14 September 2020

Updated: 28 September 2020

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BLOOD TESTING DUE TO COVID-19 

Appointment only blood tests in Shropshire and Telford are now being provided at Elizabeth House, Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Mallings Health Building at the Princess Royal Hospital, having been temporarily suspended during Covid-19.

Patients are reminded that this service is by appointment only in order to maintain a socially distanced Covid safe environment. Alongside the two main hospitals, appointments continue to be available at Bridgnorth and Whitchurch Community Hospitals.

Booking your appointment

If your medical practice or Consultant requires you to have a blood test at these locations, then you will be provided with details of the booking line for you to make an appointment. Call handlers are extremely busy, taking in excess of 600 calls a day and as such, patients are asked to be patient and mindful of the pressures that the staff are working under to provide a service at this difficult time. You are strongly advised to ensure you either have the blood request form at the time of making the appointment, or are aware of the requirement to have that form prior to attending. The phlebotomists will be unable to take your blood if you attend without the blood request form.

Arriving for your appointment

It is important that you arrive a maximum of 5 mins before your appointment time in order to maximise patient safety and maintain social distancing measures in the clinics. If you arrive any earlier you will be asked to wait in your car, the service cannot provide a waiting room or space for queuing. If you arrive without an appointment you will not be able to have a blood test and will be asked to contact the booking line to arrange your appointment. On arrival you will be asked to sanitise your hands and a facemask will also be provided.

Cancelling an appointment

If you are unable to attend your appointment, please phone the booking line and cancel your appointment. If you, or a member of your household, are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, e.g. fever or continuous new cough, please DO NOT attend for a blood test, please phone the booking line to cancel your appointment and contact your GP or consultant for advice.