Deal residents, and those from the surrounding area, will soon be able to access blood tests for particular concerns, alongside those being done in general practice.
While there is no change to routine and diagnostic blood tests available from general practice, the addition of a community phlebotomy service in Deal, will increase the total number of blood tests available locally.
Appointments will be available to patients who need a blood test for:
- fasting
- urgent
- difficult venipuncture
- pre-chemotherapy requests
- glucose tolerance testing
- children aged between five and 16.
Paul Bentley, Chief Executive of NHS Kent and Medway, said: “All Deal residents will still be able to have a blood test at their local GP practice and for many this is convenient.
“We value listening to local people and hope that this service in Deal suits the current demand and enables all residents to access timely blood tests. We always want to hear from people about our services so we can continue to deliver care for everyone.”
NHS Kent and Medway will launch a process to find a provider by the end of September with expectation that the new service will be announced in December. It will be commissioned for 12 months to establish service demand and to determine next steps.