In the autumn of 2016, after a number of visits to the eye clinic at University Hospital Coventry, I was diagnosed with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion. The consultant explained that I would need to have monthly injections in my eye. Outwardly I remained remarkably calm although I had never heard of this before! Anyway, the consultant explained that I would meet loads of people that had this all the time. He also asked if I would be interested in taking part in a trial. I felt that if I was going to have this done I might as well take part. It would make no difference to me and if it helps decisions about the drugs in the future, why not?
I took part in the trial at the Macular Unit in the Hospital of St Cross in Rugby. The trial nurses explain everything and there is much more background information taken. Being able to see the various scans and have them explained is so interesting. You tend to see the same technicians/nurses at each appointment. I was on a 2 year trial and for most of that time I had the same doctor performing the procedure. I also saw the same consultant at most of the appointments.
I wouldn't hesitate to take part in another trial. The NHS has to continually test different treatments and drugs and if you have to attend over a fairly long time, why not take part? The treatment I received was great. I was quite disappointed when the trial ended. Having to attend as an ordinary patient is nowhere near as interesting! I hope that the information acquired will help both the NHS and other patients in the future.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BLOOD TESTING DUE TO COVID-19
Please check the locations on the map below.
Click on the map for information about phlebotomy clinics in Coventry. You can book an appointment online at the locations in red.
Please book an appointment before attending for a blood test. Click on the ‘Book Online’ button above. Booking an appointment helps patients, their carers and family members to plan their hospital visit better, helping to reduce clinic waiting times and enabling patients to be seen much more quickly.
Location: Outpatients Department, on the ground floor. Opening hours: 8am-4.45pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).
Children under 16 years old will need to book online here.
Please book an appointment before attending for a blood test, click on the ‘Book Online’ button above. Patients from Rugby and the surrounding areas are able to access the Friends Blood Taking Unit at the Hospital of St Cross.
Referrals for blood tests can be from GP's, practice nurses or from hospital consultants. Patients are also able to leave other samples, such as urine, which have been collected at home, at the hospital's Pathology Reception.
Location: Near Brookfield House, just off North Road - map here. Opening hours: The blood taking clinic sessions for adults and children are listed below:
Monday -Friday 7am-4:45pm Appointment only
Wednesday Evening 5pm-7pm Suspended due to COVID
Saturday Morning 7am-10pm Suspended due to COVID
Address: Stoney Stanton Road, Coventry CV1 4FS Location: Access is via the main doors, the Phlebotomy team are in Area A. Opening hours: Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). 8am–4.45pm - Based on demand we are only able to see a set amount of patients per day so, once we have filled all allocated slots we can no longer accept walk-ins. This may mean you will need to revisit the site to have your blood test on another occasion or book online for another site.
Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)
Specialist Tests - There are a small number of specialist tests where blood needs to be taken on a hospital site as the sample must be transferred to the laboratory rapidly for the test to be undertaken. Click here for a list of these specialist tests and to find out more.