Paediatric Outpatients Care Assistant & Phlebotomist

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; England; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in the UK seeks a trained phlebotomist to deliver high-quality care in the paediatric outpatient department. The successful candidate will perform venepuncture, assist in preparing patients, and handle biological samples according to procedures. Flexibility for shifts may be necessary. The Trust offers a supportive environment promoting training and career growth. Interested candidates should review the Job Description and apply before the closing date of February 6, 2026.

Benefits

Access to training and development programs

Qualifications

• Trained phlebotomist with experience in paediatric outpatient services.
• Ability to work independently and effectively communicate with healthcare professionals.
• Capable of handling biological samples with adherence to policies.

Responsibilities

• Deliver efficient phlebotomy service while assisting nursing team.
• Act as first point of contact for phlebotomy queries.
• Assist in training health care professionals in phlebotomy.
• Monitor stock levels and assist patients in Waiting Area.

Skills

Paediatric venepuncture

Communication skills

Teamwork

Documentation skills

Flexibility

Job description

This role supports high‑quality care for children and families in the paediatric outpatient department. As a trained phlebotomist you will deliver an efficient phlebotomy service while assisting the nursing team with tasks such as preparing patients for appointments, taking weights and heights, performing observations and ECGs, and acting as a chaperone when needed. Accurate documentation is essential.

You will work independently and liaise with clinicians, laboratory staff and other healthcare professionals. While mainly based in outpatients you may also support paediatric patients in other hospital areas. The role involves handling biological samples, including those from high‑risk or isolation patients, and requires adherence to all relevant policies and procedures, escalating concerns when appropriate.

Flexibility is important, as some shift or weekend work may be required.

Responsibilities

• To be fully competent in all aspects of paediatric venepuncture and practice different approaches to the technique, maintaining competency levels through annual reassessment protocols.
• Act as the first point of contact for routine day‑to‑day phlebotomy queries and issues relating to the team, deciding upon appropriate courses of action and, where necessary, escalating these to the Service Manager, Paediatric outpatients sister or charge nurse for resolution.
• Take samples for procedures such as glucose tolerance testing, ensuring fasting samples are offered for the early morning when required.
• Assist in training health care professionals in phlebotomy.
• Carry out routine stock taking and monitor stock levels.
• Act as receptionist in the Patient Waiting Area and help with patient enquiries when required.
• Deliver high quality care to patients within the clinical setting and/or the ward environment.

About the Trust

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics‑led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high‑performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high‑quality training and development to help you grow your career.

Values

We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and responsibilities.

This advert closes on Friday 6 Feb 2026