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Frustrated at closure of phlebotomy hub

Posted By delphinusnn39

"Frustrated at closure of phlebotomy hub"

About: Western Health & Social Care Trust

(as the patient),

Hi, I am sharing my frustration with the immediate closure of the  phlebotomy hub at the Gransha grounds, Derry city. I believe this is to lack of funding. In my view this must be reinstated

When this service was provided during the pandemic it was the best & most efficient way to have my bloods done, it made me & many others who have immune deficiencies felt safe & not have to worry about travelling to the local hospital or health center's.  

It also had ease of access with free parking and the open flat space to facilitate wheel chair access & people with mobility limitations like my self.

There was a phone service which you were reminded & given an appointment to attend.

When I went to the Altnegelvin  ward to have my bloods done there was patients getting there medication which in my eyes was not private.

When I called to have my bloods completed for my next round of medication I was told that the ward cannot accept me to complete this, that I must revert to my GP. My drug  is a hospital prescribed drug which isn't overseen by GPs, there for they can refuse to do my bloods.

This has left me frustrated & worried if i dont get my bloods and medication on time, ill pay the consequence's with joint pain..

The phlebotomy hub at the gransha grounds facilitated privacy in a relaxed atmosphere, with the most friendly staff, please can you adhere to what people have to say about it & strongly consider re instating it.

Many thanks,

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Responses

Response from Michelle Scott, Patient Client Experience Lead, Professional Nursing and AHP, Western Health and Social Care Trust nearly 2 years ago
Michelle Scott
Patient Client Experience Lead, Professional Nursing and AHP,
Western Health and Social Care Trust

I am the gatekeeper of Care Opinion and 10,000 voices quality improvement initiative for the Western Health and Social Care Trust

Submitted on 15/08/2023 at 20:09
Published on Care Opinion at 20:09

picture of Michelle Scott

Hello delphinusnn39,

Thank you for your feedback. My name is Michelle Scott and I am the Patient Client Experience Lead for the Western Trust. I have liaised with colleagues relevant to this service to seek a response. Again I would like to thank you for taking the time to share your concerns about the closure of the Gransha Phlebotomy Hub and for allowing me the opportunity to address your concerns.

Your information was shared specifically with Mrs Mandy Gormley, Pathology Services Manager, and now I would like to offer you a response.

Mrs Gormley would like to thank you for your kind words in relation to the phlebotomy staff and the service you have been receiving. Unfortunately the Corporate Management Team had to make the difficult decision to close the hubs within the Trust which had been setup in response to the Covid Pandemic. This is due to covid funding no longer being available and therefore the Trust has now returned to pre-covid arrangements.

Mrs Gormley wishes to apologise for the inconvenience and difficulties the closure of the hub will cause you.

On behalf of the Western Health and Social Care Trust I wish to support Mrs Gormley in making this apology to you for any distress you may have suffered as a result of these matters.

I hope you find this response helpful, however if you would like further information or advice regarding further blood samples required for your treatment, please do not hesitate to contact me on

Ext 214486 (02871345171)

Mobile: 07833402847

kind regards

Michelle Scott

Patient Client Experience Lead

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