More than 110 primary healthcare professionals from across North Queensland have completed blood collection and cannulation courses. 

The courses - Perform Intravenous Cannulation and Iron Infusion, and Perform Venous Blood Collection - have been hailed by the health professionals as “informative and engaging”. 

Based on an expression of interest (EOI) response, Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) funded six Perform IV Cannulation and Iron Infusion courses, and five Perform Venous Blood Collection courses, for health professionals working within primary care practices in the northern Queensland region. 

The courses were delivered by Benchmarque Group in Cairns, Townsville, and Mackay. 

Benchmarque Group Business Development and Partnerships Manager John von Dadelszen said blood collection (phlebotomy) was a vital procedure for primary health professionals. 

“It is a fundamental aspect of diagnostic medicine and plays a crucial role in patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring,” Mr von Dadelszen said. 

“The courses delivered by Benchmarque Group in collaboration with Northern Queensland PHN have supported the upskilling of a large group of primary healthcare nurses to collect a blood sample safely and effectively.” 

Mr von Dadelszen said having a skilled workforce ensured that samples were collected, handled, and processed correctly, minimising errors that could lead to inaccurate diagnoses or treatments. 

“Proper technique reduces the risk of complications like infections, bruising, or nerve damage, ensuring patient comfort and trust in the healthcare system,” he said. 

“By maintaining high standards in blood collection, primary health professionals ensure accurate diagnoses, effective monitoring, and better overall health outcomes for their patients.” 

The Perform Intravenous Cannulation and Iron Infusion course provided health professionals with the skills and knowledge required to perform peripheral intravenous cannulation on clients specifically for providing iron infusion.   

The course is designed for registered nurses, enrolled nurses, and registered Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners.   

The Perform Venous Blood Collection course provides health professionals with the required knowledge and skills to confirm collection requirements, prepare clients and equipment, and perform routine blood collections.  

It is designed for healthcare professionals where blood collection is part of their job.   

Comments from participants from across the region stated: 

Perform Venous Blood Collection  

• “Facilitator was pleasant, very knowledgeable and engaging.” – Cairns participant 

• “Fantastic demonstration and presentation. All questions answered and felt confident in my technique and being able to take blood by the end of the session.” – Townsville participant 

• “This was such an amazing, informational session and I learned so much!! Thank you for this opportunity.” – Mackay participant 

Perform IV Cannulation and Iron Infusion  

• “Very hands on, great presenters. Plus, great lunch and venue.” – Cairns participant 

• “Presenter was friendly and engaging. Information provided has now made feel confident in performing the skills learned.” – Townsville participant 

• “This was a really valuable education. Great presentation.” – Mackay participant 

Mr von Dadelszen said the opportunity to collaborate with NQPHN greatly benefited both trainers and participants, enhancing the overall effectiveness, engagement, and outcomes of the training process.   

“We look forward to working with NQPHN to continue to provide the accredited learning outcomes to the local primary healthcare workforce,” he said.