Sara Docherty

I am a confident, hardworking and compassionate Healthcare Assistant and experienced Phlebotomist with extensive experience working across GP clinics, healthcare settings and with patients of all ages. I am highly competent in phlebotomy and have carried out blood tests within a variety of clinical environments, including locum and agency roles. I am also experienced in supporting the smooth running of busy clinics, performing ECGs, managing stock and equipment, and providing professional and reassuring care to patients.

Throughout my healthcare career, I have developed excellent communication and interpersonal skills and am able to put patients at ease, particularly those who may feel anxious or nervous about procedures. I am confident working independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team and can adapt quickly to different clinical environments, patients and challenges. My wider experience also includes working with children and young people in a school environment as a Pastoral Manager, as well as working within challenging healthcare settings, including a prison environment.

I have experience managing difficult and emergency situations, supporting individuals with a range of needs and confidently de-escalating challenging behaviour. I am organised, reliable and able to remain calm under pressure. I pride myself on delivering a high standard of care and support, building positive relationships and adapting my approach to meet the individual needs of each person.

Administrator and Events Coordinator at Goldstar (2009-08 – Present)

During my time at Goldstar, I have taken on a wide range of responsibilities that have contributed to the success of the business. I am able to remain calm when working under pressure and prioritise my workload through a thorough and methodical approach. I have developed strong organisational skills and have become flexible and proficient in all aspects of my role.

• Handling external and internal communications and management systems.
• Organising, arranging and coordinating meetings between staff and professional athletes.
• Sorting and distributing incoming and outgoing communications, including documents and letters.
• Confidently using a variety of software packages, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Arranging in-house and external events.
• Upholding legal requirements, policies and procedures and ensuring they are followed correctly.
• Responding to queries appropriately and in a timely manner.
• Liaising with clients, members of staff, sales teams and marketing teams.
• Managing administrative duties and supporting the smooth running of the business.

Agency Healthcare Assistant and Phlebotomist at Coben Medical (2018-11 – Present)

As a Healthcare Assistant and Phlebotomist, I have had the opportunity to work within a variety of GP clinics across the North West of England. I have adapted my skills throughout my career, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Highly competent in phlebotomy and carrying out blood tests.
• Working confidently with patients of different ages and needs.
• Supporting patients who may feel anxious or nervous about blood tests and clinical procedures.
• Delegating and managing daily duties to support productive and efficient clinics.
• Carrying out locum work across a variety of healthcare settings.
• Completing home visits throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to assist with testing.
• Performing ECGs and acting as required.
• Experienced in CPR and first aid.
• Mentoring and training new starters and experienced members of staff.
• Confidently de-escalating violent or aggressive situations.
• Adapting quickly to different people, situations and challenges.
• Competent in computer systems and programmes, including System One.
• Providing excellent verbal communication both face-to-face and over the telephone.
• Managing stock and ordering equipment.

Healthcare Assistant at Bridgewater Healthcare, HMP Garth (2016-09 – 2018-03)

As a Healthcare Assistant, I worked as part of a multi-disciplinary team within a challenging environment. I developed strong communication and interpersonal skills in order to provide effective care and support to patients. I have dealt with emergency situations both independently and as part of a team and am able to remain calm and work effectively under pressure. I also supported mental health patients by helping them engage in activities and supporting them with their health needs.

• Competent in phlebotomy.
• Delegating and managing daily duties to support productive clinics.
• Performing ECGs and acting as required.
• Experienced in CPR and first aid.
• Mentoring and training new starters and experienced members of staff.
• Confidently de-escalating violent or aggressive situations.
• Adapting quickly to different people and challenging situations.
• Competent in computer systems and programmes, including System One.
• Providing excellent verbal communication both face-to-face and over the telephone.
• Managing stock and ordering equipment.

Pastoral Manager at Beacon Hill High School (2009 – 2014)

As a Pastoral Manager working within a school environment, I was responsible for supporting the wellbeing, behaviour and personal development of children and young people. I worked closely with pupils, parents, teachers and other professionals to provide pastoral support and help children overcome barriers to learning.

• Providing emotional, behavioural and pastoral support to children and young people.
• Supporting pupils who were experiencing difficulties at home, in school or with their education.
• Working closely with teaching staff to identify children who required additional support and implementing appropriate strategies.
• Supporting children with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties.
• Building positive and trusting relationships with pupils and encouraging their confidence, wellbeing and personal development.
• Working closely with parents and carers to discuss concerns and provide appropriate support.
• Liaising with external agencies and professionals where necessary to ensure children received appropriate support.
• Supporting children to improve attendance, punctuality and engagement with education.
• Managing and supporting children during challenging situations and using de-escalation techniques where appropriate.
• Promoting safeguarding and ensuring that concerns regarding the welfare of children were reported and managed in line with school policies and procedures.
• Maintaining accurate records and documentation relating to pastoral support and pupil wellbeing.
• Working as part of a wider school team to create a safe, supportive and positive environment for children.

Healthcare Assistant at Blackpool Victoria Hospital (2014-02 – 2016-08)

When working in the surgical outpatient clinics, I supported doctors and surgeons with administrative tasks in order to provide an efficient and effective service for patients. I was able to handle patients with sensitivity and respect, helping them to feel safe and comfortable during their hospital experience.

• Completing patient testing.
• Monitoring and supporting patients.
• Referring and signposting patients where appropriate.
• Booking appointments.
• Using computer systems.
• Handling telephone calls.
• Liaising with NHS departments and professionals.
• Supporting the smooth running and timekeeping of clinics.
• Keeping patient records updated.

Radiology Helper and Receptionist at Blackpool Victoria Hospital (1997-07 – 2006-09)

• Booking patients' examinations on the radiology system.
• Supporting patients whilst attending X-ray appointments.
• Assisting radiographers when preparing patients.
• Chaperoning patients.
• Printing X-rays.
• Liaising with other departments.
• Using PACS and other relevant computer systems.

7 GCSEs (A*–D) – Montgomery High School, Blackpool (1987 – 1992)

NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration