Some blood tests at Royal Surrey rescheduled over national shortage of equipment
The hospital says anyone who needs a blood test for urgent health problems will get one
Last updated 3rd Sep 2021
The Royal Surrey has issued a statement on blood tests following a global shortage of some equipment.
Earlier this week the British Medical Association said shortages across hospitals and GP surgeries were "severe"
The Guildford hospital says anyone who needs a blood test for urgent health problems will get one.
In a statement on their website the NHS Trust said:
"Where your clinician recommends that it’s safe to do so, then you may be asked to come back for a test at a later date, or your appointment may be rescheduled.
"Given the nature of the shortage we cannot give an exact date for when the test will be rescheduled.
"Please be assured that if your condition or symptoms require it, then you will get a test, and we will be re-booking your test when supplies become more easily available."
If your condition or symptoms change or get worse you should ontact the Trust or the NHS as you would normally.
The UK has secured millions of blood tubes following a warning of shortages.
On Tuesday (31 August) it was announced that medical technology company Becton Dickinson (BD) had received "exceptional use authorisation" to import blood tubes into the UK.
The firm said the tubes are approved for use in other regions of the world, such as the United States.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said:
"We have secured tens of millions of additional blood tubes, including importing additional supplies from the EU and the US, which will be available to the NHS soon and there continues to be stock in place to ensure clinically urgent testing continues.
"Patient safety is always the top priority and we continue to work closely with NHS England, the devolved administrations, and the NHS to minimise any impact on patient care."