Taking blood for a living is what makes Tipton resident Julie Morris get up in the morning.
The phlebotomist started her job thirteen years ago at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust (SWBH) to challenge herself to do something different and since then, she has not looked back.
Julie (45) has always worked in the public sector, but her role as phlebotomist is her first in the NHS. She explained: “Back in 2002, I felt like I needed a change as my three children had grown up, it was an ideal time to look for something different. I thought it was time to expand my horizons, so when I saw the advert in the Express and Star for the phlebotomist position at SWBH I decided to go for it.”
Julie’s main responsibility is to take blood samples from patients on the wards. Since working closely with patients on a daily basis, Julie forms a bond with her patients. Her patients are quick to praise Julie for the way she cares for them.
Her colleagues also appreciate her winning ways, as they nominated her for a Trust award to celebrate extraordinary individuals and teams for their excellent work in providing care to patients. On the nomination form they said Julie does a great job in helping them to care for patients. She does not hesitate to go the extra mile to ensure patients have their blood test done even if that means she has to pay many visits to the wards.
Julie puts pride in her work, she said: “I always want to do my job the best I can. I love being with people and helping them as much as possible.
“My team is wonderful to me. They are very friendly and supportive. It’s like going from home to home. We know each other so well, it’s just like a little family.”
In her spare time, Julie enjoys travelling around the world and learning Italian. She can read and write Italian quite well and is now practicing her Italian pronounciation. She enjoys making conversation with Italian patients in their native tongue which helps the patients feel calm and relaxed.
Julie’s heroes are her parents. She said: “They are brilliant. Everyone loves them and they have always been there for me to guide and support me.”
Julie is now living in Tipton with her partner. They are planning to travel to Spain in October.