"Blood Test Dept"

I had the pleasure of accompanying my wife to a last minute GP referral for a blood test. On arrival a queuing number was taken showing 70, the current number was being addressed was 43 with the white board estimating 30 minutes waiting.

During the hour we sat waiting the white board was changed to reflect 1 hour wait but during this time I observed the processes that were being carried out by the nurses.

With 6 cubicles available, it appeared that only 3 cubical were ever occupied. This may be down to staffing levels.

Those staff that were present appeared to leave and return to the area on a fairly regular basis. Those in attendance, some appeared to be 'slow' when removing their temporary aprons and then getting the replacement on. There was a lot of standing and talking whilst the customer seating area became full.

Each nurse regardless of which cubicle they used had to visit cubicle 1 to press the queue next number button, this process again carried out at a 'slow' pace rather than the drive and urgency to clear the building customers waiting.

I would appear that some nurses would achieve greater numbers than others and this mis-balance would not reflect well on the team of supposedly equal status and pay.

As I say I was just an observer but imagine that improvements are just waiting to happen if managed.