"Payment to recieve results of my blood tests"

I was recently hospitalised and during that time, the hospital took blood on several separate occasions for extensive testing.

I asked repeatedly to be told the results and was repeatedly told that someone will be along to discuss them.

After 3 days this had not happened and I left hospital. I wrote asking for copies of the tests and the hospital is now demanding payment for these!

This is outrageous; the results should have been communicated to me in hospital. At no time prior to taking blood (or while I was in hospital) did the hospital tell me there would be a charge to find out the results. Indeed, I would not have consented to the tests had I known.

I refuse to pay on principle, but the fact I don't know the results is extremely worrying given my complex medical history and it means I am lacking information I need to manage my health.. This is downright irresponsible behaviour by the hospital and shows once again how revenue comes before all else.