Council continues to seek clarity on phlebotomy services at Tyrells Health Centre

In their response, the Trust confirmed that the closure followed an inspection which identified issues with overheating in the clinic room during warmer months. According to the Trust, this created unsafe conditions for the storage of equipment and blood samples.

The Trust reported that:

•    Retrospective air conditioning was explored by the Trust, but the work was deemed unaffordable.
•    A temporary mobile air conditioning unit was installed but proved ineffective in reducing temperatures to safe levels.
•    The room currently allocated for phlebotomy services was assessed as too small to safely accommodate clinical refrigeration equipment.

The Trust added that the closure was categorised as a short term operational measure and therefore an Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA) was not completed. Engagement with patients attending the clinic was carried out during the two weeks leading up to the closure, and on site signage was in place.

Alternative provision is being directed to other clinics across the area, with additional appointments made available at Hadleigh. The Trust also highlighted that several GP surgeries in Benfleet provide phlebotomy services for their own patients.

Importantly, the Trust confirmed that it is actively exploring options to reopen phlebotomy services at Tyrells in a larger room within the building, one that can safely support cold storage and meet clinical requirements. An update is expected “very soon”.

Cllr Rob Lillis, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Housing said: “We welcome further detail from the Trust, but key concerns remain. The phlebotomy services at Tyrells have now been closed for several months and alternative locations present significant challenges for older people and residents with mobility issues. Councillors have raised particular concerns about the walking distances from parking at alternative clinics, noting that Hadleigh and Southend sites are far less accessible than Tyrells, where disabled parking is located directly next to the entrance.

“We know how valued and well used the Tyrells clinic is and we will continue to advocate strongly on behalf of our residents. We remain committed to working constructively with the Trust to restore an accessible, local service as soon as possible.”

Residents will be kept updated as further information becomes available.