Pathology Assistant with Phlebotomy

Job description

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 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 partys 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.

Phlebotomy:

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 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 initialling & 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

Essential

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

Desirable

• oPhlebotomy experience

Experience

Essential

• Experience with complex blood tests and special samples

Desirable

• Experience in dealing with sick patients

Knowledge

Essential

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

Skills/abilities

Essential

• Good verbal and written communication skills with patients and staff in relation to our ophthalmic setting
• Good level of co-ordination and dexterity
• Proven ability to work under pressure or demanding schedule to avoid long waiting times
• Flexibility with shifts and weekend working

Desirable

• Phlebotomy Skills
• Able to deal with / advise others on exposure to blood and blood borne viruses

Personal qualities

Essential

• High levels of motivation as displayed by enthusiasm and commitment.
• Ability to lead and also to work autonomously without direct supervision
• Good communicator in general
• 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.

Employer details

Employer name

Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

160-162 City Road

London

EC1V 2NX

Employer's website

https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)