My background
After training as a dietitian, I worked overseas in Papua New Guinea for 11 years for Save the Children Fund, before becoming an academic. I have worked for various universities in teaching and research and now work part-time, supporting public health research students. Although I have a research background, I also have experience of being a carer for my late husband as well as being a patient.
Experience of research as a patient
I was first diagnosed with breast cancer late 2001. Following surgery, I was asked if I wanted to take part in a clinical trial. After finding out more about what this would entail. I decided that I could not cope with taking part at that time. At the end of 2014 metastatic (or secondary) breast cancer was diagnosed. I was asked again to take part in a clinical trial. This time, I did take part in the study, for six months. I am also in a large genetic study called ‘Understanding the Genomic Basis for Human Disease’ in which links between genes and familial breast cancer as well as other conditions, are investigated. As well as finding out whether other members of my family are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer, there is the potential to tailor cancer treatment based on an individual’s genetic make-up. For this study I only had to provide one blood sample.
Why is NHS research important?
In a nutshell, if there was no research there would be no advancements in the medical field. I know from my own cancer treatment of the progress that has been made between 2002 and the present time. For example there are more drugs available and current chemotherapy drugs are more likely to kill the tumour cells than healthy cells, resulting in fewer side effects. Some drugs can now be given as tablets rather than through an infusion into the veins, meaning less use of needles and fewer visits to the hospital. The scans available now are more sophisticated; it is easier to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and know when it needs to be changed. All of these advances have been made possible because of research.
My message to others who are considering getting involved in research
Research is not just for academics or health professionals! Everyone can contribute to research and play a part in finding solutions to medical problems, thereby improving treatment and patient care. You, a member of your family or a friend may be asked to take part in research study. You will be provided with information on what this will entail and can ask questions before making a decision. You can also be a member of the Patient and Public Research Advisory Group. You can make a difference to the NHS by being involved in research.
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There are over 30 blood test service locations in and around Coventry. Most clinics have appointments to book in advance online. Click on the map for details of the clinic most convenient for you.
Click on the map for information about phlebotomy clinics in Coventry. You can book an appointment online at the locations in red.
You can also download a leaflet at this link.
We strongly advise all patients use our new online appointment system before attending for a blood test to avoid any disappointment. The new service 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.
Walk-in appointments remain available dependent on availability, however you may have to wait for the next available appointment time. Please note that walk-in patients will be given an approximate time slot and this may vary.
Location: Outpatients Department, on the ground floor. Opening hours: 8am-4.45pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).
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.
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-8am Appointment only
Monday – Friday 8am-4.45pm *Appointments and walk-in available
Wednesday Evening 5pm-7pm Appointment only
Saturday Morning 7am-10pm Appointments only
* While we offer a walk in service, we highly recommend booking an appointment to save patients from waiting. If all walk in slots are filled, we may need to ask patients to attend again on another day, or to book online for another site.
Children under 16 years old will need to book online here.
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.