Patients can book blood test appointments online
A new digital appointment booking for people having blood tests at hospitals in north central London was introduced in the summer of 2023, and already saving time and money for NHS patients, GPs and hospital phlebotomy services.
Before the new system was introduced, patients whose GP booked them in for a blood test at a local hospital often made an additional trip to collect a paper test request form their GP practice, which they then took to the hospital to book an appointment. Any changes or cancellations needed to be made either in person or over the phone, which often meant queuing to be seen or have their call answered.
The new service – called SwiftQueue – has transformed the experience of having blood tests, giving patients the ability to book their preferred time and date online. Some hospital phlebotomy clinic reception areas will also benefit from a new SwiftQueue patient check-in kiosk where patients can quickly and easily register their arrival for their appointment, avoiding the need to queue at the reception desk.
As well as benefitting patients, SwiftQueue is helping to save time for GPs who can now order all hospital blood tests electronically. Every patient having a blood test at a hospital in Barnet, Camden, Islington, Haringey and Enfield is now eligible to use SwiftQueue – and should speak to their GP practice if they have any questions about accessing or using it.
People who don’t have access to an internet connection or who may need help to access the system can speak to their local GP practice for help.