Job Description: Phlebotomist / Health Coach
Hours: 12 hours per week
Reports to: Practice Nurses (clinical supervision) and Practice Manager (administrative management)

1. Job Purpose
The post-holder will undertake phlebotomy and Health Coach duties under the supervision of the Practice Nurses, following practice policies, protocols and procedures.

The role supports the delivery of safe, effective and patient-centred care, including blood collection, health checks, preventive care, screening, lifestyle advice and patient education. The post-holder will also undertake associated administrative and clinical support duties.

2. Phlebotomy Duties and Responsibilities

• Undertake venepuncture in accordance with training, practice protocols and procedures, following a referral from a GP, Nurse Practitioner, Paramedic, hospital request form or workflow team.
• Explain the procedure, help patients feel comfortable and relaxed, and obtain their agreement before collecting blood samples.
• Confirm patient identity against the request and, wherever possible, directly with the patient.
• Collect, handle, store and label samples accurately, using the appropriate containers and procedures.
• Record blood collection accurately in the patient's clinical record.
• Ensure samples are dispatched to the appropriate laboratory promptly and safely.
• Report anomalies, concerns or significant patient issues to the appropriate senior member of staff or clinician.
• Order phlebotomy supplies, check expiry dates, maintain stock rotation and replenish clinical rooms as required.
• Check, seal, label and replace full sharps bins, transferring them to the designated clinical waste collection point in accordance with practice procedures.
• Record fridge temperatures and promptly report any abnormalities to the Nursing Team.
• Liaise with and assist administrative colleagues with phlebotomy-related queries.

3. Health Coach Duties and Responsibilities
Working within agreed competencies, training and delegated responsibilities, the post-holder will support the clinical team in delivering preventive care, screening and health promotion.

Duties include:

• Conducting QOF reviews using Ardens templates and addressing relevant lifestyle issues.
• Undertaking blood pressure, pulse and temperature checks, urinalysis, health checks and weight management support.
• Providing appropriate lifestyle advice, including smoking cessation and weight management, and making referrals within the practice where appropriate.
• Assisting with the assessment and monitoring of patients' health and wellbeing.
• Undertaking specific clinical activities delegated by a clinician for named patients, where appropriately trained and assessed as competent.
• Undertaking chaperone duties in accordance with practice policy and training.
• Preparing, cleaning and maintaining clinical environments and equipment before, during and after patient care, in line with infection prevention and control procedures.
• Supporting health promotion and raising awareness of health and wellbeing.
• Assisting with the collection and collation of information relating to patients' health and wellbeing needs.
• Liaising with the cleaning company regarding clinical stock and arranging replenishment where required.

4. Administrative and Professional Responsibilities
The post-holder will:

• Maintain accurate, legible and timely records of consultations, treatments and clinical activities in the appropriate patient record.
• Keep electronic clinical records up to date and ensure relevant documentation is completed correctly.
• Ensure appropriate items of service claims are submitted accurately and report any issues to the Lead Nurse.
• Complete necessary documentation relating to patient registration where required.
• Understand and follow the practice's appointment and recall systems, including any variations to normal procedures.
• Book appointments and recalls, recording sufficient information to support the retrieval of relevant medical records.
• Attend and participate in practice meetings as required.
• Assist with seasonal campaigns and special projects, including vaccination campaigns.
• Order and display health promotion materials, working with the Practice Manager and Patient Participation Group where appropriate.
• Undertake other reasonable duties delegated by the practice that are appropriate to the role, training and competence.

5. Confidentiality and Data Protection
The post-holder may access confidential information relating to patients, carers, colleagues, healthcare professionals and the business of the practice. All such information must be treated as strictly confidential.

Information must only be accessed, used or shared where authorised and in accordance with practice policies, procedures and applicable data protection requirements. Confidentiality must be maintained at all times.

6. Health, Safety and Infection Prevention
The post-holder is responsible for contributing to a safe and secure working environment by:

• Following the practice's Health and Safety, Infection Prevention and Control, and other relevant policies.
• Using workplace security systems appropriately.
• Identifying and reporting hazards, risks and incidents.
• Carrying out duties safely and in a way that minimises risks to patients, colleagues and themselves.
• Maintaining clean, tidy and safe work areas.
• Using appropriate personal protective equipment and following safe procedures for sharps and clinical waste.
• Participating in relevant training to maintain knowledge and skills.

7. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The post-holder must respect the rights, privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues. They must provide a welcoming, non-judgemental and respectful service that recognises individual circumstances and communication needs, in accordance with practice policies and relevant legislation.

8. Personal and Professional Development
The post-holder will:

• Participate in practice training and an annual individual performance review.
• Take responsibility for maintaining and developing their knowledge, skills and professional competence.
• Maintain appropriate records of learning and development.
• Share knowledge and demonstrate skills to colleagues where appropriate.

9. Quality and Teamwork
The post-holder will:

• Follow practice policies, standards, protocols and guidance relevant to their role.
• Recognise and report issues affecting patient safety, quality or service delivery.
• Take responsibility for their own actions and work within the limits of their competence.
• Reflect on their own practice and contribute ideas for improving team effectiveness and service quality.
• Manage their time, workload and resources effectively.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and other agencies to meet patients' needs.
• Communicate effectively with patients, carers and colleagues, adapting communication to meet individual needs.
• Participate in audit and service improvement activities where appropriate.

This job description is intended to outline the main duties and responsibilities of the post. It is not exhaustive, and duties may be amended following discussion to reflect the needs of the practice, provided they remain appropriate to the role, training and competence of the post-holder.

Person Specification
Experience

• Experience of working with members of the public in a healthcare, care or other patient/customer-facing environment.
• Phlebotomy qualification and/or demonstrable evidence of appropriate phlebotomy training and competence, or willingness to undertake the required training if agreed by the practice.
• Basic understanding of confidentiality, data protection and the importance of maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to follow written procedures, instructions and clinical protocols.

Qualifications
Essential

• Experience of working with members of the public in a healthcare, care or other patient/customer-facing environment.
• Phlebotomy qualification and/or demonstrable evidence of appropriate phlebotomy training and competence, or willingness to undertake the required training if agreed by the practice.
• Basic understanding of confidentiality, data protection and the importance of maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to follow written procedures, instructions and clinical protocols.

Desirable

• Previous experience working in general practice or another primary care setting.
• Previous experience undertaking venepuncture in a clinical environment.
• Experience of health checks, recording observations or supporting chronic disease reviews.
• Experience providing lifestyle advice, health promotion or supporting behaviour change.
• Knowledge of QOF, Ardens templates or electronic clinical record systems.
• Experience working with patients with long-term conditions.
• Knowledge of infection prevention and control, clinical waste management and safe handling of sharps.

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: Vine Surgery Partnership
Address: Hindhayes Lane, Street, Somerset, BA16 0ET, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.vinesurgery.nhs.uk/

For questions about the job, contact: Managing Partner Sharon Morgan, sharon.morgan23@nhs.net, 01458844520.