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Blood tests service is reinstated
Blood testing of more than 100,000 patients for conditions like diabetes can be carried out again after the service was reinstated at GP surgeries in Northamptonshire.
Testing was cancelled in July because Northamptonshire PCT withdrew funding but health chiefs have now agreed more cash to bring back the service. The King Edward Road surgery in Abington is one practice to benefit and is already testing patients again.
Practice manager Justin Pearce said: "We are delighted. The main benefit for patients is that getting tested can be done conveniently at a local surgery rather than having to travel to the hospital.
"It means we can detect conditions like hypertension and diabetes."
The extra funding for the blood testing, or phlebotomy, service is 200,000 per year across the county which works out at more than double the amount for some surgeries.
Brian Binley, the Conservative MP for Northampton South, said the axing of the service had caused anxiety in the community and that its return was welcome news.
He said: "It's pleasing to know that the PCT has listened to the representations made by county practices, patient groups, individual patients and myself to reinstate this service. I know from the contact already received from my constituents that they are very pleased with this announcement."
Both King Edward Road and Abington Park Surgery have now agreed with Northampton General Hospital to have one of its phlebotomists on site.
Appointments can be booked online for Mondays, Wednesdays, and alternate Fridays.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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