Reclassify NHS Phlebotomists from Band 2 to Band 3

Phlebotomists carry out venepuncture, a clinical procedure requiring specific training, skill, and responsibility for patient safety. Blood tests are essential for diagnosis and treatment across the NHS. Despite this, many phlebotomists are paid at Band 2, alongside roles such as cleaners, porters, and reception staff. These roles are all vital to the NHS, and this is not about undervaluing them. However, phlebotomy involves clinical procedures and responsibilities that require dedicated training and competence. You could not safely ask someone without this training to perform venepuncture. Regrading phlebotomists to Band 3 would better reflect the clinical skills, responsibility, and patient care involved.