"Blood test service"

The phlebotomy service at Hythe Hospital changed from a 100% appointment system to a partial walk in service from October 2013. There were a number of reasons for initiating this change which included: • Delays of up to six weeks for patients to receive a booked appointment • Reduced capacity due to appointments having to be of sufficient length to enable time for several samples to be taken for each patient • Patients not attending for booked appointments which meant there were periods of time that the Phlebotomists had no work to undertake • To operate similarly to the Lymington walk in service, which receives excellent patient feedback In March 2014 staffing was increased, to include three team members working in the morning, when we have greatest demand. Sister Ann Catteau will be taking responsibility for managing the rota for the phlebotomy team. This has enabled a further 30 patient slots per day. There has been an increased demand from patients attending the service, due to patients choosing to attend Hythe after it changed to a walk in service, in preference to attending other local sites. The investigation is continuing so that we can understand if there are any other known causes for such a change in demand to enable us to sustainably plan for the right level of capacity in the future. We are really sorry to hear about your and would welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you at your convenience by calling 02380 874065. Please be assured we have asked the manager of the service to reply to us about your experience. Kind regards Complaints and PALS