A phlebotomist at Ealing Hospital has been recognised for his exceptional skill in drawing blood from patients when others have been unable to do so, earning an Unsung Hero award at a staff excellence ceremony.
Ashraf Mohamed, who works at Ealing Hospital, part of London North West University Healthcare Trust (LNWH), is frequently called onto wards to assist colleagues with particularly difficult cases. His reputation has spread across the hospital, where staff turn to him when patients have complex conditions that make venepuncture challenging.
Mr Mohamed said his approach was based on experience and instinct. He said: “It’s a combination of experience and just having a feel for it. It’s about knowing where to take blood, how to take it, and paying attention to the texture of the skin.”
Originally trained as a doctor in Sri Lanka, Mr Mohamed practised during the country’s civil war before fleeing after being pressured by armed groups. Mr Mohamed revealed: “I was part of an oppressed minority myself, but you do not solve anything by killing people. Neither side had a right to do that.”
After arriving in the UK, he chose to retrain as a phlebotomist, saying he wanted to avoid the stress of working as a doctor.
Common difficulties include swollen arms, severe dehydration and small or fragile veins, particularly in older patients. Mr Mohamed said a calm manner was essential. He added: “If you are nervous you make the patient nervous, so I always tell people to be confident and relaxed.”
He revealed hopes to undertake ultrasound training later this year and credited his colleagues for their support, adding that teamwork was central to his success.
