GP surgeries in Swindon have apologised to patients over the cancellation of appointments due to a blood tubes shortage.

The shortage of vials used for blood tests has put doctors and patients in a “terrible, unenviable position” with GPs facing “difficult choices” about who gets a test, the British Medical Association has warned. 

Elm Tree Surgery said in a statement: “This shortage of bottles for blood tests has an impact throughout the country. 

“This has meant that we must follow national guidance and can only perform the most urgent and emergency blood tests at this present time. 

“As a result, it has meant some routine blood tests will be postponed in order to help ensure that we have enough blood bottles available for those in most urgent need.”

"The practice apologies for the inconvenience and thanked people for their patience. 

“We understand that this may well cause you some anxiety and uncertainty, and we are sorry for that, but decisions are being based on clinical priorities and need.”

It came after medical technology company Becton Dickinson reported temporary supply chain issues for tubes used to collect samples in blood tests.

The local clinical commissioning group assured people yesterday that those who need a clinically urgent blood test will get one despite the global shortage of testing equipment.

It added: “Some non-clinically urgent tests will be postponed while the issue is addressed, and we thank you for your understanding if you are asked to come back for a test at a later date.”

Ridgeway View Family Practice said the crisis is “out of our hands”. 

It said: “We will need to cancel some blood tests which have already been booked and will do this via text message or by telephoning affected patients.”

New Court Surgery said: “We will do as much as we can do with the supplies we have, but we ask for your patience and understanding if blood tests need to be postponed.”

Other GP practices across Swindon have apologised for having to cancel appointments.
When asked on Facebook, Adver readers Jacqui Rodgers Watt, Agnieszka Chojnacka Grandinetti, Tracy Alisha, Cherie Raper, Claire Follit, Stacey Ann Roderick and Ann Shailes all had their appointments cancelled. 

But Sarah-Jane Newman said: “No, I had mine today and the nurse said I will continue to have them due to pregnancy.”

Shelley Illing said: “I work in pharmacy, and we have received notice about the shortages in the supply chain.”

Susan Lister said: “I had a text from our GP about shortages which I’m aware of before receiving this, so it was only a matter of time, if urgent they will do, if not urgent they won’t.”
Health bosses said all primary care and community testing must stop until September 17, except for “clinically urgent” testing.