Job Opportunity: Phlebotomist – Antenatal Clinic
About West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high-quality care and compassion to more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for, treat and support people in hospital, at home and in various community settings. The West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care services and is a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge.
Position Overview
We are seeking a passionate individual committed to providing quality care to pregnant women and their families to join our dedicated healthcare team as part of our Antenatal Clinic. This is an exceptional opportunity for international healthcare professionals seeking to relocate to the United Kingdom with certificate of sponsorship support.
Job Details
Job Title: Phlebotomist – Antenatal Clinic
Employer: West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Location: West Suffolk Hospital NHS Trust, Hardwick Lane, Bury St. Edmunds, IP33 2QZ
Salary: £24,465 per annum, pro rata (Band 2)
Working Pattern: Part-time, Flexible working
Contract Type: Fixed term (6 months)
Hours: 29 hours per week
Reference Number: 179-7382139-W
Certificate of Sponsorship Available
We are pleased to announce that applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. This is an excellent opportunity for international healthcare professionals seeking to build their career in the UK’s renowned National Health Service.
Role Responsibilities
The post holder will be part of the Phlebotomy/Antenatal clinic team and will take blood samples by venepuncture from inpatients and outpatients in the antenatal/gynaecology clinic department. In addition to this frontline clinical role, there will be opportunities to participate and provide cover for antenatal reception duties.
Main Duties
The successful candidate will be responsible for obtaining blood samples from inpatients and outpatients by means of venepuncture and will include associated reception tasks. Key responsibilities include performing phlebotomy activities accurately and efficiently, accurate identification of patients and labeling of samples according to standard procedures, and ensuring correct pre and post-test requirements have been observed by patients.
Technical and Scientific Duties
Responsibilities include data entry onto computer systems, making judgements in accordance with policies and procedures to identify action and report anomalies, ensuring correct handling, storage and appropriate delivery of samples to laboratory, participating in day-to-day management of stock control, and maintaining a clean and safe working environment.
Communication Requirements
The role requires effective communication with patients, carers, colleagues and clinicians. The post holder will undertake Pathology reception duties when required, including receiving visitors to the wider department, service engineers and printing ICE request forms as necessary.
Information Management
The position involves ensuring adequate identification criteria, appropriate and accurate data entry, maintaining patient confidentiality and conformance to Data Protection Act and Caldicott Guidelines, and utilizing Laboratory Information systems, email, internet and automated operating systems.
Quality and Governance
The successful applicant will follow policies and procedures ensuring compliance with quality management systems, comment on proposals for change to appropriate policies and standard operating procedures, assist in audits and propose service improvements, and complete incident forms where appropriate.
Education and Development
The role includes supporting less experienced staff, participating in appraisal processes in line with current policies, and taking responsibility for personal education, training and competencies development.
Essential Qualifications
Candidates must possess GCSE in Maths and English, Grade A-C (5-9) or equivalent. A clear understanding of the role and activities associated with the post is essential, along with good verbal communication skills and demonstrable interpersonal skills with ability to work alone and as part of a team.
Desirable Qualifications
NVQ Training, knowledge of Pathology IT systems, previous relevant experience working in the NHS, ECDL certification, and good written communication skills are desirable qualifications that would enhance your application.
Personal Qualities Required
We seek candidates with high level of accuracy and attention to detail, striving for excellence, self-motivation, ability to be flexible and respond to the needs of the service, ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, putting the patient first in everything undertaken, and awareness of self and impact on others.
Occupational Health Requirements
Occupational Health Clearance to meet the needs of the role is essential. The post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for any previous criminal convictions.
International Applicants
For international applicants requiring visa sponsorship, please note that from 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted via the NHS Jobs website. The closing date for applications is 10 October 2025. For questions about the job, please contact Cathy Adkins (Antenatal Clinic lead midwife) at [email protected] or 01284714011.
Our Values
We strive to achieve outstanding clinical outcomes for patients guided by our values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety and teamwork. With nearly 5,000 staff from all over the world, we promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyone’s voice counts.
Why Join Our Team?
This position offers the unique opportunity to work within a supportive healthcare environment while receiving certificate of sponsorship for eligible international candidates. You’ll be part of a team that values diversity and provides excellent patient care in a teaching hospital environment affiliated with the University of Cambridge.
Career Development
West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is committed to helping staff be the best they can be. Whatever your role or ambition, we provide opportunities for professional development and career progression within the NHS system.
Location Benefits
Bury St. Edmunds offers an excellent quality of life with beautiful countryside, historic architecture, and excellent transport links to London and other major UK cities. The area provides a wonderful environment for healthcare professionals and their families.
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We particularly encourage applications from international healthcare professionals seeking to develop their careers in the UK NHS system.
