Issue 227 - BT22 • BT23
ARDS BLOOD TESTING HUB SECURED
The South Eastern Trust’s Community Phlebotomy Hubs in Ards Hospital along with Downe Hospital and Lagan Valley Hospital provide a vital blood testing service in the heart of the community.
Ards and North Down Mayor Councillor Gillian McCollum joined by L-R Sandra Henderson, Ruth-Anne Strotten, Louis Gilmore and Liz Elliot from the Ballywalter Community Action Group.
“In Bloom” Funding Programme
Ards and North Down Borough Council is pleased to announce that applications for this year’s “In Bloom” Funding Programme are now open.
The scheme supports community led horticultural projects across the Borough, with funding available for essential items such as plants, bulbs, compost, planters, and gardening tools. The initiative aims to enhance local green spaces, promote sustainable gardening practices, and encourage community involvement. Community groups
applying for support should demonstrate how their project meets the following criteria: • Meet the core objectives of Ards and North Down in Bloom by focusing on the key criteria: Horticultural, Environment, and Community. • Projects should help to instil local pride, create awareness of the environment and
biodiversity, encourages cross community participation and involvement for those of all ages and abilities. • Provide a vision as to how the funding will enhance the particular areas and how this will be sustained in subsequent years. • Evidence of approval from relevant landowner where works are to be carried out.
• Where appropriate insurance liability cover is in place, copy of certificate and schedule to be submitted. • How the works are to be carried out, and by whom. • Detailed breakdown of how funding will be utilised, and receipts submitted accordingly.
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In 2025, the Team carried out an incredible 28,000 tests. The Trust is delighted that this valuable and growing service is now fully funded by the Department of Health. The hubs play a crucial role in providing blood tests in local hospitals, meaning patients do not have to travel to the Ulster Hospital. When the service began prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Team initially helped approximately 400 patients per year. However, during 2024/25 alone, the service delivered an impressive 28,000 blood tests, clearly demonstrating how vital and well used the hubs are by both patients and clinicians. On average, 2,000 patients go through the hubs each month.
Patients attend the Community Phlebotomy Hubs for blood tests ahead of planned procedures or treatment. This includes patients from the Diabetes Service, those undergoing cancer treatment, patients receiving biologic therapies and anyone preparing for surgery. Pre-assessment Nurses, particularly when carrying out pre-assessments, can refer patients directly to the Community Phlebotomy Hubs to ensure all required blood work is completed in advance and patients are clinically cleared for their procedures or surgery. Having blood results available ahead of appointment means clinical staff have the necessary information at hand, helping to avoid delays and improving overall care pathways.