Blood test services to be provided to Hywel Dda patients at Vaccination Centre in Dafen

FROM Monday 20 May 2024, Phlebotomy services (blood tests) for Hywel Dda patients living in the Llanelli area will be provided from the Mass Vaccination Centre in Dafen, Llanelli.

The service will move from its current location in Antioch, Llanelli, with the last day for blood tests in the Centre being Friday, 17 May 2024.

Dylan Jones, Head of Pathology Services at Hywel Dda University Health Board, explains: “Listening to feedback from our patients who raised concerns about our service in Llanelli, we have decided to move the blood service in Llanelli to the Mass Vaccination Centre in Dafen. Patients have previously shared feedback on the lack of availability of parking, room for patients waiting for their appointment, and the length of our waiting list.

“By moving the service to Dafen we will be able to increase the service provision and address some of the issues raised by our patients.

“Our online booking system, and phone line, for blood tests will include appointments for Dafen will be available from next week – giving patients the option to book their appointment from 20 May onwards.”

The Mass Vaccination Centre in Llanelli will be a familiar location to residents of Llanelli and the surrounding area as the location for COVID-19 vaccinations and testing.

Dylan continues: “We are aware that some individuals who use public transport to travel to Dafen will need additional support. If any of our patients need support in accessing the service, we will be providing services on two days a week for individuals to have their appointment at Prince Philip Hospital. As parking is a challenge at Prince Philip Hospital, these appointments will be limited to patients using public transport.”

The move to the Mass Vaccination Centre in Dafen is a temporary move, as longer-term plans exist to move the service to be part of the Pentre Awel development next year.

Sarah Perry, Interim County Director Carmarthenshire and General Manager Pathology and Radiology, at Hywel Dda University Health Board adds: “We are aware that Llanelli residents may have questions and feedback about the relocation of our Phlebotomy Service to Dafen.

“From 1 May 2024, for a period of eight-weeks, we will be inviting current and future service users to share their views on the impact of this change. Individuals will be able to share their feedback with us by completing a survey that will be available to patients using the service in Antioch, Dafen, and Prince Philip Hospital, and available on the Health Board’s website.

“Two drop-in events are also planned for 3pm – 6pm on Wednesday 8 May, and Tuesday 14 May, at Antioch Centre. During the events, Health Board staff will be available to answer any questions about the move of the service and listen to feedback from members of our community.”

The engagement period that will seek views on the impact of the service move will run from 1 May to 26 June 2024. Surveys will be available on the Health Board’s website, and paper copies will be available for service users. The feedback received about the temporary change of location will help the Health Board to understand what the Phlebotomy Service will need to do to support patients during and after the relocation to Dafen.

Hywel Dda patients can book their blood test appointment by visiting the Health Board’s website at: https://hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/services-and-teams/blood-tests or by calling the Communications Hub on 0300 303 9642.