Phlebotomist

Job overview

The post holder will be a member of the Phlebotomy team providing a patient friendly service to hospital wards, outpatient clinics and the Blood Taking Unit. There is a requirement to support delivery of services at our phlebotomy clinics within West Northamptonshire on a rotational basis.

To be responsible for ensuring that the blood specimens are taken in a manner that does not cause undue anxiety to the patient. In addition, to ensure that laboratories are provided with timely, high quality blood specimens taken in tubes that are appropriate for the tests requested.

Concentration, accuracy, and attention to detail are essential in this position and the post holder will ensure that all relevant policies and Health and Safety protocols are adhered to.

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·        To collect samples of blood using agreed standard operating procedure (SOP).  Ensure that the patient is identified correctly before proceeding, requesting that the patient identifies themself with full name, address and DOB. Matching these details to that of the request.

·        Identify the analytical requirements from the request and take appropriate specimens, ensuring that these are correctly labelled at the time of sampling and clearly labelled and legible.

·        Bleed patients as required by the service including paediatrics.

·        To inform the Phlebotomy Supervisor, Doctor or senior Nurse if for any reason specimens are not taken.

·        Ensure that the specimens are available and/or transported to the laboratories in the optimum time.

·        To maintain stocks of materials for all Phlebotomy activity and ensure that all work areas are kept in a clean and safe order.

·        Ensure that the correct PPE and decontamination is used and completed according to Trust, Pathology and Phlebotomy Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

·        To dispose of needles and sharps according to Health and Safety procedures and Trust, Pathology and Phlebotomy Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

·        To dispose of clinical waste according to Health and Safety procedures, Trust, Pathology and Phlebotomy Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

·        The post holder will be required to participate in the weekend and Bank holiday duties as rostered on a rotational basis.

·        The post holder will be required to participate in the rota which involves holding Phlebotomy clinics at a blood taking hub in West Northamptonshire, such as Danetre Hospital. 

·        The post holder will be flexible in order that the needs of the service are covered during annual leave, sickness and other absences.

·        The post holder will carry out any other duties applicable to that grade as determined by the Phlebotomy Supervisor/Manager.

·        Maintain a flexible approach to the post in order to rapidly assimilate changes in workload, patterns and requirements.

CUSTOMER CARE FOR PATIENTS AND/OR SERVICE USERS

·        Adopt a friendly and professional manner that promotes confidence in the patient and reduces anxiety to a minimum.

·        Always maintain the highest level of performance and professional standards.

·        All phlebotomists must check with the nurse in charge of the ward before bleeding any patients to check for patients in isolation or those which pose a danger of infection risk.

·        To prevent cross infection, they must use alcohol gel on hands between each patient and wash hands thoroughly before entering and leaving each bay.  Wearing of gloves and aprons is mandatory and these must be changed between each patient. Disposable tourniquets must be used for all patients. No excess equipment should be taken into isolation rooms and all equipment should be disposed of inside the room.

COMMUNICATION

·         To offer advice to patients on specimen collection and related topics according to laboratory protocols.

·         To report any instance or event which may cause a service delivery failure.

·         Ensure a friendly, courteous and professional manner is always promoted.

·         Attend regular staff meetings raising issues as appropriate.

·         To report and remedy where possible any incident or event which may cause a service delivery failure.

·         All staff have a responsibility to report any risks, clinical and non-clinical accidents and incidents/potential incidents promptly on Datix and co-operate with any investigations undertaken.

·         The post holder will be responsible to liaise closely with the Phlebotomy Supervisor/Manager in providing a high-quality service that builds on the standards defined by UKAS, The National Patient Safety Agency and the National Association of Phlebotomists.

·         Be expected to develop and maintain close working relationships with all grades of staff both technical and medical to ensure the effective delivery of the service.

PLANNING AND ORGANISATION

·        To plan and organise their work within the demands of the team and as allocated by the Phlebotomy Supervisor.

·        Under the guidance of the Supervisor assist new staff to become fully informed of the routine phlebotomy procedures.

TEACHING, TRAINING AND RESEARCH RESPONSIBILITIES

·         To undertake basic phlebotomy skills training.

·         To participate in the training of new starters as required.

·         To undertake appropriate training and continuing professional development programmes to maintain the effectiveness and quality of the service.

·         To attend annual mandatory training as per Trust policy (or as specified).

·         Be familiar with the electronic requesting system and booking systems.

• To have good computer skills

Working for our organisation

Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.

Our Excellence Values

Compassion

Accountability

Respect

Integrity

Courage

We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone’s full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities.

We are a Defence positive trust, supporting our reservists, veterans, spouses and partners.

The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals.

We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.

We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.