Phlebotomy Update 27/1/26

We recently posted about the phlebotomy waiting times and have been actively engaging with the Health Board to improve this situation. The issue was discussed at the SBUHB Board meeting on 26/1/26 and the paper is attached below.

MLMC have been informed by SBUHB that the current waiting time (median) is now (as of 27/1/26) 13.5 days actual days (not working days) and this is down from ~22 days in December. There remains significant variation across sites with the best areas (Gorseinon and Port Talbot) averaging a 5 day wait whereas Singleton remains at >20 days.

Rather than running at 100% capacity the service is now holding back specific capacity in some areas for shorter notice release for urgent appointments and the extended hours trial, allowing for patients working 9-5 to access the service, is looking to be extended.

Another issue which has been acknowledged is patients having to travel to secondary care sites to access phlebotomy services and consideration is being given into increasing community phlebotomy provision.

A national benchmarking exercise is being completed by SBUHB and this will inform a new operating model, acknowledging that there are challenges with the current booking system.

SBUHB is keen to work with the LMC to design a sustainable, future-proofed, 3-5 year model for the phlebotomy service, noting that recent data from 2 years ago indicated that approximately 12K blood tests were taking place in practices and not being claimed for. It should also be noted that the Welsh Government have an agenda to transform the phlebotomy service illustrating that it is a national area of concern.

Please continue to datix related issues and contact us regarding your concerns about this important patient safety issue. 

Phlebotomy Paper Jan Board 2026.docx

Download DOCX • 244KB