Referrals to the Community Phlebotomy Service for non-housebound patients has increased. This is causing numerous operational difficulties, especially if pateints are not home during their scheduled visits. These instances lead to wasted appointments and delays in care for patients who genuinely require a home visit. It can often take a long time to find patients who are not housebound, and in some instances we have had to call the police, as we have a duty of care to locate all patients to ensure they are safe.
*Patients* Please do not contact the surgery and request a home visit for phlebotomy if you are not strictly housebound.