HSC offers reassurance in the face of blood bottle shortage

Thursday 23 September 2021

The UK’s shortage of blood collection tubes has affected Islanders in need of blood tests; however, HSC has offered assurances there will no future disruption.

The end of August saw non-urgent blood tests being postponed across the island due to NHS shortage in the UK.

IslandHealth Guernsey told patients that routine or non-urgent blood tests would be cancelled or delayed until further notice, and “these changes are likely to be with us for at least the whole of September.” 

Pictured: IslandHealth Guernsey informed patients of the rescheduling of non-urgent blood tests.

A spokesperson from HSC has offered reassurances that the shortage of blood collection tubes is subsiding, and health care providers can resume as normal:

“As the primary provider of blood tubes to Guernsey, HSC has worked closely with health care partners including primary care to successfully manage stock and meet all urgent or critical demand. 

“The acute period of shortage is now resolving but we continue to work closely with NHS Supply Chain to ensure we meet all service user requirements. 

“All health care providers have been advised that they can now return to a best practice service delivery and that we do not anticipate there will be any further disruption to services requiring blood tests.” 

HSC has thanked all health care partners for their help and the Guernsey public for their patience during a frustrating time.