Further update on blood test processing for the Southampton area
GP practices in Southampton and the surrounding areas are now receiving the results of all blood tests.
This includes some test results not sent in the period from 1 to 26 July, and everyone is working hard to ensure patients receive their results as soon as possible.
The laboratory services at University Hospital Southampton launched a new computer system on July 1 and reported some issues, which resulted in a delay of blood samples being processed and, in some cases, results not being shared with practices.
University Hospital Southampton apologises for the disruption caused because of issues arising from the introduction of the new system and will be working with our partners on a comprehensive review of the system implementation as soon as possible.
Updates within the new system have now been completed successfully, and practices are now receiving results which will be dealt with in the normal way, in most circumstances.
Additionally, tests processed since the 1 July are being re-sent to practices to ensure patients records are correct and complete and all actions required are picked up.
NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight have asked practices to prioritise this work to maintain patient safety, as many practices affected will have a significant number of historic results to review during August.
This may have an impact on the number of appointments a GP surgery can offer while they share results.
What does this mean for patients?
If you have recently had a blood test, your GP surgery will have advised you on how the results from the laboratory will be shared with you following review by your practice.
If you have had a blood sample taken since 1 July and have not yet received the results please visit your practice’s website for information about what you should do. It usually takes at least four days for results to be received and processed by your practice. Some tests do take longer.
NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight continues to work closely with both the hospital trust and GP practices to help bring this matter to a close.
We are very thankful to staff within our GP surgeries and hospital, who have worked relentlessly to help resolve this issue, and have kept patients safe while navigating through these system updates.
We would also like to thank all patients for their patience and understanding.
Lara Alloway, Chief Medical Officer, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Freya Pearson, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, University Hospital Southampton