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Global shortage of equipment used for taking blood tests

Date: 20/09/2021 | Category: General News

Blood tests – global shortage of blood bottles – update 20 September 2021

The national (and global) blood bottle shortage situation has slowly started to improve and from this week the Trust will be gradually increasing its availability of non urgent blood test appointments over the coming weeks, working towards full capacity within four weeks.

All urgent blood tests will continue to be processed in the normal way.

Because supplies are still constrained, we are reinstating the blood test appointment service for patients in a careful, phased way, so there may still be a delay if you are trying to book a non urgent test and for this we apologise.

If your condition or symptoms change or get worse, please contact the NHS as you would normally.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Unexpected closure of lifts in Beeden House and reduced lift capacity in the Main Block, Bedford Hospital

Beeden House

We have had to make the difficult decision to close both lifts in Beeden House after finding an unexpected fault during routine maintenance.

This means that there will be disruption to services and appointments on the upper floors of Beeden House.

We are currently contacting patients to find the best individual solution for them, minimise disruption and ensure they continue to receive the care they need. At this point you do not need to contact us, we will contact all affected patients.

The decision to close the lifts was hard, but we felt it was the safest decision to best protect our patients and staff.

Reduced lift capacity in the Main Block

Please be aware our lifts in the Main Block currently have reduced capacity. In order to maintain lift functions and minimise traffic in the remaining lifts, we will be prioritising high priority movements.

Staff, patients and visitors can access the main block lifts if required, but may be asked to wait at main reception while other priority movements are made. A minimum of 4 people will be required before the lift departs. Security staff operating the lifts will be mindful that not all disabilities are visible and make appropriate accommodations for non-ambulant staff and visitors.

We apologise for the inconvenience the closure of lifts and reduced lift capacity will cause.

Thank you to everyone for your patience and support.