Mrs. Margaret Foote (our Health Care Assistant and Phlebotomist) has listed ten tips to help us to help you.

1. Stay Warm: The warmer your body is, the easier it is to take blood. So, especially in the cold weather, wrap up and put on gloves and scarf to keep yourself warm.
2. Stay Positive: Whilst no-one likes having this done, if you keep a positive frame of mind it helps. Breathe deeply, in through the mouth and out through the nose, see how many birds or flowers you can think of starting with the letter A, and before you know it, you will be on your way home.
3. Keep Pressing: Pressing on the cotton wool for a few minutes whilst the bottles are labelled is recommended as this tends to minimise bruising.
4. Keep Asking: When you consult with the doctor, he will tell you how he wishes you to get your results, either by a return visit or by telephone. If the doctor does not mention this, please ask. When we take your blood test, we will probably ask you what the doctor wishes but if you forget, don't worry as we will sort it out for you.
5. Keep Away from Food: If you are asked to do a fasting test, just have water from about 8pm the night before. Try to book an early morning appointment and, if you want, bring something to eat with you so you can have it after the blood has been taken.
6. Keep Safe: If you think you may feel faint, please tell us and we will ask you to lie on the bed so that you are safe. If you think that you would like to lie on the bed anyway, just let us know.
7. Keep Relaxed: Sitting back in the waiting room afterwards can just relax you before you leave the surgery. Please feel free to take this time, especially if you have been rushing.
8. Keep the Doctors Happy: The Popular Press or our family are keen on advising us that it would be beneficial to have certain tests. If you feel that a certain test is necessary to you, please see the Doctor first before booking an appointment to have your blood taken. The doctor needs just to assess the situation before we can take the blood.
9. Keep to Time: It does help us if you arrive a few minutes early for your appointment. If you are late in arriving, this often means that we are late calling in the patients after you. If, however, you are unavoidably running late, please let reception know.
10. Keep Communicating: We want you to have a good experience so, if all has gone well, please tell us - it makes our world go round! If there is anything you feel we could have done better, please let us know.