With patients reporting that they are having to wait up to six weeks for blood tests, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives and Clwyd West MS Darren Millar is calling on Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to take urgent action to improve the situation.

Darren recently wrote to the Health Board after receiving complaints from residents about the long waits, and in an emailed response was told that “that waiting times for this service have increased over recent months with appointments now typically being booked up three to six weeks in advance”.

Constituents have described the booking system “a nightmare”, with patients eventually being forced to do it online, which he said some elderly patients may have problems with.

Darren has urged Health Board bosses to get to grips with the problems and address the long wait times.

He said:

“Patients are contacting me because they are rightfully frustrated that they are having to wait so long to get a blood test.

“This is an anxious time for them, where they are desperate to find out the cause of their symptoms.

“They are experiencing problems booking their test and when they eventually can book, they are being given appointments that are weeks later - it simply isn’t good enough!

“Timely access to diagnostic services is essential for early treatment and peace of mind, which is why I’m urging the health board to urgently review their booking system and to invest in solutions that will put patients first and won't put them at risk of harm."