• New system sees reduction in amount of time patients wait to access blood tests
• Investment in digital technology is enhancing capacity in busiest services
• Bolton NHS Foundation Trust patients can use booking system or when advised by GP or a clinic

An online booking system for blood tests at Royal Bolton Hospital has seen a reduction in the amount of time people wait to access a test and get the results they need.

The 24/7 online portal went live across Bolton in April 2023, and is designed for Bolton NHS Foundation Trust patients, or when patients have been advised by their GP that they need to book a blood test because it can’t be done there.

Survey results reveal that in August this year, 100% of patients who had a pre-booked appointment for the hospital’s phlebotomy service were seen within five minutes.

Data also shows that in the first six months of the online system being live there has been an increase in pre-booked appointments, making up more than 75% of attendances, and a decrease in the number of walk-ins.

Ryan Calderbank, Divisional Director of Operations for Diagnostic and Support Services at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said these changes are resulting in positive outcomes for patients:

Investing in digital technology is allowing us to enhance capacity in some of our busiest services.

“The online booking system has seen fantastic uptake in its first few months and is putting patients in control by offering them greater flexibility and choice for when they attend their blood tests.

Phil Henry, Operational Business Manager at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, added:

When patients attend their booked slot they know they will be seen at that time, which reduces the amount of time they have to spend waiting at the hospital compared to a traditional walk-in.

“It also provides our phlebotomy team with a better picture of daily demand and allows them to manage that by ensuring staffing levels are increased at the busiest times of the day.

“It’s important that adult patients, who are not already under the Trust’s care, go direct to their GP for blood tests in the first instance, but should they be referred to us for a specific circumstance then we hope this system will make it easier to access an appointment.

More information about booking blood tests online can be found on our website.