Job responsibilities
- Working under the direct supervision of the Practice Nursing Team and strictly in accordance with specific Practice guidelines and protocols, the post‑holder will be responsible for performing venepuncture to obtain blood samples from patients only as the result of a direct referral from a GP or Nurse Practitioner (5 minute appointment slots for standard venepuncture samples).
- Ensuring that the patient is as comfortable and relaxed as possible and confirming their agreement to the collection of a blood sample.
- Collection of sample(s) of blood in accordance with training and procedures.
- Ensuring samples are stored in appropriate containers.
- Accurate, legible labelling of all samples to confirm patient identity.
- Checking patient identification against GP/Nurse request and confirming with patient whenever possible.
- Recording collection of blood sample in patient record in accordance with Practice procedure.
- Ensuring that samples are dispatched to the appropriate laboratories in a timely fashion.
- Ensuring that anomalies are reported to a senior member of staff.
- Notifying the GP/Nurse of any significant patient issues.
- Liaising with and assisting members of the administrative team.
Confidentiality
- In the course of seeking treatment, patients entrust us with, or allow us to gather, sensitive information in relation to their health and other matters. They do so in confidence and have the right to expect that staff will respect their privacy and act appropriately.
- In the performance of the duties outlined in this Job Description, the post‑holder may have access to confidential information relating to patients and their carers, Practice staff and other healthcare workers. They may also have access to information relating to the Practice as a business organisation. All such information from any source is to be regarded as strictly confidential.
- Information relating to patients, carers, colleagues, other healthcare workers or the business of the Practice may only be divulged to authorised persons in accordance with the Practice policies and procedures relating to confidentiality and the protection of personal and sensitive data.
Health & Safety
- Using personal security systems within the workplace according to Practice guidelines.
- Identifying the risks involved in work activities and undertaking such activities in a way that manages those risks.
- Making effective use of training to update knowledge and skills.
- Using appropriate infection control procedures, maintaining work areas in a tidy and safe way and free from hazards.
Equality and Diversity
- Acting in a way that recognises the importance of people’s rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with Practice procedures and policies, and current legislation.
- Respecting the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues.
- Behaving in a manner which is welcoming to and of the individual, is non‑judgemental and respects their circumstances, feelings, priorities and rights.
Personal/Professional Development
- Participation in an annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development.
- Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work.
Quality
- Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk.
- Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision.
- Contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the team’s performance.
- Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients’ needs.
- Effectively manage own time, workload and resources.
Communication
- Communicate effectively with other team members.
- Communicate effectively with patients and carers.
- Recognise peoples’ needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly.
Contribution to the Implementation of Services
- Apply Practice policies, standards and guidance.
- Discuss with other members of the team how the policies, standards and guidelines will affect own work.
- Participate in an audit where appropriate.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Educated to GCSE level.
- Qualification in Health & Social Care.
Experience
- At least 1 year Phlebotomy experience.
- Experience of working in Primary Care.
Knowledge & Skills
- To be caring and kind.
- Willing to be hands‑on with patients.
- To be able to put patients at ease.
- Able to follow instructions and procedures.
- Able to work in a team but use your own initiative.
- Able to explain procedures to patients, careful and methodical.
- Computer literate with clinical systems.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience of EMIS WEB Clinical System.
Personal Attributes
- Ability to work unsupervised.
- Motivated and enthusiastic.
- Sets and delivers high standards.
- Works well in a team.
- An understanding, acceptance and adherence to the need for strict confidentiality.
- Able to work under pressure.
Other
- Flexibility of working hours / able to work at the desired times.
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.
