We provide blood tests for children and young people in a child-friendly setting.

Our clinics are open Monday to Friday at the Children's Development Centre at City Hospital.

We also run community clinics at:

  • Wollaton Vale
  • Strelley Health Centre

Who can use this service?

You can use our service if your child:

  • Is aged 1 to 12 years
  • Is registered with a GP in South Nottinghamshire

We also provide blood tests for young people up to 19 years old if they are still in education, and have additional needs. Additional needs may include emotional, developmental, social or health needs that mean extra support is needed to have a blood test.

Our team

Our team includes qualified phlebotomists and staff who have experience working with children, including those with additional needs.

All staff are trained to use distraction techniques to help children feel calm and supported during their blood test.

What to expect

Our clinic has a large waiting area and toys and activities for children

We can also offer:

  • Quieter appointments for children with sensory needs
  • Longer appointment times when extra support is needed

Extra support for anxious children

Some children and young people feel worried about having a blood test.

If your child is anxious, we can arrange a visit to the clinic before their appointment. This gives them the chance to:

  • See the clinic
  • Meet our staff
  • Ask any questions

This can help them feel more comfortable before their blood test.

How can I help my child?

Fluids

It is important that your child drinks a lot before they come as this helps with blood flow when the test is being done. 

 

Cream

Your child may have been prescribed cream to be applied before their test. Please ensure they have this applied 1 hour before their appointment. Please apply the cream to the back of both hands and the creases of both elbows and wrap in cling film.

 

Other things you can do

  • Use our social stories to prepare them for what will happen
  • Come for a visit to the clinic (the blood test will not happen during the visit)
  • Practice using the EMLA cream
  • Practice using the tourniquet
  • Practice the hold
  • Practice distraction techniques
  • Practice breathing techniques
  • Choose toys and comfort items that your child can bring
  • Ensure the instructions regarding eating and drinking are followed before the appointment 

We have free online resources available and can offer a visit if your child is worried about where they will come.

Please contact us on 0300 123 3387 (option 5) if you would like to arrange either a visit or access to the online resources.

Please remember to bring your child's blood form with you and ensure you arrive on time for the appointment. 

Help in a crisis

Call 111 or speak to your own GP. Our team can be contacted during office hours. In an emergency, call 999.

Contact and find us

Locations

Children’s Centre
 City Hospital Campus
 Hucknall Road
 Nottingham
 NG5 1PB

 

Wollaton Vale Health Centre
Nottingham 
 NG8 2GR

 

Strelley Health Centre
 116 Strelley Road
 Nottingham 
 NG8 6LN

 

Tel: 0300 123 3387

Information for health professionals

Service Lead

Esther Jenkinson

 

Paediatric Phlebotomy Co-ordinator

Louise Blackner

Travelling to City Hospital

Find your way here

Use Google Maps to find the best route to City Hospital.

 

Bus

You can get to the site using various bus routes:

Medilink runs every 15 minutes, Monday to Friday between Queen's Drive and Wilkinson Street park and ride sites and QMC and City Hospital.

 

Tram

City Hospital is not directly served by the tram service, however you can use tram stops Wilkinson Street Park and Ride and QMC and Connect to the Medilink bus.

 

Bike

There are bike racks available on site.

There is a Citycard Cycle Hub located on the South Road opposite Clinical Haematology, you will need to have a City Cycle Card.

 to access. You can plan your journey online by visiting the CycleStreets website.

Cycling to our sites is not only carbon emission free but is also excellent for physical and mental wellbeing.

 

Train

The nearest train station is Bulwell (2.1 miles) and Nottingham Station (4.4 miles).

For help planning your journey please visit: Plan Your Journey | Traveline

 

Parking

There are designated pay and display car parks for public parking run by Nottingham University Hospitals .

Travelling to Wollaton Vale Health Centre

Find your way here

Use Google Maps to find the best route to Wollaton Vale Health Centre.

 

Bus

You can get to the site using Nottingham City Transport and CT4N bus routes:

 

Bike

There is no designated cycling storage available on site.

You can plan your journey online by visiting the CycleStreets website.

Cycling to our sites is not only carbon emission free but is also excellent for physical and mental wellbeing.

 

Train

The nearest train station is Nottingham Station (3.5 miles).

For help planning your journey please visit: Plan Your Journey | Traveline

 

Parking

There is limited free visitor and service user parking onsite.

Travelling to Strelley Health centre

Find your way here

Use Google Maps to find the best route to Strelley Health centre.

Bus

You can get to the site using Nottingham City Transport bus routes:

Bike

There is no designated cycling storage available on site.

You can plan your journey online by visiting the CycleStreets website.

Cycling to our sites is not only carbon emission free but is also excellent for physical and mental wellbeing.

Train

The nearest train station is Nottingham Station (5.8 miles).

For help planning your journey please visit: Plan Your Journey | Traveline

Parking

There is limited free visitor and service user parking onsite.

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