Paediatric Outpatients Care Assistant

To provide a high quality care to paediatric patients and their families in the outpatients department. You will be a trained phlebotomist contributing to the efficient running of the phlebotomy service, as well as assisting the nursing team in the efficient running of the outpatients department. This will involve preparing patients for their appointments with the medical team, obtaining weights and heights. performing observations and ECGs. Acting as chaperone when necessary. Keeping accurate and concise documentation.

The post holder will be required to work independently, liaise with other healthcare professionals, clinicians, laboratory staff, patients and/or their representatives. This will primarily be in the paediatric outpatient department but may also include attending to paediatric patients in other areas of the hospital.

The post holder must observe the policies and procedures relevant to the role including dealing with patients and staff problems and if necessary take them to the main supervisor or clinical nurse manager. The work involves routinely handling biological samples that may contain pathogenic micro-organisms. All patient categories including high risk and isolation patients are included in the job requirements. There is the potential for some shift and weekend work that necessitates a flexible approach to the hours and site of employment., o To be fully competent in all aspects of paediatric venepuncture and practice different approaches to the technique maintaining competency levels through annual reassessment protocols.

o Acting as the first point of contact for routine day-to day Phlebotomy queries and issues relating to their team. Using judgement to decide upon appropriate course of action and where necessary escalating these to the Service Manager / Paediatric outpatients sister / charge nurse for resolution.

o To take samples for procedures such as glucose tolerance testing etc. and where fasting samples are required ensure appointments are offered for the early morning.

o To assist in training of health care professionals in phlebotomy.

o To carry out routine stock taking and monitor stock levels.

o To act as receptionist in the Patient Waiting Area and help with patient enquiries when required.

o To deliver high quality care to patients within the clinical setting and/or the ward environment .

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.

We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.