Waterside Medical PracticeThere is currently an international shortage of blood bottles used for taking samples and clinicians working in GP practices, hospitals, community and mental health trusts and ambulance trusts have been asked to suspend non-essential blood tests.
Our clinicians and managers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are working together to be more efficient. We will ensure we don’t waste blood bottles and that we don’t duplicate tests which have already been done. We are being thoughtful about which tests are ordered and prioritising those tests which will have an immediate impact on the diagnosis or treatment.
Our clinicians and their teams are working hard to prioritise our blood tests and we appreciate your patience whilst we put in place systems to manage this difficulty safely.
We would like to reassure all our patients that this disruption in supply should not affect any essential blood tests and any tests that are delayed will be rescheduled as soon as possible. We are working closely with NHS England to follow their guidance. We will continue to provide you with updates regarding this and thank you for your support.