Service overview
We provide blood tests to adults and children (aged 5 and older) to help understand and monitor your health. These tests can be part of your routine healthcare, to check for certain conditions or to track your ongoing treatment.
We offer:
- Routine tests
- Urgent tests (within 48 hours)
- Fasting tests (we’ll ask you not to eat or drink for a certain amount of time before your test)
- Tests for Warfarin/INR & DAWN patients (for those using blood thinners or concerned about clotting)
If you’re anxious about having your blood taken, please let us know. We’re happy to listen, explain what’s happening and make sure you feel comfortable throughout the experience.
Accessing our service
Our clinics are by appointment only and we’re unable to accept walk-ins or self-referrals.
If your GP or another healthcare professional has referred you for a blood test, you can use our online booking system (Sangix Appointments) to make an appointment for West Berkshire Community Hospital.
Your results will be sent back to your GP or other healthcare professional to share with you.
If you’re unable to use our online booking system, please call our automated booking system instead.
Warfarin/INR & DAWN patients
If you’re unable to book an appointment for the required date, please call and speak to one of our team by selecting ‘option 3’.
Urgent blood tests
We’re unable to take walk-ins at our clinic. If you need to book an urgent appointment, please call us as soon as possible and choose ‘option 3’ so we can get you scheduled in.
Arriving for your blood test
Please arrive 5 minutes before your appointment and check in with our reception desk.
We normally ask you to come to your appointment on your own, but if you’re 16 or under you’ll need to bring a responsible adult, and if you need a extra help to use our service then you can bring your carer with you.
If you’re anxious about having blood taken, please let us know. If you’re worried about fainting we can help you lay down and feel more comfortable.
You can help by drinking lots of water and staying warm before your appointment. This makes it easier for us to find a vein and draw your blood quickly.
Fasting blood tests
If you've been asked to do a fasting blood test, please don't eat or drink (you can still drink water) for at least 12 hours before your appointment.
If you do eat or drink during this time, we may have to ask you to rebook for another time.
Children’s blood tests (5 - 16 years old)
West Berkshire
If you are registered with a GP in West Berkshire.
We hold a special clinical for children aged 5 to 16 years old every Friday (8.15am to 3.15am) at West Berkshire Community hospital.
Urgent blood tests can be scheduled for Tuesday to Friday mornings when needed.
To make an appointment, please call us on 0118 904 7900
Children under 5 years old will be seen at Kempton Ward in the Royal Berkshire Hospital. To book appointment, please visit Royal Berkshire Hospital website.
East Berkshire
If you are registered with a GP in East Berkshire.
Blood tests are carried our by Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust. You can find out information on how to book a blood test for children by visiting their website.
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Learn moreContact us and FAQs
West Berkshire Community Hospital
Phlebotomy service
Contact number: 0118 904 7900 Open 8am to 4pm
Post Address: RG18 3AS
Location detailsFrequently asked questions
Is there parking at the West Berkshire Community Hospital clinic?
Yes, you can pay to park at West Berkshire Community Hospital.
You don't need to pay when you arrive, but when you're ready to leave. Visit reception and type your licence plate into one of our payment machines and pay by card or cash.
If you have a Blue Badge, please take this with you to reception and we'll make sure your parking is free.
Can blood be taken without a needle?
Unfortunately, we need to use a needle to draw blood and make sure we get the most accurate results from your test.
If you're anxious about having your blood taken, please let us know and we'll help you feel comfortable during the appointment.
Can I listen to music or use my phone while taking the test?
Absolutely. You’re welcome to listen to music with headphones or use your phone for distraction during the procedure, as long as it doesn't interfere with the phlebotomist’s access to your arm.
Do I need to bring my medication with me?
Not usually, unless your doctor has told you to do so.
Will I need another test if the results are not clear?
In some cases, yes. If a sample is compromised or results are inconclusive, your doctor may request a repeat test to make sure their diagnosis and treatment is accurate.
We can also help you with
Is there any information for friends, family and carers?
If you’re a family member/carer or you look after someone, there’s practical, financial, and emotional support available to you from a range of local communities and national organisations.
How do I request an interpreter?
We can provide language translation and interpretation support whenever you visit or contact us.
Tell our staff which language you prefer to use, and we will make sure the right communication support is in place for your assessment and treatment. Please let us know as early as possible so we can ensure the appropriate translation or interpreting support is available.
We offer a range of professional services to ensure everyone can understand and be understood:
- telephone interpreting
- video remote interpreting (VRI)
- face‑to‑face interpreting
- written translation
- British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting
How can I get information in an accessible format?
Anyone with a disability, impairment, or sensory loss has the right to receive information in a format that meets their needs. Under the Accessible Information Standard (AIS)—a legal requirement for all health and adult social care providers—we must ensure that people who use our services, including carers and families, can understand the information we provide and communicate effectively with us.
We can offer information in a range of accessible formats, including:
- British Sign Language (BSL)
- large print
- braille
- audio
- easy Read
- text message
- face‑to‑face support with a carer or advocate present
If you need information in any of these formats, please tell a member of our team and we will make sure your communication needs are met.
Are service dogs allowed to my appointment?
Yes. You are welcome to bring your registered service animal, such as a guide dog, hearing dog, medical alert dog, or other trained assistance dog to your appointment.
These animals are recognised as essential support and are permitted in most areas of our services.
To help us prepare, please let the team know before your appointment if you will be attending with a service animal. This allows us to make sure the environment is safe and comfortable for you, your animal, and other patients.
Please note that service animals may not be able to enter certain restricted clinical areas for safety or infection‑control reasons, but we will always work with you to find an appropriate alternative.
Treating our team with respect.
Respect is important.
We will be polite and kind and we expect that you treat our staff in the same way.
Abuse, hate and discrimination against our staff is unacceptable.
We will take strong action against anyone who is verbally, racially, physically, or sexually abusive to them.
This includes contacting the police to prosecute, and stopping future access to our healthcare services.
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