Phlebotomist @ King Edward Road Surgery

Job summary

King Edward Road Surgery is looking to recruit a friendly, reliable and enthusiastic Part-Time Phlebotomist to join our busy and supportive practice team.

The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting the delivery of high-quality patient care by providing a professional and efficient phlebotomy service to our patient population.

You will be responsible for undertaking blood collection appointments, ensuring patients feel comfortable and reassured throughout their visit, and maintaining accurate records. The role requires excellent communication skills, a caring and approachable manner, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a wider multidisciplinary team.

Previous experience in phlebotomy is essential, and the successful applicant must demonstrate confidence and competence in venepuncture.

Main duties of the job

The main responsibilities will include

• Undertaking venepuncture and collecting blood samples from patients of varying ages and backgrounds.
• Providing a welcoming, professional and reassuring service, particularly to patients who may feel anxious about having blood taken.
• Correctly labelling, handling and preparing blood samples for transportation to the laboratory, following practice and laboratory protocols.
• Ensuring all samples are accurately recorded and processed in accordance with clinical guidelines.
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date patient records using the practice clinical system.
• Following infection prevention and control procedures, including safe disposal of clinical waste and sharps.
• Maintaining a clean, safe and organised clinical environment, ensuring equipment and supplies are adequately stocked.
• Identifying and reporting any concerns, difficulties or incidents appropriately.
• Working collaboratively with GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants, reception and the wider practice team to support the smooth running of clinical services.
• Maintaining patient confidentiality and adhering to relevant clinical, professional and practice policies.

The postholder will be expected to work in accordance with established protocols and demonstrate a commitment to patient safety, dignity and confidentiality at all times.

About us

King Edward Road Surgery is an established NHS GP practice providing primary healthcare services to a diverse patient population. We are committed to delivering safe, effective and accessible healthcare, with patients at the centre of everything we do.

We have a multidisciplinary team comprising GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants, clinical pharmacists, paramedics, social prescribers, health and wellbeing coaches, administrative and reception staff, all working together to provide a comprehensive range of services to our patients.

As a training practice, we have a strong commitment to education, development and supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals.

We recognise that our staff are fundamental to the success of the practice and strive to foster a supportive, inclusive and collaborative working environment. We value individuals who take pride in their work, demonstrate compassion towards patients and colleagues, and are committed to maintaining high standards of care.

This is an opportunity to become part of a friendly and dedicated team where your contribution will make a real difference to the experience and care of our patients.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Title: Part-Time PhlebotomistLocation: King Edward Road SurgeryResponsible to: Practice Manager / Nursing Team LeadHours: Part-Time (hours to be confirmed)Salary: Dependent on experience

• 1. Job Purpose

To provide a safe, effective and patient-centred phlebotomy service to patients registered with King Edward Road Surgery.

The postholder will be responsible for undertaking venepuncture, collecting and preparing blood samples for laboratory testing, and ensuring that all procedures are carried out in accordance with practice policies, clinical guidelines and infection prevention and control requirements.

The role is an important part of the practice's clinical service, supporting GPs, nurses and other healthcare professionals in the investigation, monitoring and ongoing management of patients' health conditions.

The postholder will be expected to provide a caring, professional and reassuring service, ensuring patients are treated with dignity, respect and compassion at all times.

• 2. Key Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

• Undertake venepuncture on patients attending the surgery for blood tests, ensuring procedures are performed safely and competently.
• Obtain blood samples from patients of varying ages and backgrounds, adapting the approach to meet individual patient needs where appropriate.
• Reassure patients who may be anxious, nervous or apprehensive about having blood taken.
• Ensure patient identity is confirmed using the appropriate identification checks before undertaking any procedure.
• Check that the requested blood tests are correctly documented and that the appropriate sample bottles are used.
• Recognise when a blood sample cannot be obtained and follow the appropriate procedure, including escalating repeated or unsuccessful attempts to a suitable clinician.
• Recognise and respond appropriately to patients who become unwell or experience an adverse reaction during or following venepuncture.
• Seek clinical assistance promptly where a patient's condition or presentation gives cause for concern.
• Maintain patient dignity, privacy and confidentiality throughout all interactions.

