The phlebruary report

Following concerns raised with Healthwatch Trafford numerous times in the last two years, Healthwatch Trafford collected the experiences of well over 300 people using phlebotomy services in Trafford. Across the month of February, we held ‘Phlebruary’ – a project where they promoted the chance for people to have their say about blood testing services in Trafford. Healthwatch Trafford undertook a Trafford Healthwatch 100* online survey, which was promoted on social media using the hashtag #phlebruary, as well as by email to our existing Healthwatch 100 members. They then visited seven of the eight blood clinic locations, where we met people attending these clinics on a one to one basis and asked them to complete our survey. In total, they held 10 sessions at nine venues and collected 327 completed surveys. This provided Healthwatch Trafford with a large amount of information about the views and experiences of people using the phlebotomy service. Healthwatch Trafford have thoroughly analysed this data and based on what we found, we have been able to make six recommendations for consideration by decision makers. They believe that adoption of some/all of these six recommendations will improve the experience and effectiveness of phlebotomy services in Trafford.

The Key findings included:

67% of respondents would rather book an appointment for a blood test than turn up on the day and wait. The current system of drop-in sessions has no provision at all across the borough to book a specific time for a blood test, which many find a barrier.

A third of people complained about waiting times. More than a third of people had to wait longer than an hour for a blood test, with one in 25 waiting for more than three hours. The drop-in sessions, particularly at hospitals, led to long waiting times. Comments often cited staff shortages and five people that responded said that they were not able to be seen on the day. Information about where you can access a phlebotomy clinic varies considerably across Trafford.

37% of people were not given options of where they were able to go for a blood test. We were able to obtain some of the handouts that were given to patients and the quality and accuracy of the information provided ranged from comprehensive to incorrect and limited.

More than three out of every four respondents were unable to access blood tests at their own GP practice. Expense, accessibility for those with mobility problems and the additional time it takes were all raised as problems with having to travel for a blood test. Interestingly, 70% of people from outside of Trafford were able to access blood tests at their own GP practice.

There are no blood clinics in Trafford that take blood outside of working hours. Comments we received included those who feel it is unreasonable to take two-three hours out of a working day to get a blood test.