"Doctors & Nurses are first rate. Receptionists..."

Staff work very hard. Like all GP practices they are suffering from national problems with service provision. But things within their control are run efficiently and effectively, except for one issue, which should be a minor and easily corrected one, but is neglected.

This relatively minor issue has a potential knock on effect on care pathways and could delay the treatment plan for patients who may possibly have previously unknown and very serious illnesses. The problem relates to Phlebotomy Services. Waiting for blood results has been streamlined, automated and has been greatly enhanced by a state of the art, multi million pound NHS investment in Laboratory Services. Next day results is now the norm. All these benefits are lost because actually getting the blood taken from the patient in the first place takes far longer than getting to see a Doctor or Nurse. There is currently a 14 day waiting list to see a Phlebotomist to carry out a 5 min procedure.

As far as I know the 14 day wait has pretty much been a constant for a number off years, therefore supply meets demand and the waiting list is historic, they need to get rid of this wait, as one off initiative. If demand and supply remains constant they could then aim to provide a same day service with very minor corrections when demand outstrips supply on any given day.

The Doctors at Mill Road saved my life and although technically I am outside their area I have chosen to accept longer travel to the Surgery as a price worth paying to stay with such a first class Surgery. Critics need to take a long hard look at other surgeries before complaining about this one.