Blood test availability

[heasandford]

Just back from a wonderful (long) holiday, but need to visit my mum, 300 miles away. Appointment with new consultant is week after next, leaving only Monday and Tuesday for blood tests - can I get an appointment for a blood test locally? - NO!
There is a walk in clinic in Southampton hospital (round trip 30 miles), worried I won't be able to park and it will take all morning queueing! Has anyone else had a similar experience? (Sorry for the rant)

 

[trophywench]

Well terribly sorry to say this, but you've left yourself no option - I book mine up absolutely AGES in advance to make sure because I've been had like that before, myself - and had to spend ages sat in a hospital waiting room with ILL people.

 

[heasandford]

I tried to book before I went away a month ago and they wouldn't let me!

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

How annoying

Mind you, I've been to annual reviews before where I hadnt had any bloods done (in my bad old days). You can discuss log books/general things and still ask any questions and if there are any surprises in your tests they can call you when they get them.

 

[Copepod]

Frustrating when you can't book ahead, either.

If it really is impossible to get blood taken before seeing your consultant, then juts go along to the appointment and explain what happened - the consultant probably doesn't know the situation as all GP surgeries local to their clinic. It might be possible to get blood taken at the hospital before or after the appointment and then discuss results by phone at a later date.