Phlebotomist

Job overview

Churchdown Surgery is looking to recruit an experienced phlebotomist, 4 days per week, to work as part of our dedicated nursing team. This is a Permanent role.

**Please note we require a minimum of 1 year phlebotomy experience as essential**

You will be enthusiastic and motivated, have a positive attitude towards patients, colleagues and work. Be able to demonstrate good communication skills and an have an ability to work under pressure.

Job description

To be responsible for extracting blood samples in line with practice procedures and policies, and administering the processing of all blood sampling requests in an efficient and precise manner.

Job responsibilities

Job Title: Phlebotomist

Responsible to: Nurse Manager

Responsible for: No direct line management responsibilities.

1. Job Purpose

• To work as part of the multidisciplinary practice team to provide a safe, effective and patient-centred phlebotomy service to the practice population. The postholder will undertake blood collection and associated clinical duties in accordance with their training, professional competence, practice policies and procedures, and relevant clinical guidelines.
• The postholder will contribute to the delivery of high-quality patient care by supporting the GPs, nursing team and wider practice staff.

2. Key Responsibilities and Duties Phlebotomy and Patient Care

• Welcome patients and explain the blood collection procedure, ensuring they are as comfortable and relaxed as possible.

• Confirm the patients identity using the appropriate identification checks and verify the blood test request against the patient and clinical record, confirming details directly with the patient wherever possible.

• Obtain the patients agreement before proceeding with blood collection and respond appropriately to any concerns or difficulties.

• Collect blood samples safely and effectively, in accordance with training, competence, practice protocols and relevant guidelines.

• Ensure all samples are correctly labelled at the point of collection, using the required patient identification details.

• Ensure samples are placed in the appropriate containers and stored, handled and transported in accordance with laboratory requirements and practice procedures.

• Ensure samples are dispatched to the appropriate laboratory within the required timescales.

• Accurately record blood collection and any relevant information in the patients clinical record using the practice clinical system.

• Ensure that blood collection equipment is suitable for use and within its expiry date.

• Recognise and report any difficulties, abnormalities or concerns arising during blood collection to the appropriate senior member of staff.

• Inform the GP or nursing team of any significant patient concerns identified during an appointment.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant phlebotomy guidance, procedures and best practice.

3. Clinical Environment and Equipment

• Ensure clinical rooms and work areas are clean, tidy, safe and appropriately prepared for patient appointments.

• Check that clinical equipment and supplies are available, suitable for use and maintained in accordance with practice procedures.

• Report faulty equipment, stock shortages, environmental concerns or other hazards to the appropriate person.

• Take appropriate action within the limits of the role to address identified risks and prevent harm to patients, colleagues and visitors.

• Ensure clinical waste and sharps are disposed of safely and in accordance with current guidance and practice procedures.

4. Infection Prevention and Control

• Comply with the practices infection prevention and control policies and procedures at all times.

• Apply appropriate infection prevention measures, including:

  • Effective hand hygiene.

  • Appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

  • Safe collection, handling and storage of laboratory specimens.

  • Correct segregation and disposal of clinical and general waste.

  • Safe handling and disposal of sharps.

  • Appropriate cleaning and decontamination of clinical equipment and work surfaces.

  • Safe management of blood and body fluid spillages.

  • Prompt reporting of sharps injuries and other potential exposures, following the appropriate incident management procedure.

5. Clinical Systems and Record Keeping

• Use the practice clinical system, SystmOne, to record relevant clinical information accurately and in a timely manner.

• Maintain complete, accurate records in accordance with practice procedures.

• Access and use patient information only where required for the performance of the role.

• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with relevant information governance, data protection and practice requirements.

• Report any errors, discrepancies or concerns relating to patient records or information security promptly.

6. Communication

• Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, carers, colleagues and other healthcare professionals.

• Treat all patients with dignity, respect and sensitivity, recognising individual needs and circumstances.

• Adapt communication methods where necessary to support patients with additional communication needs.

• Provide clear and appropriate information about the blood collection process and direct clinical queries beyond the scope of the role to the appropriate clinician.

• Report significant patient concerns, incidents or clinical issues promptly to the relevant member of the clinical team.

• Work collaboratively with the wider practice team to support the effective delivery of patient services.

7. Health, Safety and Risk Management

• Comply with all relevant health and safety policies, procedures and statutory requirements.

• Maintain awareness of fire safety procedures, emergency arrangements and the appropriate action to take in the event of an incident.

• Identify and report risks associated with the clinical environment, equipment, microbiological hazards and chemical substances.

• Follow the practices procedures for the safe handling and use of substances covered by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations.

• Maintain equipment and furniture within the postholders area of responsibility in a safe condition and report defects promptly.

• Understand the general principles of first aid and resuscitation and take appropriate initial action in an emergency, in accordance with training and competence.

• Report accidents, incidents, near misses and potential hazards in accordance with practice procedures.

• Ensure that any clinical activity undertaken remains within the limits of the postholders training, competence and authorised responsibilities.

8. Personal and Professional Development

• Take responsibility for maintaining and developing the knowledge and skills required for the role.

• Participate in supervision, training, appraisal and development activities as required by the practice.

• Maintain an appropriate record of training and professional development.

• Complete all mandatory training within the required timescales.

• Keep up to date with relevant changes to clinical guidance, infection prevention and control, health and safety and practice procedures.

• Seek advice or assistance whenever a task falls outside the postholders competence or level of training.

• Ensure that any concerns about personal competence, training needs or the safe delivery of the service are raised with the Nurse Manager.

9. Occupational Health and Vaccination

• Comply with the practices occupational health and immunisation requirements relevant to the role.

• Ensure that Hepatitis B vaccination status is reviewed and that any required vaccinations, boosters or follow-up arrangements are completed in accordance with current occupational health guidance and practice policy.

• Promptly report any occupational exposure to blood or body fluids and follow the practices needlestick injury and exposure management procedures.

10. General Responsibilities

• Maintain a professional approach and uphold the values and standards of Churchdown Surgery.

• Treat all patients, colleagues and visitors fairly, respectfully and without discrimination.

• Comply with practice policies and procedures, including those relating to confidentiality, safeguarding, equality and diversity, infection prevention and control, and health and safety.

• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times, including after leaving employment with the practice.

• Undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the grade and nature of the post, following appropriate training and instruction.

About the organisation

We are a large practice with more than 16,500 patients situated in Churchdown, a large village between Gloucester and Cheltenham, and are proud to have been serving the area for over 100 years.

Our purpose is to work with our patients to promote the health of our growing community, by ensuring excellent patient care is delivered by a friendly, highly motivated and respected health care team. Our close-knit team is committed to offering high quality, safe and effective care with a focus on providing excellent patient access.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• A recognised phlebotomy qualification

Experience

Desirable

• Experience of working in primary care
• Knowledge of using SystmOne clinical system