"Unable to get blood taken at Dewsbury"

I was told by my doctor, after a previous blood test, that there was an anomaly with the liver results, and I should refrain from all alcohol for 6 weeks, then go to Staincliffe (Dewsbury) Hospital, for another blood test.

I managed to get time off work, so turned up a half hour before opening, to beat the queue. 57 people in the queue in front - at 08:30! At 08:55 the phebotomists turned up, only to apologise, stating that they were now going to hold a meeting with their superiors, and did not know how long it may take. I had to be back at work, so I left.

Tried again Friday, fighting through an hour of static traffic, arrriving at the desk at 3:25pm. The opening times are stated as Mon to Fri, 08:30 - 16:30. It was closed - not a soul to be seen, other than other bewildered patients. No warning notices, nothing.

Well, my 6 weeks are now well and truly up, but work commitments dictate my unavailability for the next two weeks, so if they want blood - they can go get it out of a stone! Just like the rest of us have tried!