Cancer patient forced to foot taxi bill for vital blood test

Florence Budgen had to pay £30 in taxi fares to have an urgent blood test at Worthing Hospital, after the surgery told her she would have to wait more than two weeks.

Florence, of Brendon Way, Rustington, needed the test to be carried out quickly, after being given two units of blood in a transfusion, to help alleviate the effects of anaemia.

At her weekly visit to the day clinic at St Barnabas House hospice, she was told to make an appointment for the blood test at her GP surgery, so that her blood count could be monitored.

“Obviously, if my blood count is low, I feel unwell and lack energy,” said Florence, who has had surgery for breast cancer, which has now spread to her bones, as well as suffering other chronic illnesses.

When she contacted Westcourt Medical, Florence was told that the earliest appointment available was 15 days later.

“I explained that I needed an earlier appointment and was told to go to Worthing or St Richard’s Hospital, Chichester,” she said.

“Going into Worthing is an ordeal for me, even by taxi. However, that is what I had to do to get my blood test, and at a cost of £30 in fares.

“Surely, given my poor health, I should not expect the same fiasco every time my blood count needs checking.”

She added that she had contacted the hospital patient transport service, but it had been unable to help her at short notice.

Florence said she had received a letter from the surgery apologising, after she complained about not being able to have her blood test there.

A spokeswoman for Westcourt Medical Centre said: “We have written to Mrs Budgen regarding this matter and have looked into the series of events that occurred and we have undertaken an internal review of processes with regard to this matter.

“We have telephoned Mrs Budgen to discuss the matter and confirm if she required any further assistance with regard to this matter, she contact the reception team leader direct. Mrs Budgen was very satisfied with the query that she raised with us.

“Whilst we endeavour to provide a phlebotomy service to all our patients, there is a limit to the capacity that we are able to offer.

“These circumstances were exceptional and we trust this response resolves the matter, but are unable to discuss any further details as this would be a breach of Mrs Budgen’s confidentiality.”