Janine GriffithsResidents in Seacroft and across East Leeds now have quicker, more convenient access to blood tests thanks to a new online booking system launched by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
From 10 June, patients can book blood test appointments at local Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) in Seacroft Hospital, James Reed House in Beeston, and Armley Moor Health Centre via www.leedsth.nhs.uk/book-a-blood-test. The move promises to cut long waiting times and give people greater control over when and where they get tested.
The new system, called Swiftqueue, replaces the previous walk-in model that often left patients waiting for hours during busy times.
“Since the opening of the CDCs, 50,000 blood tests have been carried out at the three centres,” said Karen Ledgard, Head of Nursing at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. “The previous walk-in system has led to long waits for patients at busy times. We hope this new system will make it easier for our patients to arrange appointments at their convenience.”
The change is particularly welcome for those living in East Leeds, where Seacroft Hospital’s CDC offers blood tests for everyone aged five and over. Local access means patients no longer have to travel across the city for routine diagnostics. It’s a big step forward for community-based healthcare.
“This new system will help us manage the flow of patients through the centre and we hope it will mean people don’t have to wait long for their tests – patients can be in and out and get on with their day,” Ledgard added. “It’s great for patients who live near these centres, that they can book their blood tests closer to home and don’t have to travel so far.”
The Swiftqueue platform, developed by Dedalus, is used by over 100 healthcare organisations across the UK and Ireland. It allows patients to book appointments 24/7 and manage them online.
Brendan Casey, CEO of Swiftqueue, said: “We’re proud to support The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in improving patient flow and reducing waiting times. By providing online appointment scheduling with 24/7 access for patients and staff, we’re helping to optimise patient flow – delivering more efficient, accessible care at a time when supporting the NHS has never been more critical.”
Booking a test online requires only minimal information: name, date of birth, and an email address. If a patient doesn’t have an email address, a friend or family member’s can be used to help complete the booking.
Patients should note that while Seacroft accepts patients aged five and over, the Armley and Beeston centres are only able to test those aged 16 and over.
Walk-in blood tests remain available at St James’s University Hospital, Leeds General Infirmary, Chapel Allerton Hospital and Wharfedale Hospital, but patients attending CDCs without an appointment may face delays.
CDCs are part of a broader effort to decentralise diagnostic services, offering essential health checks closer to where people live. By doing so, they help ease pressure on hospital services, enable quicker diagnoses, and support earlier treatment.
For more information, visit: www.leedsth.nhs.uk/services/blood-testing
