Phlebotomy (blood tests)
The Adult (12+) blood test service is located in the Clifden Centre (next to the large green wall at the rear of the hospital).
On 17 April 2023 we will be moving to the old CHYPS Plus building at the rear of the Lower Clapton Group Practice, formerly Lower Clapton Health Centre.
You need to book an appointment for adult blood tests. Details are below but you can link through to the appointment booking page by clicking the image below.
Booking an Appointment
Homerton Healthcare operate a booking system on Swiftqueue. If you are referred for a blood test by your GP or Homerton clinician, you will need to use this system to book your appointment at Lower Clapton or John Scott Health Centre (GP appointments only). Alternatively, call 07342 068 763 (Mon - Fri 8am-4pm) to book an appointment by speaking to a member of staff.
About our Service
The practice of phlebotomy, or the technique of venepuncture, generally refers to the collection of blood from a vein. Most areas of medicine rely on diagnostic testing, often on blood. Phlebotomists are health care professionals who have been trained to collect patient blood specimens for examination in laboratories. Skilled phlebotomists can find hidden veins, introduce a needle into the vein and extract blood with little or no discomfort to the patient.
Our phlebotomists are fully trained and well experienced; however, we are a recognised training department, and we train students under the supervision of fully qualified phlebotomists. Some blood tests require a fasting period of 12 to 14 hours beforehand, which your doctor will advise you about. Please check with the phlebotomist that you have been fasting correctly
Contacting us
If you have any queries about your blood test appointments please contact
07342 068 763
Mon - Fri 8am - 4pm
Please contact your GP or doctor for the results; we will not be able to provide them ourselves as we do not receive the results.
Resources
Phlebotomy - Book your blood test online - large print.pdf
Phlebotomy - Book your blood test online.pdf
Location & Opening Hours
Homerton Healthcare
Clifden Centre (until 14 April)
Homerton Hospital.
Monday to Friday 8am - 4pm
From 17 April
Lower Clapton Group Practice*
36 Lower Clapton Road
E5 0PQ
* Please note, the blood clinic will be located in a separate building, formerly the CHYPS Plus House, behind Lower Clapton Group Practice.
John Scott Health Centre
Monday to Friday 9am - 12.30pm – GP appointments only
Outpatients
If you have an outpatient clinic appointment and your clinician refers you for a same day blood test you will need to go to the walk-in clinic in Outpatients 2 (in Homerton Hospital).
For any other blood tests that are not same day and require a future appointment, you will need to book your appointment through Swiftqueue.
Remember, from 17 April that appointment will take place at the Lower Clapton site, not the Clifden Centre.
GP patients (patients whose test has been requested by their GP): please visit the Clifden Centre between the hours of 8am & 4pm and, from 17 April, the Lower Clapton site as per above or John Scott Health Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why have you changed the system for having blood tests?
All blood testing services in North East London are moving or have moved to online booking and queuing systems. This enables patients to plan their visits, reducing waiting times at the clinics and supporting safe distancing measures. The booking system also supports the hospital by ensuring that we can plan capacity and staffing for the phlebotomy service.
How can I book a blood test?
Adults and children 12 year or older can book their blood tests online. This is a free booking service. Please follow the steps below to book your test online.
1. Go to the link under ‘Book Appointment’ above and open
2. Select your chosen appointment location (John Scott or Lower Clapton).
3.Put in your reason for appointment (blood test)
4. Pick your date and time
5. Enter your details (please note that you will only have to do this the first time you book a blood test and you can use the same log-in details if you need to book another test later).
What do I do if I cannot book my blood test online?
If you are unable to book your blood test online, please call to make an appointment on 07342 068 763 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm). Normal call charges will apply.
Alternatively, if you have a family member or friend who can access online services, they can book an appointment on your behalf.
Who can book a blood test at Homerton Healthcare?
Homerton currently has three different blood test locations.
• Homerton Hospital Clifden Centre can be used by GP patients and outpatients who are adults or children who are 12 years or older
• John Scott Health Centre can be used by GP patients only who are adults or children who are 12 years or older
• Homerton Hospital Starlight Outpatientscan be used by children under 12 years old, and should be booked by calling 020 8510 5018 or 7425
If the patient is between 12 and 16 years old, they must be accompanied by an adult.
What if I or the person who needs the blood test does not understand English?
The online system has a range of languages that can be used. Alternatively, the patient can call the phoneline or ask someone to book on their behalf.
Can I still walk-in without an appointment?
We recognise that not all patients will be able to plan when they require a blood test, and some patients may not be able to book online. Therefore, we are still offering a limited walk-in service at all adult blood test sites. However, we recommend that you book where possible to reduce waiting times.
GP Information
Please note that if you are referring a patient they need to be in the clinic before 4pm.
Other information for patients
Please advise patients that they will need to book an appointment for a blood test by using the following link: https://www.swiftqueue.co.uk/homerton.php. Alternatively, please advise them to visit the Homerton webpage and ‘Book an appointment’ under the Phlebotomy Service page.
If patients are unable to book their appointment online, please advise them to call 07342 068 763 (Mon -Fri 8am-4pm)
Children 11 and Under – To book an appointment at Starlight Outpatient’s. (Please provide parents with Blood Form)
Children 12 and over, please book online for main blood clinic.
Children 16 and under with learning disabilities or learning difficulties can be booked into Starlight Outpatient’s.
Please ensure that patients are provided information about fasting for blood tests if and when required.
Please inform your patients that the average waiting time for the main blood clinic is one to two hours.
For general enquiries and other matters please call the phlebotomy team on 07342 068 763.
We are currently based in the Clifden Centre, at the rear of the hospital site but we have new premises from 17 April at the Lower Clapton Group Practice