We’ve reduced our blood test slots to just five minutes, allowing us to offer same day tests to those coming in for outpatient appointments.

Previously, patients attending clinics at our hospitals who were referred for a blood test during their appointment would need to return on another date, sometimes waiting up to a week due to high demand.

By shortening blood test appointments, from 10 minutes to five minutes, we’re able to see more people, reducing waits and allowing patients to have their appointment and test all on the same day, so they don’t need to return for multiple visits.

We’ve also added electronic kiosks for patients to book in for their appointments, reducing queues to see the receptionist.

Improvement Director Imran Ellahi said:

When our patients were told during their appointment that they needed a blood test, too often they had to return another day, because we didn’t have enough capacity – especially at Queen’s Hospital. The changes the team made have allowed us to see more patients per hour, so following a clinic appointment, patients can now walk to the department and book themselves in for a blood test on the same day. This is a much better patient experience, reduces the wait times for urgent tests and is better for the environment.

“We now want to expand the number of locations we provide, so that patients can access a blood test closer to home.