Blood testing service to move from Princess Alexandra Hospital to The Harvey Centre
Health / Wed 29th Oct 2025 at 08:12am
HUNDREDS of residents each day are set to benefit from easier access, improved facilities, and reduced pressure on hospital services as Harlow Council and The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust are pleased to announce a new partnership that will see the hospital’s blood testing service move into The Harvey Centre in Harlow town centre.
This move means that hundreds of residents who currently visit the hospital for routine blood tests will soon be able to access the service more easily at a convenient, central location.
The new facility in The Harvey Centre will offer modern, accessible surroundings for patients and visitors, improving the overall experience while freeing up valuable space on the hospital site for other essential clinical services.
The new facility is set to open next spring on the first floor of the Harvey Centre. The council and hospital say that this is the ‘first step’ in a wider plan to make health and wellbeing far more accessible ‘on the high street’ with work underway to explore how to significantly increase the number of services out of the hospital and in the town centre.
Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, said:
“This is a brilliant example of what Building Harlow’s Future is all about – working in partnership to deliver better services for residents and breathing new life into our town centre.
“By moving blood testing into The Harvey Centre, we’re making it easier and more convenient for residents to get the care they need, creating more footfall for local shops and businesses, and freeing up vital space at the hospital for services that can only be delivered there.
“It’s a win for patients, a win for our town centre, and a win for the hospital – exactly the kind of practical progress we’re determined to deliver for Harlow.
“And this is just the first step as part of a wider plan to transform ‘healthcare in the high street’ as we rebuild the town centre – which is only possible because of our renewed partnership and drive for delivery with the hospital’s new leadership.”
Thom Lafferty, Chief Executive of The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, said:
“This partnership with Harlow Council is a fantastic step forward in how we deliver healthcare in our community. By moving blood testing into The Harvey Centre, we’re taking healthcare right to the heart of the high street – making it more accessible, more convenient, and an even better experience for our patients.
“At the same time, this change will free up valuable space on our hospital site, allowing us to focus on the services that need to be delivered there and continue improving the care we provide.
“Working closely with the council, we’re transforming how and where healthcare is delivered in Harlow – bringing services closer to people and building a stronger, more connected future for our town.”
This partnership forms a key part of Building Harlow’s Future – a shared vision between Harlow Council and its partners to invest in the town’s growth, improve local services, and create a healthier, more connected community for residents.
David Forman
2025-10-29 09:07:04
The plus point is that the phlebotomy service might actually stay in the same location for more than 12 months, unlike at PAH. The only concern is if this is the precursor to transfering the staff to a private provider on lesser terms and conditions. How about an assurance on this point Mr Lafferty?
David Forman
2025-10-29 11:14:21
Moving staff to the Harvey Centre will not solve the staff grading issue in phlebotomy. Unison have been campaigning for an uplift in grading from Band 2 to Band 3 in Agenda For Change pat scales. Some hospitals have already agreed to this and some have taken strike action. I believe PAH bosses are cheapskates, still paying them Band 2. Perhaps the Editor may wish to ask CEO Lafferty what he intends to do about this? See Gloucestershire striking phlebotomists in Unison article: https://www.unison.org.uk/news/2025/07/christina-mcanea-joins-striking-phlebotomists-in-gloucester/
Whatever 77
2025-10-29 13:46:58
Sir, I recently had an appointment with the phlebotomy department for tests and routine examinations. On due time, I took myself off and arrived at said hour, but, 40 minutes later, I was still looking for a parking space and buzzing around in circles. When I got home I immediately called the unit and informed them about the impossibilty of finding a vacant spot to park in and would endeavour to get a new appointment for a later date. Someone called me a while later to inform me that I was now, on the failed appointment list and because of failure I would not get a new slot until the end of January. I called directly to the unit and explained the problem, within 15 minutes I was offered a test on the following day at St Margarets. Needless to say I, was glad to be given a new date. What is so aggravating is that I am 83 and suffer with several serious problems, so, I don't need to be bullied by an ignoramus. For several years now I have had nothing but excellent service from Jenner House Surgery, and the Hospital, long may it continue.
Mr George
2025-10-29 15:53:12
Partnership between the NHS and the council? The NHS sold off phlebotomy to a private company didn't it? With no word as to all the nurses who have worked in this department for years if they're going to keep their jobs, what a fine 'thank you' for all their hard work.
Seamus
2025-10-29 18:13:59
The move should at least make it easier to park and at a cheaper rate . Hospital rates First 20 minutes free (calculated from the time you enter the hospital site). Up to 1 hour: £3.50, Up to 2 hours: £5, Up to 3 hours: £7 where as parking in the Harvey Centre is 0-3 hours £1.10 Monday to Friday. Don't forget though that you can book at other local hospitals for a blood test. Epping has no car parking fees and Bishops Stortford is 0 – 2 hours: £1, 2 – 3 hours: £2
Nigel
2025-10-29 18:57:46
Never go to PAH for blood test, horrendous to park with exorbitant rates. Go to st Margaret's instead, much more pleasant experience, free parking, enough spaces, and a great cup of coffee from the cafe.
David Forman
2025-10-29 23:30:19
Mr George, I must have missed that announcement, but here is the ICS statement of outsourcing to Health Services Laboratory (HSL) from March 2025. Those charlatans Starmer and Wes Streeting promised a wave of in-sourcing in our public services. See ICS statement at https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.hertsandwestessex.ics.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Shared-pathology-network-HWE-ICS-mobilisation-GP-community-provider-briefing-July-2024f.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjIgsTtxcqQAxUpTUEAHWPgCscQFnoFCJoBEAE&usg=AOvVaw2PSnDZTKW9Sny-WP2CyMSH
David Forman
2025-10-29 23:39:21
Health Services Laboratory who won the contract for phlebotomy is part owned by Sonic Healthcare of Australia. See https://www.hslpathology.com/about-us/the-hsl-partnership/
Brian
2025-10-30 06:40:24
Agree 100 per cent Nigel.the problem with the NHS is there's just so many elderly people now and I'm one of them.The NHS is a victim of their own success in many ways,not helped by mass immigration either.
Patient
2025-10-30 07:11:06
The NHS sadly has nothing to do with this anymore as the department was sold off a while ago. I just hope they will offer weekend appointments, as that would help those in a 9-5.
davie
2025-10-30 08:06:03
Just a thought, would it be possible for the Dr or Health Care Assistant who prints off the form at the time of consultation, to actually do the blood test there and then. About 2 mins added to the consultation time but so much easier and quicker than booking an appointment sometimes up to 10 days later! Obviously not suitable for fasting tests. Equally, on printing a wee test form, why can't they give the sample bottle as well. I had to queue for twenty minutes at reception for a 30 second transaction. Not rocket science, but I expect someone will have a good answer as to why its not possible!
Jasper
2025-10-30 10:01:21
What time frame is this likely to happen by and where in the Harvey centre is it. Dont forget frail or people with limited mobility who rely on buses will have one hell of a walk to reach the centre unless the new bus station is open.
Monica
2025-10-30 11:12:43
This reads like a bandage (pun intended) over the main problem of space at PAH. What has happened to building a new hospital? Wouldn't it create a fragmented health service with blood tests in a random shop unit? What next, the operating theatre taking up residence in the old BHS/Foodbank store at Harvey Centre?! The hospital and all of its functions should be housed within a purpose built site.
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