience working in general practice or another primary care setting.
• Experience using primary care clinical systems.
• Experience of working with a laboratory specimen collection and transport system.
• Experience of undertaking phlebotomy in a busy clinical environment.
• Experience working with patients with difficult venous access.
• Knowledge and Skills
• Understanding of the role of phlebotomy within primary care.
• Familiarity with common blood tests and appropriate sample requirements.
• Understanding of local laboratory procedures and specimen rejection criteria.
• Knowledge of safeguarding principles.
• Understanding of health and safety requirements within a clinical environment.
• Values and Behaviours
• The successful candidate will demonstrate:
• Patient-centred care puts patients' needs, dignity, privacy and safety at the heart of their work.
• Respect and compassion treats patients and colleagues with courtesy, kindness and respect.
• Teamwork works constructively with the wider primary care team and contributes positively to the practice environment.
• Professionalism maintains appropriate boundaries, confidentiality and professional standards.
• Safety and quality follows agreed procedures and recognises and escalates concerns appropriately.
• Equality and inclusion treats everyone fairly and respectfully and supports an inclusive environment.