JOB SUMMARY

The Phlebotomist is responsible for providing reliable, timely, safe, and high-quality blood and specimen collection services through the Laboratory. The position involves collecting specimens in the Laboratory Phlebotomy Room, hospital wards, Outpatient Department, and patients’ homes, as required.

The Phlebotomist ensures accurate patient identification, appropriate specimen collection, labelling, documentation, preparation, and timely delivery of specimens for pre-analytical and analytical testing. The Phlebotomist also provides professional customer service and administrative support to facilitate the efficient operation of the Laboratory and enhance the patient experience.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Care and Customer Service

1. Welcome patients, visitors, and other clients in a courteous, warm, and professional manner.
2. Promote patient comfort, dignity, privacy, and reassurance throughout the specimen collection process.
3. Perform blood collection and occasional testing, where authorized and competent, in a professional, efficient, timely, and safe manner.
4. Respond to patient and customer enquiries within the scope of the position and refer matters outside that scope to the appropriate personnel.
5. Address customer concerns promptly and professionally, escalating unresolved issues to the Laboratory Manager or designate.
6. Contribute to a positive patient experience and uphold the Hospital’s standards of service and care.

Specimen Collection and Handling

1. Collect blood and other required specimens in accordance with established laboratory procedures, physician requests, and applicable safety standards.
2. Verify patient identification and ensure that specimens are collected from the correct patient using the appropriate collection techniques and equipment.
3. Label specimens accurately and completely in accordance with established laboratory protocols.
4. Ensure that specimen documentation is complete, accurate, and available to support specimen traceability and timely processing.
5. Ensure specimens are appropriately handled, stored, transported, and prepared for laboratory testing.
6. Prepare specimens for referral laboratories, ensuring appropriate packaging, labelling, documentation, and compliance with applicable transport requirements.
7. Conduct scheduled specimen collection rounds on hospital wards and in designated units, and respond to additional requests as directed.
8. Provide home phlebotomy services in accordance with approved arrangements, maintaining patient safety, specimen integrity, and confidentiality.
9. Maintain competency in all required phlebotomy techniques and participate in training to support safe and effective practice.
10. Report specimen collection errors, incidents, unsuitable specimens, and other irregularities promptly in accordance with laboratory procedures.

Laboratory Administration and Reception

1. Perform reception duties, including welcoming clients, responding to telephone enquiries, and directing enquiries to the appropriate personnel.
2. Receive and process specimen requests and associated documentation in accordance with established procedures.
3. Complete all required administrative and specimen-related documentation accurately and efficiently.
4. Assist with the distribution or dispatch of laboratory results through approved channels, including mailing and faxing, where applicable and authorized.
5. Perform general administrative duties, including filing, handling correspondence, and completing other documentation as assigned.
6. Support the efficient flow of specimens and information between the collection areas, the Laboratory, referral laboratories, and other relevant departments.
7. Maintain accurate records and ensure that all information is handled securely and confidentially.

Workplace Safety and Maintenance

1. Maintain a clean, organized, tidy, and safe work environment that reflects the professional standards of the Hospital.
2. Comply with infection prevention and control procedures, occupational health and safety requirements, and laboratory safety protocols.
3. Wear the required personal protective equipment, including laboratory coats and other protective gear, when performing assigned duties.
4. Handle sharps, biological specimens, and potentially infectious materials safely and dispose of waste in accordance with established procedures.
5. Report hazards, equipment malfunctions, accidents, incidents, and unsafe practices promptly to the appropriate supervisor.
6. Observe all applicable hospital policies relating to dress, personal hygiene, and professional appearance.

Teamwork and Continuous Improvement

1. Work collaboratively with Laboratory personnel, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to achieve departmental objectives.
2. Contribute to the development, maintenance, and improvement of laboratory systems, procedures, and service delivery.
3. Share information appropriately and participate in problem-solving to support the effective and efficient operation of the Laboratory.
4. Provide constructive feedback and suggestions for improving specimen collection, patient service, documentation, and workflow.
5. Perform other related duties consistent with the nature and level of the position, as assigned by the Laboratory Manager or designate.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

1. A minimum of a Certificate in Phlebotomy from a recognized training institution.
2. At least two (2) years of phlebotomy experience in a healthcare setting.
3. Experience with using the computer, Microsoft Office Suite, healthcare databases and Laboratory systems.
4. Be knowledgeable of and committed to the philosophy, principles and mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Technical Knowledge

1. Knowledge of phlebotomy techniques, specimen collection, labelling, handling, storage, and transportation.
2. Understanding of general laboratory operations and administrative processes.
3. Knowledge of patient identification, specimen traceability, and the importance of accurate documentation.
4. Knowledge of infection prevention and control, occupational health and safety, and safe sharps handling.
5. Understanding of confidentiality, privacy, and appropriate handling of patient information.
6. Knowledge of customer service principles and professional conduct in a healthcare environment.

Professional and Interpersonal Competencies

1. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
2. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with patients and healthcare professionals.
3. Courtesy, tact, diplomacy, and a patient-centred approach.
4. Good organizational, planning, and time-management skills.
5. Sound problem-solving and decision-making skills within the scope of the position.
6. Accuracy, attention to detail, and commitment to quality.
7. Reliability, punctuality, conscientiousness, initiative, and accountability.
8. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, physicians, patients, and members of the public.
9. Ability to work independently when required and collaboratively as part of a team.
10. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a busy laboratory environment where competing demands and occasional stressful situations may arise.
2. Maintain objectivity, discretion, and strict confidentiality when handling patient information and other sensitive information.
3. Demonstrate flexibility in working hours and availability for scheduled shifts, weekends, public holidays, and approved off-site services as required.
4. Maintain effective performance and professional conduct under physical and mental pressure.
5. Demonstrate the physical capability to perform the essential duties of the position, subject to applicable occupational health requirements.
6. Be willing to participate in ongoing training, competency assessments, and professional development activities.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Application letter along with resume should be submitted online through the portal below as one document addressed to:
The Human Resource Director
Andrews Memorial Hospital Ltd.
27 Hope Road, Kingston 10

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.