"Drive-Through Phlebotomy"

My mum was required to have a blood test for her diabetic check-up/ appointment, however this was in the middle of the Covid-19 Pandemic and as my mum was shielding (due to health conditions) she didn't really want to go to our local GP surgery, especially as the Phlebotomist always struggles to get her blood sample. She was advised that she could attend the Drive-Through Phlebotomy service based at Sheffield Arena, instead of going to the local GP surgery or the Phlebotomy service at the Hallamshire Hospital were she would normally go (we were unsure if this was running or not anyway).

So fast forward a few weeks, my mum decided to the Drive-Through Phlebotomy service and as she didn't drive, I (daughter) took her. She was understandably anxious about it and we decided to wear masks to give both us and the staff running the service an extra line of defence (we are in a pandemic, after all). Once we arrived if was clearly sign posted and the staff member who was directing cars in, was really friendly and helpful. We drove around to the service, which was all spaced out at 2 meters and the staff were in PPE.

The Phlebotomist was really friendly, chatty and helped put my mum at ease. The Phlebotomist explained how things were done and why, she appreciated that we wore masks and she also understood that having your blood taken whilst putting your arm out of the car window is tricky. She helped my mum get comfortable in order to start taking blood. However after 2 attempts the Phlebotomist had no luck, and said she didn't want to keep trying any cause any unnecessary discomfort or pain, so asked for assistance from a senior member of staff. The senior Phlebotomist was also very friendly, chatty and explained everything. She managed to get the blood sample from my mum, and we were all able to have a joke about how strange it is to go for a Phlebotomist appointment in the car. All staff were friendly, patient and professional, The Drive-Through Phlebotomy Service was set-up very well and clearly followed all health and safety guidelines. It was so nice to use a service were everyone was friendly, professional and had a good sense of humour.