Children’s Clinic East Phlebotomy Service
We provide a phlebotomy service for children and young people in a child friendly environment. We are open Monday to Friday at Children’s Clinic East within the Queens Medical Centre. This service is strictly pre-booked appointments only, please see details below of how to book.
Our service is available for any child up to 12 years of age, who is under the care of Nottingham University Hospital and local community paediatricians. We also provide blood tests for any child or young person up to age 18, if they have additional needs. Additional needs are defined as any child with emotional, developmental, social or health needs which result in them requiring additional support to access a blood test.
Our phlebotomy room benefits from the Rhino Voyager sensory trolley which produces a kaleidoscope of colour, sound and touch as part of an immersive sensory experience which many children find to extremely beneficial during the phlebotomy process.
If your blood test has been requested by your GP we can only accommodate this if your child is under the age of 1, for all children over the age of 1 please follow the link to the Children’s Community Phlebotomy page https://www.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/childrens-phlebotomy-service/.
Our team consists of qualified Phlebotomists, along with staff experienced in working with children including those with additional needs. All staff are trained in distraction techniques with the aim of ensuring each child receives their blood test in a professional and holistic manner. We have a spacious waiting area with toys and activities. Additionally, we can offer extended appointment times for children who have sensory needs.
Please be aware that the Phlebotomy team are often very busy as in addition to pre-booked bloods they also perform a large number of ‘on the day’ blood appointments. On the day blood appointments are performed for children who are attending various clinics within the department whose clinical teams have requested an immediate blood test.
Booking an appointment
Location
This Phlebotomy service is located within Children’s Clinic East at the Queens Medical Centre, please see below.
How can I help my child?
Fluids
It is important that your child drinks a lot before they come as this helps with blood flow when the test is being done.
Cream
Your child may have been prescribed cream to be applied before their test. Please ensure they have this applied 1 hour before their appointment. Please apply the cream to the back of both hands and the creases of both elbows and wrap in cling film.
Other things you can do
Practice distraction techniques
Practice breathing techniques
Choose toys and comfort items that your child can bring
Ensure the instructions regarding eating and drinking are followed before the appointment
Help in a crisis
Call 111 or speak to your own GP. Our team can be contacted during office hours. In an emergency, call 999.