Celebrating our phlebotomists for Allied Health, Scientific & Technical Professions Day 2024

It’s a long way from Baghdad University to North Shore Hospital, but it’s a journey that has brought one of our Waitematā senior phlebotomists into a 21-year role that gives her huge satisfaction.  

Iraqi-born Sue graduated with a degree in biochemistry in her home country but was unable to secure an equivalent job in New Zealand.  

Nevertheless, Sue – one of the real stalwarts in the vital Waitematā phlebotomy service has found a role says fits her perfectly.  

“I really love the contact with all the patients I get to see,” says Sue.  “I can be a face and a presence of reassurance to people on a tough health journey.”

“Some patients don’t like needles at all, and others present challenges in terms of accessing a suitable vein to draw blood. That’s where I can really make a difference.”  

Sue reckons after 21 years on the job she has a pretty deft touch and will often get compliments like: “You are really good at your job - I didn’t feel a thing!”  

Medical advancement is a feature of Sue’s family with her daughter studying for a degree as a medical lab scientist – another allied health profession.  

As for the future, Sue has ambitions to use her overseas training to get upskilled in the complex lab work that goes on, analysing blood samples for what she calls “all the clues that a blood sample can give us.”  

A big thank you for the mahi done by all our phlebotomists!