NHS Phlebotomy Service Priority for Registered Carers

A considerable amount of Carers have their own existing health needs, which may include regular blood tests. Leaving the cared for person to attend their own appointments can create anxiety for Carers.

The Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre working in partnership with Wrightington, Wigan & Leigh NHS Foundation Trust, Phlebotomy Service and Wigan Borough Carers (Wigan Council), have created an Emergency Carers Card to access priority bloods for Unpaid / Family Carers.

Carers who are registered with the Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre can access this Emergency Carers Card to use when attending the Phlebotomy clinic, making the Phlebotomy service aware of their Carer status. This will then enable Carers to be prioritised and allow convenient and timely appointments, relieving the anxiety caused by long waiting times.

Carers can show their Emergency Carers Card in order to receive a priority bloods appointment at either Thomas Linacre Centre or Leigh Hospital on the following dates and times: Monday to Friday, 7.30 am – 4.30 pm. Carers will need to take along their Blood Form (from the GP or Consultant and their Emergency Carers Card). No appointment is needed on these sites, just turn up and you will be given priority access.

Note this is not available at Community Clinics.

If a carer or the person they care for is housebound, they can inform their GP and the community blood team from the hospital will visit their home.  They must make the GP aware they are a carer, if they don’t know already then it can be put on the form.

For further information, please contact Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre Tel: 01942 697885