Phlebotomist

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board; Camden Town; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Eleanor Cross Healthcare in Camden Town is seeking a skilled Phlebotomist to join our GP practice team, delivering safe venepuncture and compassionate patient care.

You will collect samples across age groups, label and transport specimens according to NHS protocols, maintain records, and work with doctors, nurses and admin staff to support timely diagnosis. A full UK driving licence and access to suitable transport may be required.

Qualifications

• Experience performing venepuncture with patients of all ages.
• GCSEs or equivalent education required.
• Strong communication and compassionate patient care skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform venepuncture procedures safely, efficiently, and professionally.
• Label, process and correctly handle specimens per NHS guidelines.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure patient comfort throughout procedures.
• Safely transport and deliver blood samples to the hospital laboratory as required.
• Work closely with GPs, nurses, and admin staff to support timely diagnosis.

Skills

Venepuncture

Communication

Patient care

Infection control

Records management

Education

GCSEs or equivalent

Job description

Are you a caring, skilled, and patient-focused Phlebotomist looking to make a real difference in your local community? We are seeking an enthusiastic and compassionate individual to join our friendly GP Practice team, providing a high-quality blood collection service to patients of all ages. As a valued member of our practice, you will play a vital role in supporting patient care, working closely with GPs, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. You will enjoy building positive relationships with patients while delivering a professional, safe, and efficient service. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a supportive NHS primary care environment where your contribution is recognised and where patient care is at the heart of everything we do. We offer a welcoming team culture, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to help improve health outcomes within your community. If you are dedicated, organised, and passionate about delivering excellent patient care, we would love to hear from you. Join us and be part of a team that is committed to making a difference every day.

As an NHS Phlebotomist within our GP Practice, you will be responsible for providing a safe, professional, and high-quality venepuncture service to patients of all ages. You will collect blood samples accurately and efficiently, ensuring patients feel comfortable and cared for throughout their visit. The role involves correctly labelling and handling specimens, maintaining accurate records, adhering to infection prevention and control procedures, and working closely with GPs, nurses, and other members of the practice team. The successful applicant will be organised, compassionate, and committed to delivering excellent patient care. In addition to carrying out phlebotomy clinics, the successful candidate will be required to safely transport and deliver blood samples to the local hospital laboratory in line with NHS protocols and practice procedures. This is an important frontline role that supports timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing patient care, making a real difference to the health and wellbeing of our community.

The Phlebotomist plays a vital role in supporting the clinical team by providing a safe, efficient, and compassionate blood collection service for patients attending the practice. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the post holder will be responsible for obtaining blood samples from patients of all ages, ensuring specimens are collected, handled, stored, and transported in accordance with NHS guidelines, practice protocols, and health and safety requirements. The successful candidate will contribute to high standards of patient care by delivering a professional service while maintaining patient dignity, comfort, and confidentiality at all times. As part of the role, the post holder will also be responsible for the safe transportation and delivery of blood samples to the designated hospital laboratory, ensuring specimens arrive within required timescales and in accordance with laboratory requirements.

Key ResponsibilitiesClinical Duties

• Perform venepuncture procedures on patients safely, efficiently, and professionally.
• Identify patients correctly using approved identification procedures.
• Collect blood specimens following practice protocols and national guidelines.
• Ensure all samples are accurately labelled and processed.
• Maintain the integrity of specimens during collection, storage, and transportation.
• Monitor patients during and after procedures and respond appropriately to any adverse reactions.
• Provide reassurance and support to nervous, anxious, or vulnerable patients.
• Promote a positive patient experience through excellent communication and compassionate care.
• Escalate concerns regarding patient welfare to the appropriate clinician.
• Maintain awareness of safeguarding procedures and report concerns appropriately.

Specimen Management

• Ensure all specimens are correctly recorded and prepared for collection.
• Package samples according to laboratory and transportation requirements.
• Check that all accompanying documentation is completed accurately.
• Monitor sample storage conditions and ensure compliance with relevant standards.
• Report any specimen errors, incidents, or concerns promptly.

Hospital Sample Delivery

A key component of this role is the transportation of blood samples to the designated hospital laboratory. The post holder will:

• Safely transport blood samples from the practice to the hospital laboratory.
• Ensure specimens are delivered within designated timescales to maintain sample viability.
• Comply with all relevant transportation, infection control, and health and safety requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of patient information during transportation.
• Keep accurate records of sample deliveries where required.
• Report any delays, incidents, lost specimens, or transportation issues immediately.
• Hold a valid driving licence and maintain access to suitable transport where required by the practice.

