Bring Healthcare Into The Community

The Domiciliary Phlebotomy service is designed specifically for housebound, nursing and residential home patients across the practices of GPCARE.

This service aims to provide acute bloods within 24 hours of receipt of referral but also routine bloods as part of chronic disease management.

When a need for a blood test arises for a housebound patient, be it their own home or a residential home, the GP or in some instances, the Practice nurse, will send a faxed referral to the Provider. These referrals will then be sorted into either Urgent or Routine. If it is urgent and is received by 2pm then it will be scheduled for the next day. If it is routine it will be sorted and a next available session will be identified.

The patient will be contacted to make an appointment. A blood sample will be taken in the patients own residence at the arranged date and time and then it will be dropped off at its designated collection point. The results of the sample will be sent back to the referrer i.e. the GP or Practice Nurse.

· Patients seen in more convenient setting i.e. own home

· Patient receives diagnosis and treatment quicker

· Supports patients with disabilities and learning difficulties

· Improves care for urgent and routine tests

· Reduce emergency admissions

· Supports patients with managing their own conditions

· Brings care closer to home

It is expected that this service will enhance the experience for housebound and hard to reach patients. It will also free up clinical time.

As this will be a new service based in the community, it will have a positive impact on health outcomes by increasing access and allowing patients to be seen at home. This service is aimed at improving patient experience and meeting an unmet need.

The Phlebotomy service went live on Monday 7^th December 2009.

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