Cotswold MP: "More needs to be done to restore blood testing services in Cirencester"

The NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group who run the phlebotomy service at Cirencester Hospital closed the service in September, insisting that patients would have to get their tests done at local GP surgeries.

Since the changes were made, vulnerable patients have spoken of their difficulties getting a blood test.

Patients say they went from receiving same day blood tests to 'waiting two weeks for the same service', whilst others opted to make the 18 mile trip to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital via a £70 taxi fare.

Following a backlash from patients, the group conceded that the service needed to be 'strengthened and improved' and announced plans at the start of October to provide the service on five days per week for outpatients.

However, the hospital will still not be offering a blood testing service on a drop-in basis 'due to Covid-19'.

Sir Geoffrey said: “As usual the Liberal Democrats have jumped on the bandwagon and not fully understood the implications of these changes to the Phlebotomy service in the South Cotswolds.

"Only hospital patients will now be able to obtain this service at Cirencester Hospital and concerns regarding capacity to reach demand remain.

"I always found the service at Cirencester hospital superb, the practitioners who took the blood were very quick and effective, even when the waiting room was full, it did not take long to be seen.

"Now each GP will have to provide this service and it remains to be seen how efficient and consistent this will be.

“Constituents who have already been in touch with me regarding this have raised a number of issues with this new arrangement, including the ease of transport links to Cirencester compared to other rural locations to get their tests done.

"I fear this is not a resounding victory and I will continue to make representations to Gloucestershire CCG .”

Leader of the Lib Dems on Gloucestershire County Council Cllr Paul Hodgkinson added: “It’s sad to see the MP - who has had 30 years to make a mark on the Cotswolds - fall back on pettiness.”

“The changes to blood testing are a step in the right direction.

"They acknowledge the hard work of everyone, of all parties and none, who have been lobbying to get the testing back at Cirencester Hospital.

"They are a start and we want to see more services back locally.

"Campaigners I’ve spoken to regard this change as positive - but more questions need to be asked and I will do exactly that at the county Health Scrutiny meeting next month.”