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International Year of the Nurse and Midwife 2020
Star Award finalists 2020
70 Years 70 Faces
"I am a phlebotomist at York Hospital, which is part of the Specialist Medicine department. I also cover four other clinics away from the hospital at Selby Memorial Hospital, Tadcaster Medical Centre, Sherburn in Elmet Medical Centre and Asda, Monks Cross York.
"I joined the NHS in 2007, around the same time that the new drop-in clinic at Asda first opened. Initially patients won't come as they didn't like the idea of having their bloods taken at a supermarket. Back then we would take around 20 bloods a day, but times change and we can now easily take in excess of 200 bloods in a day.
"I enjoy my job as you are not sat behind a telephone or desk and get patient contact - you get to meet new people, and working in the satellite clinics means you are not in the same place every day. Every shift is different and we have a good team of phlebotomists who are there when you need them.
"Working for the NHS means you are part of a bigger team that is working with patients, their families and friends to provide the best care the Trust can offer. I like that you can build trust with the patients and help them feel relaxed and at ease while doing an invasive procedure within a few minutes of them sitting in the chair. Many remember you the next time they come in, and we have our regular patients who have become like friends over the years.
"The NHS is a family affair for me - my mum and both sisters also work for the NHS, so you could say the NHS runs in our blood. I am due to have my next child delivered at York Hospital on 16 May, and I am very much looking forward to meeting my new daughter under the care of the NHS in its 70th year."