No blood test appointments at KGH to minimise coronavirus risk

Patients referred by a GP will no longer have their blood test at Kettering General Hospital to lower the risk of coronavirus.

From Monday (March 23) the Rothwell Road hospital will not take blood tests with the number of appointments at Kettering Council's offices in Bowling Green Road increased and extended into the afternoon.

This is an appointment-only service and to make an appointment patients should ring 01536 535600. Appointments are available between 8am and 4.30pm from Monday to Friday.

There will also no longer be a walk-in phlebotomy service at Rushden's Rectory Road Clinic with patients instead urged to access the service at the Nene Park clinic in Irthlingborough or Isebrook Hospital in Wellingborough.

Both sites are open between 8am and 3.30pm. Other services provided at Rectory Road Clinic will not be affected.

A KGH spokesman said: "We are making a number of changes to our phlebotomy (blood taking) service as a result of the effects of coronavirus.

"These changes will help to ensure we have sufficient staff to provide a safe service and in the case of the KGH changes minimise the risk to patients of attending a busy hospital site and coming into contact with others who may have the virus."

Children's blood tests will only be available as a pre-booked service and anyone who needs to make an appointment should call 01536 492694.

The KGH spokesman added: "These arrangements are intended to be temporary for the duration of the coronavirus response and will be reviewed on a regular basis."