Patient Care Responsibilities

• Treat all patients with dignity, compassion, and respect.
• Ensure patients understand the procedure being undertaken.
• Obtain verbal consent before performing procedures.
• Support vulnerable patients, including those with learning disabilities, dementia, anxiety, needle phobia, or mobility difficulties.
• Recognise when additional clinical support may be required.
• Maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with NHS and practice policies.

Infection Prevention and Control

• Follow all infection prevention and control procedures.
• Adhere to hand hygiene standards.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriately.
• Dispose of sharps and clinical waste safely.
• Report incidents, near misses, and exposure events in accordance with practice procedures.
• Support the maintenance of a clean, safe clinical environment.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Accurately record clinical activity using the practice clinical system.
• Update patient records promptly and accurately.
• Manage clinic lists effectively.
• Process laboratory requests and associated documentation.
• Support administrative tasks linked to the phlebotomy service.
• Assist with appointment management and patient flow where appropriate.

Quality and Governance

• Work in accordance with NHS policies, professional standards, and practice procedures.
• Participate in audits and quality improvement activities.
• Report clinical incidents, complaints, and significant events appropriately.
• Maintain awareness of current best practice and developments within phlebotomy.
• Support the practice's commitment to delivering safe, effective, and patient-centred care.

Team Working

• Work collaboratively with GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants, pharmacists, administrative staff, and external healthcare professionals.
• Contribute positively to team meetings and service development.
• Support colleagues during periods of increased workload.
• Promote a culture of respect, professionalism, and teamwork throughout the practice.

Health and Safety

• Comply with all Health and Safety legislation and practice policies.
• Ensure safe use of equipment.
• Report hazards, accidents, and incidents promptly.
• Maintain a safe working environment for patients, visitors, and colleagues.
• Participate in emergency procedures when required.

Continuing Professional Development

• Maintain and develop phlebotomy knowledge and skills.
• Participate in mandatory training and annual updates.
• Attend educational sessions relevant to the role.
• Undertake training identified through appraisal and professional development discussions.
• Keep knowledge up to date regarding venepuncture techniques, infection control, and specimen handling processes.

General Responsibilities

• Act at all times in a manner consistent with NHS values.
• Maintain professional standards and conduct.
• Respect patient confidentiality and comply with UK GDPR requirements.
• Demonstrate flexibility in meeting the needs of the service.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade of the post as requested by the Practice Manager, Lead Nurse, or GP Partners.
• Educated to GCSE level or equivalent.

Experience

• Previous experience undertaking venepuncture.
• Experience working with patients in a healthcare setting.
• Experience maintaining accurate records.
• Understanding of specimen handling procedures.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of infection prevention and control procedures.
• Understanding of patient confidentiality and data protection requirements.
• Knowledge of health and safety requirements relevant to the role.
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.

Skills

• Excellent venepuncture skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to reassure anxious patients.
• Good organisational skills.
• Ability to prioritise workload effectively.
• Accurate record keeping and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Other Requirements

• Ability to travel between sites if required.
• Willingness and ability to transport blood samples to the hospital laboratory as part of routine duties.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (where required by the practice).
• Flexible and reliable approach to work.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working within General Practice.
• Experience using EMIS Web or other NHS clinical systems.
• Care Certificate.
• Knowledge of Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF).
• Experience of working in Primary Care.
• Basic Life Support training.
• Experience supporting quality improvement initiatives.

Values and Behaviours

• Compassion and empathy towards patients and colleagues.
• Commitment to delivering outstanding patient care.
• Professionalism and integrity.
• Respect for diversity and inclusion.
• Excellent teamwork and collaboration.
• Accountability and reliability.
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
• Experienced in phlebotomy
• Experience working in a nursing team

Eleanor Cross Healthcare is a large, well-established GP practice committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care to our local community. Our experienced clinical team consists of 7GP Partners, 1 Pharmacist Partner, and 3 Salaried GPs, supported by a dedicated nursing team providing a wide range of primary care services.

Our clinicians are backed by an extensive team of administrative and reception staff who work together to ensure patients receive an efficient, responsive, and welcoming service. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and collaborative working environment where every team member plays an important role in delivering excellent healthcare.

As a growing and forward-thinking practice, we are committed to continuous improvement, staff development, and innovation in primary care.

Joining Eleanor Cross Healthcare means becoming part of a friendly, multidisciplinary team that values professionalism, compassion, and teamwork while making a meaningful difference to, Eleanor Cross Healthcare is a large, forward-thinking GP practice providing high-quality primary care services to our local community. Our team includes 7GP Partners, 1 Pharmacist Partner, 3 Salaried GPs, a highly skilled nursing team, and a dedicated administrative and reception workforce. We are committed to creating a supportive working environment where staff are valued, encouraged to develop professionally, and empowered to deliver exceptional patient care. Joining our team provides an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to patients while working within a friendly and collaborative practice culture.