THE drop-in service for blood tests at York Hospital has been improved following a refurbishment of the phlebotomy suite.

The changes have seen the service become more streamlined and has reduced congestion at peak times, York Hospital said.

Catherine McCluskey, phlebotomy manager at York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Blood taking is one of the busiest areas in the hospital and high demand at peak times often meant the waiting area became very overcrowded and people had to stand.

“We have provided a new larger waiting area where there is natural light and plenty of seating.

“We now have six cubicles which really helps at peak times. It’s a much more pleasant space to be treated in and gives patients much more privacy.”

There is also a new computerised self check-in ticket system which has streamlined the process so that it is much clearer how long the waiting times are and where people are in the process.

The service runs from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Drop-in blood taking services are also available at ASDA Monks Cross and the New Selby War Memorial Hospital. Details of opening times can be found on the York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust website.