Collecting blood for testing still free at labs

Media Release

19 March 2007

Collecting blood for testing still free at Southern Community Laboratories and DHB labs

Hawke’s Bay District Health Board (HBDHB) chief executive officer, Chris Clarke said the new partnership, introduced on 1 March 2007 between Southern Community Laboratories and HBDHB was working well.

He said it was important for the public to know that when they turned up at any DHB or Southern Community Laboratories facility or collection point, all routine blood and specimen testing remained free of charge.

“I understand some doctors and clinics are charging to take blood samples, however, this service is still free at the following places:

Wairoa
Wairoa Hospital and Health Centre, open 8 – 5 Monday to Friday

Napier
Southern Community Laboratories, Vautier Street, Napier 7:30am – 6:00pm Monday - Friday and 9:00am –11:00am Saturday.

Hastings
Southern Community Laboratories, Maraekakaho Road, Hastings 7:30am – 6:00pm Monday - Friday and 9:00am –11:00am Saturday.

Taradale
Southern Community Laboratories, Taradale, Lennox & Gee Pharmacy 9:30am – 11:00am Monday, Wednesday & Friday

Havelock North
Southern Community Laboratories, Havelock North, 7:30am – 6:00pm Monday to Friday

Central Hawke’s Bay
Central Hawke’s Bay Health Centre, Waipukurau, 7:30am – 6:00pm Monday to Friday

“If you are referred for blood tests by your GP or specialist doctor, all routine blood testing and collection of specimens remains free of charge,” Mr Clarke said.

There are a small number of tests which people do have to pay for, such as tests for immigration and some requested tests are paid for by workplaces or insurance companies.

ENDS

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