Blog by Anna Bailie, Youth Engagement Officer
On 24th September I went for a blood test at Gilbert Hitchcock House.
There were four options for booking a blood test and I chose to use the automated phone booking line. I called on 4th September to book an appointment – I needed to enter my phone number and register for an appointment. I chose an afternoon appointment and booked in for 24th September at 13:30 which was the first available appointment. I did not receive a text confirmation, but you can call the automated line to check, cancel or rearrange your appointment.
On the day of my appointment, I rang the phone line to check the time of my appointment which was quick and easy. I tried to park in the health centre’s car park next door, but there were no available spaces. I found street parking just a few roads away, but there was disabled parking available on-site. There is also a nearby pay and display car park which had spaces. When I got to the clinic there was a large queue, however there was a self-check in tablet for blood tests which I could use. I tried to sign in this way after a couple of other patients used it, however it didn’t work for my booking. I got back into the queue and was quickly seen by the receptionist who was exceptionally friendly and helpful.
I was shown the waiting room where I waited for approximately 3 minutes before being seen by the phlebotomist who asked, “are you ok with blood tests”? I informed her I was and found this comforting as she was very friendly and made me feel at ease. After the test she put a cotton plaster on my arm, and I felt fine to leave straight away. There was plenty of seating available if you wanted to wait a little while before leaving.
Overall, I was in the clinic for about 15 minutes. I had a very positive experience and the staff were excellent. I would encourage others to use the telephone option as it was easy to use and can be done through any standard phone and you don’t need to register online.
Information on How to book from the NHS website: https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/our-services/blood-tests/
Adult Blood Tests issued by GP’s
Adults who have a blood test request form issued by their GP surgery are to attend Gilbert Hitchcock House for blood tests.
Only pre-booked appointments will be accepted.
Patients can book appointments by:
- Using the online booking service (available 24/7), patients will need to type in Bedford when accessing this link
- The automated telephone booking service (available 24/7). The telephone number is: 01234 607075
- Booking an appointment in person by visiting the department throughout Monday to Friday, 1pm to 4pm
All patients will only be seen if they have a blood test request form. If you do not have one, please return to your referring clinician for the request form.
This service is open from Monday to Friday, 8am to 4:20pm.
Clinics are closed on Saturday’s, Sunday’s and Bank Holidays.
Children’s Blood Tests
Blood tests are by appointment only at:
Children’s Outpatients Department, Cygnet Wing, Bedford Hospital, Kempston Road, Bedford, MK42 9DJ
Register with your email address and your child’s details and cancel or rearrange appointments anytime. Please select Bedford Hospital Paediatric Department from the main menu.
For more information, visit Children’s Phlebotomy at Bedford Hospital – New patient appointment booking system
If you are unsure about your blood test, please call ahead and check with the receptionist who will advise you accordingly:
Children’s Outpatients: 01234 730421, Mon-Fri, 9.00am-10.00am and 4.00pm-5.00pm
Samples
If you have a urine sample, please take this to the Pathology Department at South Wing or you can alternatively drop this into the reception at Gilbert Hitchcock House. The urine sample needs to be labelled fully with name, date of birth, NHS or hospital number and the time and date of the sample. If you have a stool sample, please take this to the Pathology Department at South Wing.
Appointments for glucose tolerance tests
Download information on appointments for glucose tolerance tests Bedford Pathology User Guide
Phlebotomy Outpatient Service
From Monday 12th February 2024, Phlebotomy Outpatients service will be on the:
1st floor of the main Outpatients department from 9am – 4.15pm
3rd floor of the Cauldwell Centre from 9am – 1.30pm
I’ve booked lots of blood test appointments, and always found the staff cheerful and helpful.
Today I rang N Wing phlebotomy with a question. The phone wasn’t answered. I just got an outgoing message telling me how to book a blood test appointment either online or on the automated telephone booking service. Not helpful.