All blood test results are viewed by a GP. Where the results are assessed as being ‘normal’ or raise ‘no concerns’ the Practice will not pro-actively inform the patient. The expectation is that if the patient wishes to know their results, they should call the Practice at least 3 working days following the test.
Where the assessment of the GP is that the tests should be repeated or they wish the patient to be informed that a prescription or non urgent follow-up to discuss the results is required, they will instruct the administration team to call the patient on their behalf confirming whether or not a routine telephone or face-to-face appointment should be made. The appointment could thereafter be up to 4 weeks in advance.
Where the GPs assessment is that more urgent action requires to be taken, they will either call the patient themselves and arrange a follow-up or broker an urgent appointment via the administration team.
The purpose of this process is to make the best use of finite GP time whilst ensuring a proportionate response to the test results is carried out.