Pathology Assistant with Phlebotomy

NHS; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed healthcare organization in Greater London is seeking a Pathology Assistant with Phlebotomy experience. The role involves handling and logging clinical samples, ensuring data quality, and providing support in a team environment. Candidates should have relevant scientific qualifications and skills in communication and coordination. A full-time fixed-term contract for 12 months is offered, with a salary between £30,546 and £32,207 annually. Benefits include membership in the NHS Pension Scheme and training opportunities.

Benefits

Membership of NHS Pension Scheme

Career-long learning and development opportunities

24/7 independent counselling support

Access to NHS and Blue Light discount schemes

Free Pilates classes

Qualifications

• Experience with complex blood tests and special samples.
• Experience in dealing with sick patients.
• Good general education required.

Responsibilities

• Safely handle, log and send pathology samples.
• Check request forms and patient samples accurately.
• Collect and log samples to ensure quality.

Skills

Good verbal and written communication skills

Good level of coordination and dexterity

Proven ability to work under pressure

Flexibility with shifts and weekend working

Ability to lead and work autonomously

Education

Relevant scientific A-levels or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

LIMS/PAS

Job description

Pathology Assistant with Phlebotomy

The closing date is 07 December 2025

This post straddles our pathology admin and clinical processes. Phlebotomy elements are secondary to the core departmental workload of handling and logging clinical samples.

The department itself is small and thus the successful candidate will need to be open and friendly to fit in with the rest of the team. Annually the department handles around 80,000 tests per year, however these are outsourced to other pathology providers, so the role focuses on data quality, checking the information is correct and receipting results.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications.

Main duties of the job

This fixed term post focuses upon the need to ensure clinical processes of the phlebotomy service is combined with the technical pathology administration processes of the pathology department concurrently.

To safely handle, log and send pathology samples (blood and other body fluid samples, tissue samples and so forth) to the relevant pathology provider.

To carefully check the request form and patient samples in accordance with the Trust's Request Form and specimen Labelling Policy.

To collect, log and send samples to the relevant pathology assessment service in accordance with the Pathology standard operating procedures (SOPs) and national guidelines for the dispatching of pathology samples.

To receive samples from network sites and clinics, log and send them to the relevant provider, returning the labelled Bio‑Bottle containers to the originator as required.

To prioritise the workload so that urgent samples are dealt with in a timely manner, record all urgent requests as required, follow up and promptly give results to the requesting clinician.

About us

What's in it for You?

At Moorfields, we invest in you--your growth, your wellbeing, your future. You'll join a flexible, supportive organisation offering:

• Competitive salary (including high‑cost area supplement)
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme
• 24/7 independent counselling support
• Career‑long learning and development opportunities
• Excellent transport connections
• Access to NHS and Blue Light discount schemes
• Free Pilates classes
• Full support and training to develop your skills

And so much more! To see the full range of benefits we offer please view our Moorfields benefits leaflet.

Job responsibilities

To safely handle, log and send pathology samples (blood and other body fluid samples, tissue samples and so forth) to the relevant pathology provider.

To carefully check the request form and patient samples in accordance with the Trusts Request Form and specimen Labelling Policy.

To collect, log and send samples to the relevant pathology assessment service in accordance with the Pathology standard operating procedures (SOPs) and national guidelines for the dispatching of pathology samples.

To receive samples from network sites and clinics, log and send them to the relevant provider, returning the labelled Bio‑Bottle containers to the originator as required.

To prioritise the workload so that urgent samples are dealt with in a timely manner and to record all urgent requests as required, to follow these up and promptly give results to the requesting clinician.

To field and escalate issues raised either via phone, the shared mailbox or physically so that the issue can be resolved to all parties satisfaction.

To provide support to the Tissue Centre Technician as required, distributing consumables as needed.

Administrative

To carefully check subject details so that the requests out and results back to the Trusts information system are suitable for clinicians to access.

To use OpenEyes and PAS, to ensure Data Quality – amending where necessary.

To upload abnormal results to OpenEyes, messaging the requesting clinician so that they are aware.

To be aware of handling all complex and sensitive information appropriately in accordance with the pathology SOP and to ensure all abnormal blood results are sent to the appropriate recipients, including the GP if necessary.

To answer the telephone in a courteous manner and use own initiative to deal with enquiries or take messages to pass on as needed.

As and when the need arises, and following suitable training, to:

• Collect blood samples by venepuncture from patients on request from clinicians, doctors and nurses, in accordance with the phlebotomy standard operating procedure(s).
• Ensure correct care, labelling, recording and maintenance of accurate records for each venepuncture.
• Have due respect for privacy and dignity.
• Ensure the subject is comfortable and relaxed as much as possible, and obtain verbal consent prior to collecting blood samples.
• If requested, to visit other areas to undertake venepuncture for subjects who are unable to attend the phlebotomy department without delay.
• Comply at all times with trust relevant data and information governance policy, and respect confidentiality, in particular the confidentiality of electronically stored data, in line with the Data Protection Act.
• Have a good knowledge and understanding of the purpose of the different blood collection devices, and be able to pass on knowledge to trainees, as required.
• Be aware and understand the range of blood samples that require special treatment.
• Accurately create labels using the available IT system and label all samples correctly before calling in the next subject.
• Reassure patients who are nervous about sampling procedures and apply dressings to wounds created by blood draws.
• Participate in local initiatives to enhance service delivery and patient care.
• Maintain accurate records of all samples taken.
• Track collected specimens by initialing & dating request form.
• Be able to use Trusts Patient Administration System (PAS) to find subject details when needed, e.g. to confirm identity before taking any blood samples.
• Assist in delivery of samples to the Pathology Department whenever is necessary to do so.
• Notify nursing staff, preferably nurse in charge, if there are any concerns for the subjects care.
• Liaise with members of the administrative team and communicate well with team members.
• When requested, pack and despatch blood samples correctly for transport to the appropriate laboratories.
• Check that all consumables are always in sufficient quantity, order and re‐stock regularly.

Person Specification

Education / Qualifications

• Good general education, e.g. relevant scientific A‑levels or equivalent.

Experience

• Experience with complex blood tests and special samples.
• Experience in dealing with sick patients.

Knowledge

• Microsoft Office or similar packages.
• Computer skills in clinical settings i.e. LIMS/PAS.

Skills/abilities

• Good verbal and written communication skills with patients and staff in relation to our ophthalmic setting.
• Good level of coordination and dexterity.
• Proven ability to work under pressure or demanding schedule to avoid long waiting times.
• Flexibility with shifts and weekend working.
• Able to deal with/advise others on exposure to blood and blood borne viruses.
• High levels of motivation as displayed by enthusiasm and commitment.
• Ability to lead and also to work autonomously without direct supervision.
• Willingness to learn new skills.

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.

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full‑time

Reference number

273-DC-7614085

Job locations

Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

£30,546 to £32,207 a year inclusive of HCAS

Employer name: Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust