It’s been two weeks since the new blood testing facility opened in Harlow town centre (27 April 2026) and welcomed its first patient.
The clinic, located on the first floor of The Harvey Centre (opposite Cineworld), is a partnership between The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) and Health Services Laboratories (HSL), alongside Harlow Council. Its central location has made it easier for patients to attend appointments alongside their daily routines, with good transport links and nearby parking.
The purpose-built space was designed with patient care, comfort, privacy and efficient flow in mind. It supports around 300 patients a day who would previously have attended The Princess Alexandra Hospital for blood tests and is served by the same experienced phlebotomy team.
Blood testing services continue at St Margaret’s Hospital in Epping and Herts and Essex Hospital in Bishop’s Stortford. A limited service remains at The Princess Alexandra Hospital’s main site for children under one year old and patients requiring specialist tests, with booking explained via their clinician.
The new clinic is the first step in a wider programme to bring more healthcare services into the community and the high street, making care more accessible and freeing up hospital space for patients with more complex needs.
Thom Lafferty, Chief Executive of PAHT, said: “Opening this new facility in the town centre is a significant step forward for patients in Harlow. Welcoming our first patient highlighted what this is all about – making care easier to access and more convenient for people’s everyday lives.
“It also supports our wider ambition to deliver more services in the community while ensuring our hospital facilities are focused on those who need them most.”
David Byrne, Chief Executive Officer of Health Services Laboratories, said: “This new community-based service is designed around patients’ needs. By having blood taken in a dedicated setting, it makes access easier and more convenient, as well as easing pressure on hospital services and supporting more efficient care.
“Patient experience and safety remain central, alongside a team committed to delivering high-quality care every day.”
Kenneth Lewis, the first patient in the new clinic, said: “The new facility is nice and is in a convenient location with easy parking. The cubicles look fantastic and I like the new chairs that can lean backward.
“The phlebotomists are wonderful, I didn’t even know she had taken the blood!”