Phlebotomy services in Brent
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Healthwatch Brent carried out a survey gathering 70 patients’ views, and a series of interviews of healthcare professionals, between January and May 2016. This work was requested to look into phlebotomy services and the patient experiences following concerns raised in a Healthwatch Brent’s public meeting in October 2015.
Approximately 38% of patients surveyed did not know they could have their blood test at an alternative GP practice, while 40% said that they were not offered this option at their GP practice. 83% rated the phlebotomy service at their GP practice or hospital as good. Concerns were also raised in the report. Some patients had experienced pain, discomfort or bruising while having a blood sample taken. Making an appointment for a blood test varies considerably depending whether it is an appointment made on phone or at reception. GP patients would like to see faster information about their test results and quicker access to appointments. Hospital patients would like to have less waiting times at the drop-in service. Patients are not aware of booking appointments online.
The report made the following recommendations:
A. For commissioners
• To commission voluntary schemes to explore how the incidence of social isolation can be addressed, and to identify support for community cohesion and to tackle loneliness among patients who visit health services frequently.
B. For acute providers
• To explore the waiting times at the Northwick Park clinic in order to identify ways that this can be shortened and/or clear communication is provided for patients so they understand why this may be the case.
• To consider ways that more patients can be referred to Central Middlesex Hospital phlebotomy clinic.
C. For primary care providers
• To promote the option of attending alternative GP practices for blood tests, specifically among GP patients who may have to wait for a blood test for longer than 5 days.
• To inform patients as to when test results will be made available.
• To identify ways to improve the patient experience when making appointments on the phone.
D. For all providers
• To ensure the provision of refresher guidance and information to patients on how to reduce the incidents of pain, discomfort, and bruising after a blood test. Additionally, patients could be advised that the test may result in discomfort or bruising.
No response was provided in this report