Important changes in the way follow up blood tests and post-operative wound care are provided in north Cumbria.

Important changes in the way follow up blood tests and post-operative wound care are provided in north Cumbria.

The way in which patients are referred for follow up blood tests and post-operative wound care from hospital doctors will change from 1st September.

Historically in North Cumbria, GP practices have worked alongside hospitals to provide this type of care locally so that patients do not have to travel to hospital for routine procedures.

Unfortunately, because of ongoing challenges in Primary Care, some GP practices have decided they are no longer able to deliver this type of work.

To help meet the demand NCIC has now established a number of community hubs across the region. This will help ensure that patients can continue to be cared for close to home, and avoid additional pressures on our acute hospitals.

Patients will be referred by their hospital doctor to the appropriate community hub, or GP practice (where they are continuing to provide the service).

Patients will be able to either book an appointment themselves online or call a helpline where our staff will help make the appointment or answer any queries.

While we get our appointment process up and running, patients requiring phlebotomy from 1st September can contact our hubs by telephone. 

• 01946853333 Option 7 (opening hours are subject to change as we establish this service).

This will be to confirm details the bloods they require which we can cross check on ICE. We will then contact the patients back with a date and time.

From 1st September, patients will be able to self refer online and a QR code will be provided, further updates on this will follow.

For Post op wound care GPs can direct patients to the ICC hub team where the patient lives in and they will manage the referral.

Action to be taken by patients

For follow up blood tests from the hospital:

• Your hospital doctor will give you a referral slip which will advise you on how to book your appointments.
• Your hospital doctor will make sure your details are recorded on our  electronic systems
• You should wait 24 hours after your hospital referral before booking your blood test.
• You can do this either online through our self-booking system or by  calling 01946 853 333 and choosing option 7
• Once you have had your blood tests the results will be available on the NHS app. Your hospital doctor will contact you if any follow up is required.

For post-operative wound care

• Your hospital doctor will make a referral to one of our teams close to where you live.
• The relevant team will contact you to arrange nursing care at one of our hubs.
• If you have any queries or concerns you can ring our helpline 01946 853 333 and choose option 7.

Advice to GPs

• If GPs have enquiries from patients they can advise that the patient rings 01946 853 333 Option 7 Day Units where the team will be happy to problem solve with the patient.
• This service is for patients who are under the care of the hospital only.

Action to be taken by patients

Locations of NCIC community hubs

Phlebotomy (blood tests)

Post-operative wound care

GP practices who will continue to provide Phlebotomy and post-operative wound care

*To December 2025