Longridge Hospital

The hospital only does bloods twice a week and this can be difficult for me. I've been sent to preston a few times for bloods as this hospital is full. Its not great when I don't have access to a car to get to preston hospital. I think they should open the blood clinic another day.

My husband & I have been trying to get blood tests done as instructed by our doctor. We arrived at Healthport, Preston, last Friday at 7.45. The queue was out of the door & we were told only 1 nurse available & lengthy wait. We drove to Minerva centre, long queues again before it had opened. We then drove back to Longridge , arrived 8.15, long queue & we were at back, so when opened at 8.45, we’re told the wait would be around 3hrs, so we went home. Today we got to Longridge hospital at 11.45 & were 4th & 5th in queue. We had to wait in blazing sunshine & as OAP’s could have done with a seat & some shade. Some people didn’t look at all well & were struggling with conditions-one gentleman had to sit in his car!
When we were allowed in & 30 tickets were allocated, we were informed that it was at least a 2hr wait. As we were 4th & 5th we left at 1.30 so heaven help those at 29th & 30th!
What has gone wrong with the service? What will it take before something is done? A heart attack in car park? A stroke with the intense heat? What if it’s raining hard with wind? Will you expect OAP’s to stand outside for over 1hr as they’re not permitted in until exact opening time! The receptionist was obviously getting a lot of complaints & it was easy to see tempers flared. If this continues & there is only 1 person taking bloody, you may have to consider security as it will only take one person, who is unwell & has had to wait such a long time to make their feelings heard! Some of the people there were saying that they have to go through this weekly/fortnightly -heaven help them if they are immobile & have to rely on friends/ family. I have never experienced such bad service like this & wonder how long it will take before you reconsider these badly functioning walk in clinics?

I lost pay as I have had to attend several times fir a routine blood test

On 20/1/23 I attended for a blood test at 10;30, advertised time being 8.45 - 11.30. The clinic was closed so I was turned away. On 27/1 /23 I arrived at 9 am, the clinic was closed at 9 .10 but I had my blood test after waiting 1 hr and 45 mins.
Today I took my husband for a blood test at 12 .55, clinic advertised as 1.0pm - 3.30. The clinic which shouldn’t have opened for 5 minutes, was already closed.
Your receptionists have the unenviable task of turning away patients both on the phone and face to face.
I worked for the NH S from 1958 - 2004 and can absolutely say your phlebotomy service is the worst case of a service being totally unfit for purpose, and strongly urge you to take steps to improve it asap.
Jennifer Dighton. jlt_141@yahoo.co.uk