Phlebotomist

Job description

Job responsibilities

1. Clinical Care and Patient Interaction

i. Provide information and advice to patients and, where appropriate, their carers about the blood sampling process.

ii. Explain procedures and gain patient consent according to practice consent policies.

iii. Collect venous blood samples as directed by the nursing team, GP, or via patient referral forms.

iv. Ensure all samples and specimens are correctly documented, labelled, and stored following practice protocols.

v. Ensure safe transportation of samples to the lab within designated timelines, including adherence to protocol for handling hazardous materials.

vi. In addition to venous blood sampling, take blood pressure (BP) readings for patients as directed by the nursing team or clinician when required.

vii. Administer certain vaccinations, such as influenza, b12 and COVID-19 vaccines, if trained and competent to do so, following vaccination protocols and maintaining accurate records of all vaccinations administered.

viii. Conduct pulse checks opportunistically to screen for atrial fibrillation (AF); promptly inform the on-call GP if an irregular rhythm or AF is detected to ensure appropriate follow-up.

ix. During your allocated time, follow Downing Drive Surgery's established procedure to ensure samples are processed in a timely manner for daily pathology collection. Collaborate with the nursing team to address any issues that may delay processing or submission.

x. Provide blood tests for children aged 12-15 as part of the Community Based Services (CBS) offered by general practice, if appropriately trained and following safety protocols for paediatric phlebotomy. Ensure the appropriate use of numbing cream for patient comfort as needed, in line with Downing Drive Surgery's guidelines for paediatric care.

xi. Collect, label, and prepare urine samples in accordance with practice protocols, ensuring samples are managed securely and efficiently for analysis.

xii. Monitor and order phlebotomy supplies, including needles, tubes, and other materials, to maintain adequate stock levels. Ensure supplies are well-organised and stored safely, following practice policies and infection control standards.

2. Health and Safety Compliance

i. Comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) by taking reasonable care of personal health and safety and that of others affected by work activities.

ii. Follow practice policies regarding the handling of hazardous substances, adhering to C.O.S.H.H. (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations.

iii. Adhere to Infection Prevention and Control policies, ensuring that all clinical waste and sharps are disposed of safely and in accordance with practice protocols.

3. Documentation and Administration

iv. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in line with GDPR and practice policies.

v. Input patient data and information into the electronic health record system (SystmOne) as required.

vi. Complete administrative tasks associated with patient care, including updating records and assisting with data for audits.

vii. Support the completion of documentation for Enhanced Services and assist with administrative requirements for claims where possible.

4. Infection Control and Safety

i. Follow infection control protocols and ensure best practices in personal and environmental hygiene.

ii. Ensure your consulting room and any equipment used is cleaned, disinfected, and restocked after each use.

iii. Adhere to safe disposal procedures for clinical waste, sharps, and contaminated materials.

iv. Support the infection control lead in promoting compliance with infection control policies across the practice.

v. Ensure safe disposal of clinical waste and correct procedures for the use and disposal of sharps.

vi. Maintain clean and safe clinical areas in accordance with infection control standards.

5. Communication and Collaboration

i. Work collaboratively with GPs, receptionists, and administrative staff to ensure seamless patient care.

ii. Participate in team meetings, practice updates, and training sessions to stay informed on best practices and clinical changes.

iii. Engage with patients and their families, providing a compassionate and approachable environment for discussing their care.

iv. Assist in orienting and training new staff members or students, where appropriate.

6. Premises

i. Ensure your consulting room is cleaned and restocked after use, reporting any health and safety concerns.

ii. Be able to open and lock the premises as required, understanding security protocols.

iii. Maintain health promotion materials and ensure the waiting area is welcoming and informative.

7. Training and Development

i. Engage in ongoing professional development, maintaining necessary competencies and updating knowledge relevant to primary care.

ii. Participate in regular appraisals and reviews, identifying areas for further training and skill development.

iii. Attend Protected Learning Time (PLT) sessions, primary care training, and other professional development opportunities offered by the practice.

iv. Undertake all mandatory training and induction programmes.

v. To understand practice policies.

8. Safeguarding and Delegation

i. Support the clinical team in identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns, following local policies and protocols.

ii. Assist the registered nursing staff in delegating appropriate tasks within the scope of the Nurse Associate role and competencies.

iii. Delegate clinical responsibilities within the nursing team appropriately, ensuring tasks are within each team members scope of practice.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Familiarity with electronic patient record systems, such as SystmOne, for accurate documentation.
• Proven experience in phlebotomy, preferably within a general practice or healthcare setting.
• Experience working with a range of patient age groups, including adults and children.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Chaperone procedure
• Ability to record accurate clinical notes
• Competent in venipuncture and blood collection, with a high degree of accuracy and confidence.
• Ability to conduct blood pressure checks and pulse assessments accurately.
• Ability to recognise signs of potential atrial fibrillation (AF) during pulse checks and communicate findings to clinicians.
• Knowledge of appropriate infection control and health and safety protocols in a clinical setting.
• Proficiency in following clinical protocols and practice policies, particularly for pathology sample handling and storage.

Other

Essential

• Strong IT skills
• Self-Motivation
• Ability to work as a team member and autonomously
• Ability to follow clinical policy and procedure
• Ability to work under pressure / in stressful situations
• Effectively able to communicate and understand the needs of the patient
• Commitment to ongoing professional development
• Adaptable
• In date CRB/DBS check
• Immunisation status

Qualifications

Essential

• Level 2 or 3 qualification in Phlebotomy or equivalent.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Safeguarding training at an appropriate level (adults and children).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) training completed.

Desirable

• Additional training in paediatric phlebotomy, particularly with patients aged 12-15.
• Experience with numbing cream applications for paediatric blood tests.
• Vaccination training or willingness to complete relevant training (e.g., flu and COVID-19 vaccinations).

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

Downing Drive Surgery

Address

155 Downing Drive

Evington

Leicester

LE5 6LP

Employer's website

https://www.downingdrivesurgery.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)