Royal Free Pharmacy and Phlebotomy
Impact of the change
As a result of this change, the hospital has seen the waiting time for prescriptions to be dispensed for out-patients increase to longer than they would like.
We have been assured that this is a temporary issue while the change of provider takes place.and have been informed of the following steps already being taking to improve the experience for our patients.
Steps already being taken to improve the experience for our patients include:
- extra staff in the pharmacy to ensure medicines are dispensed as quickly and safely as possible
- more signage and regular updates about the waiting time patients should expect
- volunteers offering water, tea and coffee to those waiting for their medicines
Phlebotomy Services
The hospital is also experiencing some additional pressures with their blood taking services (known as phlebotomy), and patients may be experiencing a long wait. They have seen an increase in demand for this walk-in service and are looking into why this might be the case. This has coincided with a shortage of staff at this service. Again, the trust assures us they are working hard to recruit additional clinicians to rectify this.
If you were scheduled to have your blood taken at the Royal Free, blood testing services are available at Barnet Hospital, Chase Farm Hospital or Edgware Community Hospital. Patients can book an appointment here.
