Julia Lopez, Member of Parliament for Hornchurch and Upminster, has raised concerns with local health officials over the ongoing shortage of blood test appointments across Havering, following a series of complaints from residents.
In May 2025, Mrs Lopez contacted the North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT), which runs the phlebotomy service, after constituents reported difficulties securing appointments at the newly opened St George’s Health and Wellbeing Hub in Hornchurch.
NELFT advised at the time that services were under high demand, with appointments at St George’s being released four weeks in advance each Monday. They recommended residents consider the Romford Clinic at Raphael House, which they said had greater availability. NELFT also confirmed that appointment capacity at St George’s was comparable to other clinics, but demand at the new site was leading to oversubscription.
Despite these assurances, further complaints were received throughout June and into early July, with residents reporting little to no availability for blood tests across any Havering locations within two weeks and very few options even within four weeks.
Mrs Lopez followed up with NELFT on 17 June to request an urgent update and emphasised the apparent deterioration in appointment access since May. With no response yet received and more complaints coming in, she has returned to NELFT seeking clarity. She is also today escalating the issue with the NHS North East London Integrated Care Board (ICB), given the wider impact across the borough.
Speaking on the situation, Julia said:
"Constituents have been clear that they are struggling to book blood tests in a timely way, which is understandably causing concern. I raised this in May, but the problem appears to have got worse. I have pressed NELFT for answers but I am also now raising the issue directly with the ICB to understand what can be done to improve access across Havering as a matter of urgency."
Mrs Lopez will provide an update once responses have been received from NELFT and the ICB.
