Another successful training day this Wednesday – the 27th of May 2026 .
We are still very busy and running two-weekly classes here. And that’s just the Basic Course. Advanced Classes are running here on alternate months too!
Hoping to be moving into the newly redeveloped Filwood Community Centre when it is ready for use next Spring.
Looking forward to seeing you all at the Advanced Training course here or in Cardiff very soon.
Or indeed on one of the newly started Cannulation courses in the West of England; Swindon, Bristol and possibly Cardiff
Our advanced course is run over 3 weeks, the last one was on three consecutive Tuesdays.
On the second day one of the students pointed out that she had a blood scheduled at her GP the following day.
So:
We left her easiest most viable vein alone that day
We took a fantastic opportunity for a bit of mystery shopping
I gave the student the competency check list that I assess students with and asked her to (quietly) ‘assess’ her phlebotomy session.
The results were a little bit of a surprise. The student said she was “shocked” at what goes on in the workplace.
Here area a few of the shortcomings noted:
The patients identity was not confirmed – lets hope the receptionist sent the right person in
Allergies and medications were not confirmed – luckily nothing went wrong!
Anaphylaxis can be such an inconvenience!
We have no idea how long the tourniquet was on – but it seemed like bit too much
Most worryingly, the filled tubes were neither inverted nor stood,
they were simply ‘thrown’ into the tray once full!
I’m not going to name the location or give any clues except that it in South Wales obviously. And it doesn’t matter, as this type of story is not uncommon, ask around if you don’t believe me.
The bottom line here is that any students completing Lead Academy’s courses are more than ready for the workplace.
In fact they know far more than many experienced practitioners before even completing our advanced courses.
As the Army used to say – “Be The Best”
Our regular venue is on the outskirts of CARDIFF – Ynysmaerdy Community Centre. Just off the M4 with plenty of free parking. Tucked in behind the Royal Glamorgan Hospital.
This has piqued my interest and I have arranged a blood draw myself. As I don’t have any need to be registered at a GP, I have signed up for a research project in order to be able to attend a blood draw.
By the way, if you sign up for ourfuturehealth.org.uk , you also get a £10 shopping voucher 🙂
Another bunch of students have been signed off for their Competency Assessments today. Today marks the last day of three weeks, advanced training for these students. So we wish them well as they set of on their job seeking journey.
Some are already working in the Private Sector
Some are already working in the NHS
Some have started to look for jobs in the NHS
Some have been called forward for interview
Some are hoping to set up in the Private Sector
And, some do not know exactly what they ate=re going to do (that was me once!)
It is such a pleasure to see how the rookie phlebotomists progress over the three week course. I love to watch as they grow in confidence and efficiency to become the slick professionals we need in the workplace
Once again at our regular venue on the outskirts of CARDIFF – Ynysmaerdy Community Centre. Just off the M4 with plenty of free parking. Tucked in behind the Royal Glamorgan Hospital.
I apologise if my photography skills are not as good as the students’ phlebotomy skills.
Looking forward to hearing form you all with your job seeking news.
Another successful training day this Wednesday – the 13th of May 2026 .
We are still very busy and running two-weekly classes here. And that’s just the Basic Course. Advanced Classes are running here on alternate months too!
Hoping to be moving into the newly redeveloped Filwood Community Centre when it is ready for use in the Winter.
Looking forward to seeing you all at the Advanced Training course here or in Cardiff very soon.
Or indeed on one of the newly started Cannulation courses in the West of England; Swindon, Bristol and possibly Cardiff
