There is currently a global shortage of some equipment used for taking blood tests. This is affecting blood tests in the hospital, community and primary care settings and as a result of the shortage, all doctors have been told to suspend non-essential blood tests.

Patients in Norfolk and Waveney who need a blood test for urgent health problems will still get one, but where your clinician recommends that it’s safe to do so, you may be asked to come back for a test at a later date, or your appointment may be postponed.

Given the nature of the shortage, we cannot give an exact date for when the test will be put back in, but please be assured that if your condition or symptoms require it, then you will get a test, and your test will be re-booked your when supplies become more readily available.

If your condition or symptoms change or get worse, please contact the NHS as you would normally.