Our readers respond with anger and frustration over NHS change to blood tests system

I am pre-diabetic, was unwell for a month with a severe cough.. Being very weak and fragile with the infection, I badly needed a blood test to check all my levels and start some medication.

I was unaware that I had to book through the online system. Even my GP did not advise me of this.

I rushed into Shrewsbury health centre, despite the rain, where I was denied entry by security who asked if I had an appointment. I was startled and asked when did this system change? He told me it was since last September and gave me a pamphlet asking me to get through online from the website address.

Assuming the slots will be there for later hours, I desperately stood outside and tried to book a slot. The website did not turn up proper search results for the centre despite multiple attempts, With some help I eventually got through, but I was shocked to see the appointment dates being three weeks away, and I returned home disappointed.

I am a software professional, but even I was struggling with the website booking, looking out for slots, and with virtually no search results. I wonder how elderly people could even try.

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