Important Change Regarding Hospital Requested Blood Test Appointments

Posted on January 8th, 2025

Dear Patients,

We are writing to inform you about an important change regarding blood test appointments requested by the hospital.

Following years of underfunding, we face significant challenges in GP practices, including wait times of four weeks or more for blood tests in our practice. To manage resources and reduce delays, we will now ask patients to book hospital-requested blood tests directly through the hospital’s blood-taking service. While we have previously offered this service at our practice for convenience, the growing demand—especially for hospital treatments that require frequent monitoring—is impacting our ability to provide timely appointments for GP services. Directing these blood tests back to the hospital will help us provide prompt care for patients in our practice who are awaiting investigation and diagnosis.

This change will take effect immediately and is designed to provide our patients with quicker access to necessary testing in the practice. If you have regular hospital requested blood tests, please contact the hospital to arrange your future appointments:

Hospital Phlebotomy appointments

Booking line hours are Monday- Friday 08:00-16:00 CALL 01803 655544

Clinic Times- Monday- Friday 08:30-16:50

Appointments can be booked at least 6 weeks in advance

Please note that all other blood tests in the surgery will continue as normal. It is only those requested by Hospital departments that are affected. If you have any questions, please contact the specific department at the hospital that is providing your care.

We appreciate your understanding and patience. This adjustment allows us to continue providing the best possible care within our available resources.

The partners at Chilcote Surgery