"Concerns about regular blood tests"

I am a man in my fifties and have been diagnosed with secondary polythycemia.  I have regular blood checks to ensure my Haematocrit levels and Haemoglobin levels are within the parameters they should be.  I find this very reassuring as the consequences of the levels being high can lead to a Heart attack or stroke.

I now attend a phlebotomy appointment approximately every eight weeks at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy.  The results are sent to my consultant who checks them over, and if required, I attend The Haematology day ward for a venasection.

My last blood test was at the end of August. These results were fine. I was assured a further check would happen in eight weeks and  I received a phlebotomy appointment for the end of  October at the Victoria Hospital.

I then received a letter from the Hospital dated early October to say that my phlebotomy appointment has been cancelled by the clinical team with no reason given in the letter.

I have just called the appointments team at the Victoria Hospital to enquire if a further appointment was in the system; I was told no appointment has been sent out or is scheduled for phlebotomy.

I called the Haematology team at the Victoria Hospital and was forwarded to the medical secretary.  I was then informed that the reason the appointment being cancelled, was due to staff being on Maternity leave, and therefore, no one was available to check blood results.

I was concerned about my blood levels, as my check was now overdue 

I was asked if I was symptomatic and if I was, I should look at getting my bloods checked by the GP Practice, and if they are high, I should then contact the hospital.  I was also informed that a new Consultant should be in post soon, and then blood appointments will be sent out.

My obvious concern is that no clinical staff are available, due to one member going off on Maternity leave.  I feel a more robust plan should have been in place to have appropriate clinical staff available. Also, if I had not called the appointments office, or spoke to the clinical team and secretary, I would still be waiting on an appointment.

I have today contacted my GP surgery and fortunately I was able to arrange an appointment for the end of October. I will await the results and once again take the initiative to follow the correct guidelines in my condition and my care.