SOME of you may know that the blood testing service at Basildon Hospital is now by appointment only, but are you aware that the plans are to try and change Orsett Hospital blood testing service to appointment only by the provider Pathology First?
For a short trial period (put in place by Thurrock Clinical Commissioning Group) there is still the opportunity to walk into Orsett Hospital and have your blood test carried out. The future of the system will be decided by Thurrock Clinical Commissioning Group, who want to ensure they commission the right service for the people of Thurrock. To aid this decision we at Healthwatch Thurrock are carrying out a short survey, asking you the people who use this service what you think.
The link to the survey is: http://bit.ly/2jz9sfy or you can call us on 01375 389883 and tell us what your views are. We are also out and about in your communities, look out for us and come and have a chat.
If you need to book a blood test at either hospital the details are;
Online; www.basildonandthurrock.nhs.uk/blood-tests-online or by phone on; 01702 746509, 01702 746510 or 01702 746511 between 7.30am – 5.00pm Mon-Fri (excluding bank holidays)
I was at Orsett last week. I booked online but still had to wait 20 minutes after my appointment time to have my test. The seating area was full & people were having to stand. Whilst I was waiting a woman came in who didn’t have an appointment and was told the waiting time would be 60 – 90 minutes. Not exactly a success in my view.
Additional: The other problem is the queuing system, when you ‘took a number’ you could tell how many people were ahead of you and were therefore free to use the café or go for a walk if a long wait was indicated. Now your name appears on a screen, but it isn’t shown until you are no:1 or no:2 in the queue, so you really can’t leave the waiting area as you have no idea how many people are in front of you.