A first of its kind service for babies and young people was officially opened this week designed to make having a blood test quicker and less traumatic at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital.

The walk in service means under 16s needing to have a blood sample taken now have a dedicated service and no longer have to visit the Hospital’s adult outpatients department. A paediatric-trained phlebotomist is also on hand to take their blood samples in a child friendlyenvironment.  Locals who previously would have needed to take their children to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for a blood test will also be able to take their babies to the unit.

The phlebotomy unit, which has already seen more than 7,000 babies and children through its doors since it first commenced service nearly 12 months ago, has proved a big hit with Hospital clinicians and GPs alike.

Afiya Razaq, from Ward End, brings her four week old daughter Sikandar Waqas to Heartlands Hospital to have blood tests through the new service.  She said: “I’m pleased the Hospital has an area for kids, it’s a good thing, especially for babies.  I have two children, both born prematurely and it’s good that there is an area away from everyone else and dedicated just for children.”

Heartlands phlebotomy manager, Valerie Wall said: “Our younger patients needing blood tests used to be referred by a GP to the paediatrics unit or went to the outpatients department.  Having this unit with specially trained phlebotomists is unique as far as I am aware.  It works well and the staff are all really proud of it.

“Having this service in place means it is a much less distressing experience for the children as the waiting time is reduced and they are in a calming environment.  Because we have this dedicated service we are saving staff time and set up to serve a growing population with a more easily accessible.”