11 September 2009

An extra 1,500 patients every month are getting the blood test they need at a time convenient to them after longer opening hours were introduced at West Suffolk Hospital's drop-in phlebotomy clinics.

Introduced in January, the extended hours give patients the chance to take their blood test between 7.30am and 7pm on weekdays or during Saturday mornings. At Walnuttree Hospital in Sudbury, the service has been opening for an extra hour every Friday afternoon.

The longer hours have proved a huge success since their introduction, with around 6,500 people now taking a blood test each month compared to an average of 5,000 this time last year.

They have also been well received by patients, who do not need to book an appointment and can visit whichever clinic is most convenient for them.

"The feedback we have had from patients so far has been overwhelmingly positive," said Julian Jolly, pathology services manager at West Suffolk Hospital. "Many people appreciate the flexibility and convenience which the extended hours offer.

"The earlier starts, later finishes and the new Saturday morning service were all introduced to make the service as easy as possible for people to access. They give patients much more freedom to take their blood tests at a time which suits them, without interfering with work or other commitments.

"We are delighted they have been so well received."

Only regular warfarin patients and people who need glucose tolerance tests or very specific treatments need to make an appointment for their test by ringing 01284 712774.