Spotlight on the Phlebotomy team
Phlebotomy is one of the main hospital support teams. Made up of 37 colleagues, the team is responsible for most blood samples taken within the hospital.
Phlebotomists run special paediatric clinics for patients as young as six months old and collect bloods for patients in the wards – that’s almost 500 patients each day.
There is also the outpatients clinics, that run Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm that is supported by the dedicated and experienced reception team.
Only last month the team collected 16,858 blood samples and last year 192,000 specimens in total.
“This is a very rewarding role, we’re aware of how fundamental our job is in helping to keep the hospital running as smooth as possible”, said Sally Bailey, Phlebotomy Manager since 2016.
“The bloods we take help diagnose, treat and eventually get the patients home.
“Interactions with patients is very important – a lot can be said to a person in those five minutes you take their bloods, and for some people it can really make their days.”
To become a Phlebotomist no previous experience is needed at the team provides training tailored to each person.
“It is very important to be able to demonstrate empathy,” added Sally.
“It can sometimes take 45 minutes to persuade a little one that they have to have a blood test because the doctor has asked for them to, whether they want to or not.”
Chelsea Wymer, Phlebotomist, has recently joined the team and describes her experience so far as “amazing.”
“The job is great, and you meet so many different people on the wards and in the clinics. Two days are never the same which keeps it exciting,” said Chelsea.
“I’m so glad I took the leap and applied for this role. I haven’t been this happy about going to work in a long time and I can’t wait to progress my phlebotomy skills more in the future.”
Lloyd Johnson has more experience in the team as he joined it in 2019.
“The role is very challenging and fast paced, but I get to meet so many different people and hear so many different stories,” said Lloyd.
“I work across the hospital and in several different clinics which keeps my day varied.
“The satisfaction from helping an anxious patient, a patient who has challenging veins or just someone who is having a bad day makes this job rewarding.”