Blood testing (Phlebotomy)
We offer a blood testing (also known as Phlebotomy) service at West Berkshire Community Hospital, Thatcham.
Booking a blood test
We do not accept self referrals or walk-in sessions.
You must book an appointment. Do not come to our clinic unless you have an appointment.
You can’t book routine blood tests over the phone. Please use the automated system or book online.
If you can't use our online booking system, please call our team who will guide you on how to book an appointment.
Call 0118 904 7900 and press option 3
Online booking
You can arrange an appointment by booking online or by calling our automated booking system.
Register and book your appointment online (opens new browser tab)
When you are signed in, search for Thatcham WBCH and follow the instructions. You can also call our automated 24-hour booking line.
Call 0118 904 7900 and select Option 1
If you are unable to book an appointment using our online booking service for the day required, please call us.
Call 0118 904 7900 and select Option 3
MONTHLY DAWN patients
If you are unable to book an appointment via the online booking service for the day required, please call us.
Call 0118 904 7900 and select Option 3
3 MONTHLY DAWN patients
We advise that you book your follow up appointment with our reception team during your visit, or online.
If you’re referred for an urgent blood test (same day appointment), you must call us to book your appointment.
Urgent appointments can only be booked on the day by phone. We do not have a walk-in service.
We’ll confirm with you that your test is urgent before booking your appointment.
Call 0118 904 7900 and press Option 3
Routine blood tests
- Children under 5 years of age, call Kempton Ward 0118 322 7383
- Children 5-16 years of age, book via Phlebotomy Call Centre 0118 904 7900 press Option 3
- A clinic is held at West Berkshire Hospital every Friday from 8.15am to 3.15pm for children aged 5 to 16 years
Urgent blood tests
- Children under 5 years of age, call Kempton ward 0118 322 7383
- Children 5-16 years, book via Phlebotomy Call Centre 0118 904 7900 press option 3
- A clinic is held at West Berkshire Hospital every Friday from 8.15am to 3.15pm for children aged 5 to 16 years
- Very urgent requests will be fitted in during weekday mornings where possible
Arriving for your appointment
Unless you need assistance with a carer, please come to your appointment alone.
Children aged 16 or under must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Please arrive no earlier than 5 minutes before your appointment.
When you arrive, go to the reception desk to check in.
Keeping hydrated and calm
We encourage patients to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. This can help you keep calm, and it helps our staff when taking blood.
Keeping warm will also help our staff to take blood, especially if your veins are fine or small.
If you think you’re likely to faint, please tell our staff at the start of your appointment. They can help you lay down and feel comfortable, which can usually help prevent fainting.
Fasting Blood Tests
If you have been referred for a fasting blood test, you will need to fast for at least 12 hours before the appointment.
This means you must not eat or drink, except for water, during this time.
We’ll send your blood samples off to the appropriate department for testing.
Results from routine blood tests typically take between 5 to 7 days.
Other types of tests may take longer.
For your results, please contact the specialist or team who referred you, such as your GP, a week after your blood test unless you’ve been informed otherwise.
Do not call us for your results.
If you wish to book a blood test appointment at the Royal Berkshire Hospital (RBH) in Reading please visit their website to find more information.
Visit the Blood Test service on the Royal Berkshire Hospital website (opens new browser tab)
Use the RBH blood test booking system (opens new browser tab)
Visiting us
We support other services both at our hospital, and other hospitals in the region.
You must be referred to us. We don’t accept self referrals.
You can contact us to arrange an appointment using our automated booking service or by booking online.
Call 0118 904 7900
Book your appointment at West Berkshire Community Hospital online (opens new browser tab)
Do not come to our clinic unless you have an appointment.
We will not see if you if you arrive without an appointment.
You must be referred to us and have an appointment.
Routine blood test appointments are between 8.00am and 3.30pm.
Reception opening times
West Berkshire Community Hospital
Benham Hill
Thatcham
Berkshire
RG18 3AS
| Day of the week | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 7.45am to 4.15pm |
| Tuesday | 7.45am to 4.15pm |
| Wednesday | 7.45am to 4.15pm |
| Thursday | 7.45am to 4.15pm |
| Friday | 7.45am to 4.15pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The car parking system at West Berkshire Community Hospital is pay-on-exit.
A photo is taken of your car registration as you enter the car park.
When you leave, type your registration number in the payment machines in Reception. This will calculate your parking cost. Please ensure you enter your vehicle registration correctly to ensure you don’t receive a fine.
You can pay by card or cash.
Blue badge parking
You do not need to display your badge in your vehicle.
Take your blue badge to Reception as evidence, and enter your registration number into the payment machine which will provide you with free parking.
