Publish date: 13 February 2023

UCLH Phlebotomy department is introducing Swiftqueue - an appointment system that enables patients, and GPs who refer patients, to book UCLH blood test appointments online.  

Target go-live date: 27th June

Patients will be able to access the system from a link on the UCLH website, replacing the current booking link through MyCare. This will help improve patient experience through streamlining the service, supporting our existing Call Centre, and by reducing waiting times.   

Swiftqueue is in place across other acute trusts in North Central London so some patients will already be used to the system. This means there will be a consistent way of booking phlebotomy appointments across NCL.   

GP patient appointments can be booked for blood tests at Hunter Street, River Place, Kentish Town and Pine Street Health Centres.

Patients will still have other booking options if they do not have access to the internet. 

If you ask patients to book their own appointment slots 

When we go live please share the below information and link with patients. 

“We are now using a system called Swiftqueue to book blood test appointments. Please click here to schedule your blood test appointment or visit the Help Centre if you need assistance.” 

For patients who cannot access the internet 

GPs and practice staff can register for Swiftqueue now www.swiftQueue.co.uk/gp/ and when we go live, you will be able to book phlebotomy appointment slots online for your patients. 

Alternatively, patients can continue to phone/email the UCLH phlebotomy booking team directly. 
t:  020 3447 9051   e: uclh.bloodtest@nhs.net 

What you can do now 

Practice staff can email UCLH.gpqueries@nhs.net and request a Swiftqueue registration security code. It should only take you a couple of minutes to register and then you are all set up for when we go live.  

Some useful ‘how to’ videos are available at https://vimeo.com/swiftqueue to see how straightforward and efficient making an online appointment is. 

Please note that the MyCare appointment booking will no longer be available once Swiftqueue is implemented. Patient information will be available on the UCLH website and the NCL GP website.

Summary

  • Patients will still be able to visit the UCLH website and search for “Blood Test” to make their GP blood test appointment.
  • Family members should still be encouraged to help patients make online appointments if patients have no access to online services.
  • Patients can still telephone 020 3447 9051 to make an appointment as per current practice.
  • Patient information such as leaflet will be available on the UCLH website and the NCL GP website and can be made available to patients and their families.

If you need to contact UCLH Pathology directly, please contact uclh.bloodtest@nhs.net