Health Care Assistants & Phlebotomists

Kirsty Freeman

Senior HCA & Care Coordinator

Level 3 Diploma Maternity & Peadiatric Support, NVQ L3 Care, L5 GP Assistant, Venepuncture

Background: Started working at Launceston Medical Centre in phlebotomy. Qualified as a Healthcare Assistant February 2006 NVQ3 in care. December 2011 level 3 diploma in maternity and paediatric support. Started working at Okehampton Medical Centre Sept 2012 as a Healthcare Assistant.

Interests: Running, walking, listening to music and spending time with family and friends.

Natasha Phillips

Health Care Assistant

Venepuncture, Care Certificate, L5 GP Assistant Certificate

Background: I have worked at the Okehampton Medical Centre since 2018 starting as just admin support and progressing to becoming a Phlebotomist and Health Care Assistant.

Interests: When not at work I love walking my puppy Ronnie and spending time with family & friends.

Jazzmine Squire

Health Care Assistant

Venepuncture, Care Certificate, L5 GP Assistant

Background: I started working at the Medical Centre in 2018. Starting off as a Receptionist I then recently progressed into becoming a Health Care Assistant.

Interests: When I am not at work I spend my time with my husband and my dogs Winston & Ernie. I also love to travel. My travels have taken me to many places; Egypt, Kenya, Zanzibar, Mexico, Dominican Republic, China and many more.

Ellie Allen

HCA & Trainee Practice Nurse

BTEC Level 3 in Health and Social Care, BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care

Background: I joined the Practice in 2017 starting out as a Receptionist. Within 3 months I became Senior Receptionist and then began my Dispensary training. I soon qualified as a Dispenser and moved towards Team Leading. I have enjoyed being a part of both teams and have learned so much! I'm so excited to start a new chapter now and train as a Healthcare Assistant, embarking on a Registered Nursing Degree later this year. Nursing is a career I’ve always wanted to pursue. Always follow your dreams, believe in yourself and don’t give up!

Interests: I love to paint and draw. I love an adventure and exploring new places, especially with my best furry friend, Max.

Kayleigh Gregory

Health Care Assistant

Venepuncture & Care Certificate

Background: I started at Okehampton Medical Centre in 2019, I was helping with admin but expressed my interest in doing something more clinical. I was given the opportunity to do my Phlebotomy course and I am now doing my training to become a Health Care Assistant which I am really enjoying, the staff and patients have been great!

I previously worked in the care sector working mainly with residents with chronic illnesses which has been an amazing experience and I have gained some great knowledge over the years. Really looking forward to the future and progressing through my care certificate.

Interests: Spending time with my family and my children.
I enjoy going swimming, also exploring where we live, often going for walks on Dartmoor.

Sophie Patrick

Health Care Assistant

Level 2 Health & Social Care Diploma, Venepuncture & Care Certificate

Background: I started working at Okehampton Medical Centre in 2019 as a Housekeeper and progressed to help with the Medical Secretaries and Administration, I then went on to train to be a Phlebotomist and Health Care Assistant. Okehampton Medical Centre has helped me gain confidence in pursuing a career which I love and they have given me so much support.

Interests: My interests are reading, I try and read three books a week if I can find the time. I love spending time with my husband, children and dog and going on family walks or cuddling up together on the sofa watching a film.

Natasha Symonds

HCA & Trainee Nurse Associate

Julie Andrew

Health Care Assistant

NVQ Care level 3. Paediatric First Aid Level 3, Venepuncture Level 3

Background: I have worked at the Okehampton Medical Centre since 2010 as a Phlebotomist, including HCA clinics in the last 5 years. I've lived in Devon since I was 11 years old.

Interests: When not working I enjoy trying different crafts including knitting, sewing, painting etc. We also have a local business making pet products.

Jackie Barrett

Phlebotomist

BSc (Hons) Psychology, PGdip Health Psychology, Venepuncture

Background: I have worked at Okehampton Medical Centre since 2000 as one of the practice Phlebotomists and thoroughly enjoy the patient contact it gives me. Alongside my job here, I have spent many years working in research (mainly in child development, the early diagnosis of cancer & currently in Primary Care Research). I have also worked as a volunteer bereavement visitor for Exeter Hospice.

Interests: Walking and riding on Dartmoor, camping & hostelling, family history research, photography and anything that involves a map!