We did not speak to people at this location which was a laboratory service. There was a service for people attending to have a blood sample taken. People would have had a consultation with their own doctor or specialist prior to attending for the test to be taken. The phlebotomy service was provided to local doctors and their patients and the results were sent to the requesting doctor. The doctor would then discuss these results with the person.

Referrers were surveyed annually so that they could provide feedback about the service provided. Their concerns and suggestions were followed up. There was a process to review, investigate and respond to complaints.

During our inspection we observed that workflow was well organised. The laboratory service was registered and accredited with relevant bodies. Required standards were adhered to and this included the processes for infection prevention and control.

There were sufficient suitably qualified and experienced staff to manage and undertake tests. Specialist advice and support was available to the referring doctors.

We were not able to speak to people at this location. They are there only to have a blood sample taken which has been requested by their own doctor. We saw evidence that people are able to give feedback about this part of the service at this location and that people using the service were generally satisfied with the service offered. We also saw that the users (doctors and medical facilities) of the laboratory services are surveyed about their experience of the service (which affects the service they, in turn, can give to their patients). We saw the last report from early 2011 and 100% of users rated the turnaround time for results reports and the report format as good or better.