To consider and comment on the proposals to move Phlebotomy services from the Luton and Dunstable Outpatient Service based at the Hospital to the centre of Luton and the implications for Central Bedfordshire residents. 

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Luton and Dunstable Hospital introduced a report that set out the proposals to move the Phlebotomy Service, Sexual Health and Dermatology Services from the Hospital to a new facility in Luton Arndale Centre.  It was considered these services would function well off site and gave the Hospital opportunity to reorganise the vacant space available to it. The Hospital had listened to complaints from patients about the lack of parking and long waiting times.  At the new site, it was possible to book an appointment as well as provide a walk-in service.  Members discussed the following in summary:-

·         If there was an opportunity to extend current phlebotomy clinic times in order to accommodate residents that commute, the CEO advised he would look into the feasibility of this request.

·         Concern that not all GPs provided a phlebotomy service and in turn this would cause some residents to travel to Luton from rural areas in Central Bedfordshire.  In response, the Director of Commissioning, BCCG, advised the long-term vision was to see GPs providing phlebotomy service in a locality hub setting.  In the interim, more surgeries were working together to provide a service locally. 

·         In response to residents’ potential fear for personal safety in the Luton Arndale area, the CEO advised he would raise this concern with Luton Council and monitor the situation closely.

RECOMMENDED the Committee:-

1.    Reminds health providers that the Scrutiny Committee has a role to play in the initial stage of any proposed changes to health services in their local area.

2.    Understands the need to have a better environment to discharge the services and improve them.

3.    Expects the provider, when making changes to the provision of services, to take full account of the needs of Central Bedfordshire residents, including transport concerns and increased journey times, especially for those living to the west and north west of Dunstable.

4.    Suggests the need to monitor opening times for the phlebotomy service and consider earlier morning, late afternoon and early evening appointments.

5.    While recognising the role of GP's in the health service, suggests that, either alone or in partnership, providing a phlebotomy service should be seen as an essential part of a primary health service

Requests an update for the 28 January 2019 meeting of the Scrutiny Committee.