Patients will now be instructed to give blood samples at hubs separate from the out-patient clinics, in an effort to limit the spread of Covid-19. 

The Acute Phlebotomy Hubs will help maintain social distancing and protect the safety of patients at the clinics. 

They have made it possible for patients from across the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to give blood samples again.

Staffed by health care support workers and nurses that have been redeployed from each site’s outpatient workforce, the hubs opened on June 8. 

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Last year, almost a third of patient traffic at the board's hospitals were individuals giving blood samples. 

The hubs have a capacity for over 650 appointments per week across the Greater Glasgow area. 

Appointments have been scheduled at 20-minute intervals to reduce contact.

Patients will be offered an online consultation through Attend Anywhere with their consultant after samples have been taken.

Chris Deighan, Deputy Medical Director, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said:“Patients are now able to give blood samples again and will be directed to our new Hubs to do so.

“We’re trying to make it safe and convenient for patients to give blood samples as we respond to COVID-19.

"This has involved the redesign of some of our services to reduce the number of people entering our hospitals.

“We’re hoping it will be possible for patients to be able to give blood samples in the community in future and we’ll be working with our Health and Social Care Partnership colleagues to achieve this.”

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The hubs serve as an interim arrangement with plans for patients to be able to give blood samples in the community, such as health centres, as we try to make the process more convenient for patients.

Acute Phlebotomy Hubs are located at:

  • Stobhill Ambulatory Care Hospital
  • Lightburn Hospital
  • New Victoria Hospital
  • West Glasgow Ambulatory Care Hospital
  • QEUH
  • Gartnavel General Hospital
  • Inverclyde Royal Hospital
  • Royal Alexandra Hospital
  • Vale of Leven Hospital