Introduction of phlebotomy charges
It is with great reluctance that I have made the decision to introduce a fee for routine phlebotomy (blood testing) for GMS patients. In the opinion of the Irish Medical Organisation, routine blood testing is not covered in the GMS contract.
As you will appreciate, routine blood testing is time consuming and expensive, not just in terms of the time and manpower it takes to take the blood but also transporting the sample to the lab, interpreting the results and deciding on what further management is required.
I have tried putting off this measure for many months to see how things would develop but unfortunately, given successive cuts from the HSE, I have no alternative but to introduce this charge.
Phlebotomy services do continue to be available in Sligo General Hospital for no charge should patients wish to avail of that service.
I appreciate this new fee will put some under pressure and for that I am sorry.
Yours faithfully,
Dr. Zachary Johnson