Members of the public requiring blood tests, and who have been given a form by their doctor, are reminded that walk-in phlebotomy (blood taking) centres are available in both West Bromwich and Oldbury.

Tanya Cooper, a Commissioning Support Manager with Sandwell Primary Care Trust, explained: ”Anyone registered with a Sandwell doctor can use these services.  As long as you have seen your own doctor first and been given the required blood forms then you can go to the phlebotomy service which is the most convenient for you.”

The recently expanded services provide a quicker and more efficient service for local patients.

It is hoped that the services will soon be included in the innovative Choose and Book (CAB) scheme, which will make access to the service easier and waiting times even shorter.