Specimen Handling and Processing

• Ensure all blood samples are correctly labelled at the point of collection in accordance with laboratory requirements.
• Check samples for accuracy and completeness before dispatch.
• Ensure samples are stored, packaged and prepared for collection in accordance with relevant laboratory guidance.
• Ensure specimens are dispatched within the required timeframes.
• Report any sample collection, labelling or processing errors immediately to the appropriate person.
• Follow practice procedures for handling, transporting and disposing of clinical specimens.

Infection Prevention and Control

• Maintain high standards of infection prevention and control at all times.
• Follow the practice's infection control policies and procedures, including hand hygiene and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Ensure clinical equipment and work surfaces are cleaned appropriately between patients and after use.
• Dispose of needles, sharps and clinical waste safely and in accordance with current guidance.
• Ensure sharps bins are used correctly and report when they require replacement.
• Maintain a clean, tidy and safe clinical working environment.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Accurately record all blood tests undertaken on the practice clinical system.
• Ensure all relevant patient records are updated following each appointment.
• Record any unsuccessful blood collection attempts or relevant incidents in accordance with practice procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of specimens collected and dispatched where required.
• Monitor clinical stock levels, including blood collection equipment, sample bottles, needles, gloves and other consumables.
• Notify the appropriate member of staff when supplies are running low or equipment requires replacement.
• Ensure clinical rooms are appropriately prepared and stocked for the working day.
• Follow practice procedures for reporting accidents, incidents and near misses.

Patient Care and Communication

• Provide a friendly, approachable and professional service to all patients.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, explaining procedures to patients where necessary.
• Demonstrate patience and understanding when supporting patients with additional needs, communication difficulties or a fear of needles.
• Respect patients' individual circumstances, cultural differences and personal preferences.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
• Direct clinical queries or concerns outside the scope of the role to an appropriate clinician.
• Support the practice in delivering a positive patient experience.
• 3. Professional Responsibilities

The postholder will

• Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with GDPR, the Data Protection Act and practice confidentiality policies.
• Work within their level of competence, knowledge and training.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills relevant to the role.
• Undertake mandatory training and any additional training identified by the practice.
• Participate in supervision, appraisal and performance reviews as required.
• Comply with all practice policies, procedures and protocols.
• Maintain professional conduct and demonstrate a positive and supportive attitude towards colleagues.
• Take responsibility for identifying and reporting any risks to patient or staff safety.
• Ensure any concerns about safeguarding, patient welfare or clinical safety are reported through the appropriate channels.
• 4. Working Relationships

The postholder will work closely with:

• GPs and other prescribing clinicians.
• Nursing Team Lead and Practice Nurses.
• Healthcare Assistants.
• Clinical Pharmacists.
• Reception and administrative teams.
• Practice Management Team.
• External laboratory and pathology services.

The postholder must demonstrate effective teamwork and maintain good communication with colleagues to ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of patient services.

• 5. Confidentiality and Information Governance

The postholder will have access to confidential patient information and must ensure that all information is handled appropriately and securely.

Patient information must only be accessed where necessary for the performance of duties and must never be disclosed to unauthorised individuals.

The postholder must comply with the practice's confidentiality, information governance and data protection policies.

• 6. Health and Safety

The postholder is responsible for maintaining a safe working environment and must:

• Comply with relevant health and safety legislation and practice policies.
• Follow safe working practices when handling needles, sharps and clinical specimens.
• Report accidents, injuries, hazards and near misses promptly.
• Attend relevant health and safety and infection control training.
• Ensure clinical equipment is used safely and appropriately.
• 7. General

This job description is intended to outline the main duties and responsibilities of the post. It is not exhaustive and may be reviewed periodically in consultation with the postholder to reflect changes in the needs and services of the practice.

The postholder may be required to undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the grade and nature of the role.

The postholder is expected to support the practice's commitment to providing safe, effective, high-quality and patient-centred care.

Job Description Review

This job description will be reviewed periodically and may be amended following discussion between the postholder and the Practice Management Team.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Recognised phlebotomy qualification or evidence of appropriate phlebotomy training.
• Demonstrable competency in venepuncture, both adult and paediatric.
• Basic understanding of infection prevention and control and safe clinical practice.
• Previous experience undertaking venepuncture in a clinical or healthcare setting.
• Experience collecting blood samples from patients safely and confidently.
• Experience maintaining accurate records and following clinical procedures and protocols.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

King Edward Road Surgery

Address

King Edward Road Surgery

King Edward Road

Northampton

NN1 5LY

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://kers.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)