"No More testing at CHristchurch and no..."

Dear Anonymous

Sorry to hear you feel ill-informed of the changes planned in conjunction with the Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) who organise services across Dorset.

It would appear that your GP practice has not fully highlighted the planned changes so we have included further details below. This information has also been shared with all GP practices across Dorset as well as the local press, and is available on our website www.rbch.nhs.uk.

Christchurch Hospital GP phlebotomy service

The NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is currently working to move phlebotomy for GP requested blood tests back to GP surgeries so patients can be seen for pathology tests closer to home and avoid the journey to hospital.

As a consequence we will be closing the Christchurch Hospital Phlebotomy Service for GP requested blood tests from Monday 15 April. Patients who have blood tests requested by the hospital can continue to attend Christchurch Hospital, as well as Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH). The change also doesn’t affect patients who have booked appointments for their warfarin INR.

The CCG is still working to ensure there is sufficient capacity in the community for GP blood tests. Where there is a shortfall patients will be redirected to RBH as an interim measure. We recommend calling to book an appointment on 01202 704785 to avoid a long wait during this transition period.

I hope this in some way reassures you that any disruption is expected to be short term and the longer term benefits will be that future tests will be carried out closer to home and thus save you time and expense.

Regards

Patient Experience Team