About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen within this busy Pathology service to join the Blood Science team. You will be key members of the team ensuring timely sample collection and delivery for analysis whilst always maintaining patient safety. You will be required to provide a service that meets the quality standards of ISO 15189:2012 and participate in out of core hours work patterns, working weekends and bank holidays, which attract salary enhancement. You will work collaboratively with colleagues within Pathology and across the organisation to deliver a patient focused service.
Interview Date - 20th July 2026
Please note we do not sponsor this role
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
'We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute'
Main duties of the job
To take samples in a timely manner from patients in MKUH administered locations. Ensuring correct process is followed to ensure sample viability for analysis and integrity of patient identity. To ensure samples are available to the laboratory for timely manner for analysis and presented in a condition suitable for analysis and thus help with the diagnosis, treatment and discharge of patients. To provide information and assist with enquiries as and when required. Work according to Trust policies departmental SOP's (standard operating procedures) in the provision of a quality service Please refer to the Job Description attached for full details
About us
Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.
As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.
We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre.
Further investment is underway, including the construction of Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards - and the recently approved Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.
Visit our website to explore the latest news and opportunities at MKUH - News - Milton Keynes University Hospital -
For further information about Milton Keynes please visit - Visit Milton Keynes
Job description Job responsibilities
1. Perform venepuncture on patients as requested and in accordance with the policies of Milton Keynes University Hospital.
2. Perform venepuncture on patients with complex comorbidity, limited venous access and in receipt of care in acute and non-acute care settings.
3. Perform phlebotomy in challenging environments with competing priorities, limitations on patient access and to anxious/distressed patients.
4. Prioritise phlebotomy to patients necessary to maintain patient treatment, patient flow and discharge
5. Perform venepuncture and specimen collection for specific R&D clinical trials activity as instructed.
6. Visit designated areas of the hospital and/or locations where MKUH services are delivered to perform venepuncture on patients as requested, ensuring these samples are mixed and labelled with due care and attention
7. Maintain a professional approach to work and be courteous and polite to patients at all times.
8. Demonstrate advanced communication skills in obtaining informed consent from patients of variable cognitive ability.
9. Communicate clearly to all patients whilst obtaining blood samples, providing reassurance where patients are anxious. There may be barriers to understanding when patients do not speak English or when obtaining bloods from adults with learning difficulties or dementia.
Please refer to the job description attached for full details.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge Essential
NVQ 3 or equivalent qualification or equivalent experience English and Maths GCSE or equivalent Computer literate, proficient in use of Excel
Experience Essential
Significant venepuncture experience in a hospital setting Previous use of a Hospital EPR system Previous hospital experience
Skills Essential
Able to follow written and verbal instructions implicitly Good practical skills, dextrous Well organised Able to work flexibly to meet the requirements of the post Able to work well under pressure in a busy environment Effective Team Worker
Personal and people development Essential
Confident, pleasant and understanding towards patients. Able to work well under pressure
Communication Essential
Good communication skills both verbal and written Able to reason and persuade patient Able to explain processes
Specific requirements Essential
Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations Ability to train new members of staff
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 Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address General Pathology (Dept)
Milton Keynes
MK6 5LD
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.mkuh.nhs.uk/working-at-mkuh (Opens in a new tab)