The Phlebotomy Departments at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust have finalised arrangements for the introduction of an online appointment system to be used for patient blood tests called SwiftQueue. This Trust-wide service will allow patients to book blood test appointments in advance for the first time - replacing our current walk-in model and significantly improving service efficiency, reducing waiting times, and enhancing patient experience. Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services (BSPS) has already successfully implemented SwiftQueue across several acute Trusts, delivering positive outcomes.

The new booking system will launch on Monday 3^rd March 2025, giving patients the option to book appointments. The first bookable appointments will be on Monday 10^th March at East Surrey Hospital and 1^st April 2025 at Crawley and Horsham Hospitals. While we encourage patients to make use of this booking system as soon as possible the Trust will also continue to accept walk-in appointments until 31^st March 2025 at all sites.

Patients can go to the online booking website, to make their GP Blood Test appointment in advance. Patient’s family members should be encouraged to make appointments online for them, if they themselves have no access to online services.

www.swiftqueue.com

Patients unable to access the online booking system can book appointments by calling the Helpdesk on 03006 134117 between Mon- Fri 8am-8pm

Patients who have additional requirements e.g. needle phobia or other issues can add this to their appointment so that any reasonable adjustments can be made.

Please note that if a patient is more than 15 minutes late for their appointment, they will have the choice of either waiting until the next available slot that day if there is one available or rebooking for another day.

As part of this change, from 1^st April the service will no longer accept walk-in patients. However, a daily allocation of urgent appointment slots will be reserved for patients who require on-the-day blood tests, ensuring they receive the necessary care while on site.

We would like to thank you in advance for your cooperation with this initiative.

the NHS wants to give people better ways to see their personal health information online. We know that people want to be able to access their health records. It can help you see test results faster. It also lets you read and review notes from your appointments in your own time.

From October 2023 you will see all prospective information within your health record automatically. If you are over 16 and have an online account, such as through the NHS App you will be able to see all future notes and health records from your doctor (GP).

This means you will be able to see notes from your appointments, as well as test results and any letters that are saved on your records. This only applies to records from your doctor (GP), not from hospitals or other specialists. You will only be able to see information after October 2023. For most people, access will be automatic, and you won't need to do anything.

We are supportive of providing you with access to your record, but we wish to do this safely and make you aware that this is happening so that you can opt out, if you so wish. You may wish to speak with us first to understand what it is that you see, and the risks which may be involved in having such confidential data either on your smartphone with the NHS app installed or online if other people might have access to that information through your devices. If you are in a difficult or pressured relationship for example, you may prefer your records to remain accessible only to those treating you.

it is important to remember that documents may, at times contain information that could be upsetting, especially if they contain news of a serious condition. It can also be a cause for worry seeing results online when it isn't clear what the results might mean, and no one is available to ask, as can be the case during the evening or at weekends, for example.

Sometimes people with a mental health condition might prefer not to see documents that remind them of difficult times in their life. it is possible for individual items to be hidden at your request.

Please contact the surgery if you wish to opt out.

These changes only apply to patients with online accounts.

i-Rock Horsham District is a brand-new support and advice hub for young people aged 14 - 25 in West Sussex. At i-Rock, partnership agencies work collaboratively to offer various support services to help with mental health, relationships, money and benefits, family problems, bullying, housing, education and employment. Young people can access the service by dropping in, booking an appointment or through our virtual platform. At i-Rock, we work with you to ensure you succeed and thrive.

Our Clinical Director, Dr Samir Khan, said: "We are extremely proud to be partnered with the team at i-Rock who demonstrate incredible drive and passion towards supporting their target population. We are privileged to be part of this journey towards creating an essential service in Horsham."

CLICK HERE to find out more