GP reception staff ‘can do blood tests’

DOCTORS’ receptionists are being trained to carry out blood tests, says a leading GP.

Prof Sir Sam Everington, chair of a clinical commissioning group in East London, told Pulse magazine “lots of practices” in the Tower Hamlets area have taken the step.

He said training receptionists as phlebotomists can help to build trust with patients wary of telling receptionists symptoms.

A Royal College of General Practitioners clinical cancer advisor said last year receptionists should be better trained to help improve access for patients who need to see a doctor face to face.