Due to a global shortage of blood bottles, we have been directed to postpone all non-urgent blood tests at this time.

This is an NHS wide problem affecting both GP practices and hospitals.

• If you have an appointment booked that involves a “routine” blood test, we may need to contact you to advise that it has been postponed.
• If you have recently received communication from us asking you to make an appointment for a non-urgent blood test we ask that you delay contacting us unless the blood test is urgently needed.
• We apologise in advance if we need to decline a blood test upon your arrival for your appointment. The sheer volume of numbers involved makes it very difficult for us to pre-screen everyone.

Our team is working with strict guidance on what tests can currently be booked and we thank you for your cooperation and understanding at this time.

Sadly, we do not currently know how long we will be affected by this issue. All postponed blood tests will be rescheduled at the earliest possible date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I am on high risk medication and have regular blood tests, will my blood test be re-scheduled?

A: All high risk medication monitoring blood tests will continue.

Q: I am under the care of the hospital and they have requested I have an urgent blood test, will this continue?

A: All urgent secondary care requested blood tests will be completed by the hospital requesting the blood tests.

Q: My blood tests has been requested by my GP, will this continue?

A: All clinically urgent blood tests requested by your GP will continue.

Q: I have just received an invitation to attend for my routine monitoring and this includes a blood test, will this continue?

A: Blood tests as part of your routine condition monitoring appointment, will not take place at the moment. You may still be invited to complete all of the other elements of your condition monitoring, but the blood test will be rescheduled when supply is restored.

Q: I don’t know if my blood test is urgent or not, what should I do?

A: Don’t worry. If your blood test is considered clinically urgent then we will ask you to come to the Practice to have your blood test. If your needs are considered clinically non-urgent then we will be in touch with you to reschedule your blood tests for a time when supply is restored.

Q: I normally book my own blood test online but this option isn’t available, why is that?

A: In order to ensure that we prioritise clinically urgent blood testing with the limited supply of blood bottles we have, we have temporarily suspended online blood test appointment bookings on SystmOnline and the AirMid app. This facility will be restored at the earliest possible date to provide you with the convenience of booking your own appointments.

If you have any non urgent questions or concerns then please get in touch with us via Engage Consult or on email to our medical secretaries.