Update for patients re blood test forms
Patients who book a blood test at either Ongar or Epping will need to take a blood test form with them. For bookings at any other venue no form is required as these blood tests are electronically booked.
When patient's book blood tests appointments on Swiftqueue it currently states 'don't forget to bring your blood test form'. We apologise for this confusion which has resulted in many patients ringing us due to the mixed message. This is not something we can rectify in-house & we have therefore escalated the issue to Princess Alexandra Pathology team requesting they update the message on Swiftqueue so that patients are aware a blood test form is only required if you are attending Ongar / Epping.
www.pah.nhs.uk/our-services/service/radiology-88/#service-more-information-tab
GP plain film walk in service usual opening hours. Please check before attending as subject to change.
The Princess Alexandra Hospital:
Location: Radiology Dept.- Area B6, Hamstel Road, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1QX
Routine referrals - Monday to Wednesday and Friday 8.00am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 7.45pm. Please note routine referrals will not be accepted on Thursdays as OPD imaging referrals will be prioritised on this day.
Saturday and Sunday 9.00am to 1.00pm
Urgent Referrals - Monday to Friday 8.00am to 7.45pm, Saturday and Sunday 9.00am to 1.00pm
Herts & Essex Hospital
Location: Radiology Dept- Haymeads Lane, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 5JH
From 15.04.24 there will be extended hours of operation - new opening hours are:
Monday to Friday 8.00am to 8.00pm (last patient accepted at 7.30pm)
Saturday and Sundays 9.00am to 5.00pm (last patient to be accepted at 4.30pm).
Trauma spine / pelvis x-rays cannot be carried out at Herts & Essex Hospital, any referrals would be redirected to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow.
St Margarets’s Hospital
Location: Radiology Dept- The Plain, Epping, Essex, CM16 6TN
Urgent & Routine referrals - Monday to Friday 8.00am to 4.30pm
How to book a blood test
Blood tests can be booked online at - www.pah.nhs.uk/our-services/service/blood-tests-30
An online blood test appointment system has been launched to improve patient experience.
Appointments for blood tests should be made online, rather than by email or telephone. The appointments system ensures that we can maximise the number of tests we can offer to patients and continue to maintain social distancing in waiting areas.
The new booking system named Swiftqueue - is designed to be easy to access and to manage your appointment. When accessing the Swiftqueue system, you will be guided to create an account and follow the on-screen instructions to arrange your appointment.
Minimal information is required in order to set up your account and make an appointment. You will be asked to provide an email address (this does not need to be your own, it could be a friend, relative or Carer who is assisting you, for example), your name and date of birth.
If you arrive without a pre-booked appointment, you will be allocated the next available slot on arrival. This could be later in the day or a different day during busy times, so all appointments should be pre-booked online in advance.
Hospital Blood Test
Opening Hours (Monday to Friday): Telephone: 01279 827030
An outpatient phlebotomy service is available on all three Trust sites
- from 7.00am to 4.30pm at The Princess Alexandra Hospital
- from 8.30am to 4:00pm at St. Margaret’s Hospital
- from 8.30am to 4.30pm at Herts and Essex Hospital
- Children’s phlebotomy in child friendly room is available at The Princess Alexandra Hospital by appointment Monday to Thursday 1.30pm to 2.30pm
Fasting: If you need to fast before having blood taken it will be stated on the form given by your GP - if unsure please ask. If you are fasting, please have plain water only from 8.00pm the evening prior to your blood test or 12 hours prior.
Lab Test Guidance for Patients
labtestsonline.org.uk/tests-index