A NEW scheme has been launched to make it easier for patients to have their blood taken for tests and monitoring.

Patients across East Lancashire can now arrange for blood tests in the community from GP practices closer to home.

Historically, patients who needed blood tests had to attend their surgery during normal opening hours.

Children requiring these tests would have to travel to the phlebotomy clinic at the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

The scheme, which is being run by local GPs is called the Community Phlebotomy Service.

It is available to all patients who require blood tests from GP practices in each borough of East Lancashire, providing that their GP Practice has signed up to the service.

Dr Ailsa Cormack, GP at Irwell Medical Practice, said: “This new service means that patients have greater choice as this is an additional service to that currently provided through GPs and the hospital.

“The service also offers greater flexibility around when and where patients wish to have their bloods taken”

“The Community Phlebotomy Service is run by local GPs working together to improve primary care services under the name of the East Lancs Federation of GPs, which has been established to allow those GPs to work together to develop and improve primary care services specifically to suit local needs.

“The service is staffed by experienced health care assistants and phlebotomists (blood taking technicians) from GP practices in the area, so patients can be sure that they will be looked after and treated safely.

“The service is for routine blood-taking for all patients aged 2 years and above”.

Health chiefs said the scheme will bring services closer to people’s homes and workplaces, avoiding disruptions to the day, and travel, but also avoids parking fees and long waits.

In addition, the service operates from 6pm to 8 pm on different days of the week, which means that parents can attend with their children without disrupting school time, and adults can attend without having to take additional time off work.

To arrange for bloods to be taken, patients should ask the reception staff at their practice to book an appointment.

Appointments can be made via reception staff, and the service is available at:

ROSSENDALE

Irwell Medical Practice, Irwell Mill, Bacup, OL13 9NR

Haslingden Health Centre, 27 Manchester Road, Haslingden, BB4 5SL

BURNLEY

Manchester Road Surgery, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 4HP

PENDLE

Reedyford Healthcare Group, Yarnspinners PHCC, Carr Road, Nelson, BB9 7SR

Pendle View Practice, Arthur Street, Brierfield, BB9 5RZ

HYNDBURN

Higher Heys Surgery, Oswaldtwistle, BB5 3BP

Blackburn Road Surgery, Blackburn Road, Accrington, BB5 0AL

RIBBLE VALLEY

Pendleside Practice, Clitheroe HC, Railway Road, Clitheroe, BB7 2JG

Castle Medical Group, Clitheroe HC, Railway Road, Clitheroe, BB7