Phlebotomy - Blood Tests Online Booking

HCT have launched a new Phlebotomy Online Booking Solution and as a result blood test appointments requested by GPs, should now be booked online by patients for the following hospitals: Cheshunt Community Hospital, Hoddesdon Health Centre, Bowling Road Clinic and Peace Children's Centre (Rainbow Ward), Watford.

Using the online booking platform will allow you to book, cancel or reschedule your appointment at a time that suits you 24 hours a day 7 days a week. To minimise queues and continue to maintain social distancing in waiting areas you are asked to wait outside until 5 minutes before your appointment before entering the building.

Adults and children

You should book your appointment using the link below:

https://www.swiftqueue.co.uk/hertfordshire.php

Please note: In order to book your appointment, you will need your:

Attending your appointment:

When you arrive for your appointment, please go to the phlebotomy clinic reception area, and provide your name and your appointment time/use the check-in screens provided.

Please arrive promptly and ideally no earlier than five minutes beforehand to help ensure social distancing.

Frequently asked questions

What if I am unable to book online?
If you are unable to book online, please call the single point of access hub on 0300 123 7571 Monday-Friday between 9.00am – 15.00pm. The team can assist with booking your appointment for you. To complete the booking, the team will need to know the location where you would like to have the blood test, your NHS number, name, address, date of birth and mobile phone number.

How do I cancel an appointment?
If you need to cancel your appointment, please click on the cancellation link in your text message or log in via your Swiftqueue account.

Can someone book on my behalf?
Yes. They will need to know the patient’s NHS number, name, postcode and date of birth.

How will I know if I have booked an appointment?
You will receive a confirmation text message with details of the appointment you have booked shortly after you completed the booking online. A reminder text message will be sent at 09.30am the day before your appointment.

Can I bring someone else with me to my appointment?
Due to limited spaces and social distancing measures, we ask that you attend alone wherever possible. If you cannot attend by yourself, please only bring one person with you.

I’m running late for my appointment, will it still be able to happen?
If you arrive late for your appointment, we will try to accommodate you as best we can, however, due to the high volume of patients which we see your appointment may need to be rescheduled to another date and time.

I forgot when my appointment is booked for?
You should receive a text confirming when your appointment is and a reminder on the day before the appointment. However if you did not receive this, please log into your Swiftqueue account or call the Single Point of Access hub on 0300 123 7571 on Monday-Friday between 9am - 3pm.

Can I book a blood test if I am pregnant?
Yes. If you have any questions or concerns about this, please contact your community midwife.

I do not know my NHS number, where can I find this?
There is guidance on the NHS website about how to find your NHS number. Alternatively, you can scan the QR code to direct you to the site:


Community Phlebotomy – appointment only

Appointments are needed to attend these phlebotomy sessions and you must have the relevant blood form from your GP.

Cheshunt Community Hospital

Cheshunt Community Hospital (by appointment only)

  • Monday to Friday - 08.00am to 16.00pm (excluding bank holidays)

Hoddesdon

Hoddesdon Health Centre (by appointment only)

  • Monday to Friday - 08.30am to 14.00pm (excluding bank holidays)

Ware

Bowling Road Health Centre (by appointment only)

  • Monday – 1.30pm to 15.30pm (excluding bank holidays)
  • Wednesday - 08.30am to 11.45am
  • Friday - 08.30am to 11.45am (excluding bank holidays)

Fasting blood test requirements

  • Fasting glucose – at least 8 hours fasting
  • Glucose tolerance test (GTT) – 8-14 hrs fasting (please note this test is not offered at Cheshunt)
  • Fasting lipids and triglycerides – at least 12-14 hrs fasting
  • NB: Fasting means no food or drink apart from water.

Stay hydrated

It is advisable to be well hydrated before a blood test. Please remember to drink water before getting your blood taken.