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"Pre treatment bloods"

About: Altnagelvin Area Hospital / Haematology (Clinical) Altnagelvin Area Hospital / Rheumatology Derry / Limavady / Strabane

(as the patient),

I read a recent care opinion story about the hub closing and this was due to covid funding ending which is a real shame. I too have to get my bloods done every month and the hub was a lot more convenient than making an appointment at the GPs or going into Altnagelvin grounds. I am currently receiving very powerful medication and anything to make this whole process a little easier on my body is greatly appreciated.

I attended my review rheumatology appointment and was asked like normal to get my bloods checked before further treatment. I was told the hub was now closed and to get them done at my GPs. So I went to my GPs  who told me they don't do hospital bloods anymore and to go to the hub or hospital. I am the patient and I'm thrown from pillar to post facing brick walls at every turn trying to organise my own bloods???

Both the hospital staff and GPs clearly do not communicate as they don't know what services they each provide. Now I'm stuck in limbo and all the hospital staff tell me is don't know try GPs or ring the phlebotomy service or shrug they shoulders cause they've ran out of suggestions for me to try. Is this really what the NHS has come to?

I feel this is a really poor reflection on the health service if they don't have services correctly in place.  This needs sorted out ASAP before a serious incident happens and someone misses their life saving treatment all because a sample of blood wasn't taken 

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Responses

Response from Debbie Gallagher, Rheumatology Nurse Specialist, Rheumatology, Western Health & Social Care Trust 7 months ago
Debbie Gallagher
Rheumatology Nurse Specialist, Rheumatology,
Western Health & Social Care Trust
Submitted on 06/09/2023 at 14:54
Published on Care Opinion at 15:23


picture of Debbie Gallagher

Thank you Yankeeks44 for submitting your experience.

I am firstly sorry you feel that you have been passed between different departments/services.

The Hub was providing an excellent service across the Trust. The Hub was initially set up as a result of the Covid pandemic and was closed on 31.07.23. I will pass your experience on to my senior managers who are currently looking into this matter.

You had mentioned you were on drugs from Rheumatology and need bloods monitored.I would be grateful if you could contact me on our helpline number 02871611173 and I can discuss this matter further and we can arrange these bloods and plan for any future bloods, so that there is no delays in your treatment. This line is a answer machine so please leave a message with your name and contact number, you can mention my name in message and I will contact you directly in confidence.

Best wishes

Debbie Gallagher

Rheumatology Specialist Nurse

02871611173

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Update posted by yankeeks44 (the patient)

Debbie,

Thank you for coming back to me. I really feel you listened to me and I am grateful for the guidance. I will certainly contact you to discuss. I hope this story helps others in my predicament.

Many thanks again

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