We are pleased to share that we are making it easier and more accessible for patients to have blood tests in Harlow, following a partnership with Harlow Council.
We plan to relocate our blood testing (phlebotomy) service from The Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) to a new facility on the first floor of The Harvey Centre in spring next year (2026).
Blood testing services will continue to be available at St Margaret’s Hospital in Epping and Herts and Essex Hospital in Bishop’s Stortford.
This move is part of our commitment to improving patient experiences and offering more accessible services within the local community. We currently see approximately 300 patients for blood tests each day.
The new facility will offer a modern, patient-friendly environment that is close to where patients live and shop, with easier parking. The same high standards of care, infection control, and safety protocols will remain in place, and our experienced phlebotomy team will continue to provide the service – just in a more convenient and efficient setting.
Moving the service also frees up valuable hospital space for more complex clinical services, helping us manage demand across the whole organisation.
This is the first step in a wider plan to make health and wellbeing far more accessible ‘on the high street’ with work underway to explore how to significantly increase the amount of services out of the hospital and in the town centre.
Thom Lafferty, Chief Executive of The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT), said: “This partnership with Harlow Council is a fantastic step forward in how we deliver healthcare in our community. By moving blood testing into The Harvey Centre, we’re taking healthcare right to the heart of the high street – making it more accessible, more convenient, and an even better experience for our patients.
“At the same time, this change will free up valuable space on our hospital site, allowing us to focus on the services that need to be delivered there and continue improving the care we provide.
“Working closely with the council, we’re transforming how and where healthcare is delivered in Harlow – bringing services closer to people and building a stronger, more connected future for our town.”
Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, said: “This is a brilliant example of what Building Harlow’s Future is all about – working in partnership to deliver better services for residents and breathing new life into our town centre.
“By moving blood testing into The Harvey Centre, we’re making it easier and more convenient for residents to get the care they need, creating more footfall for local shops and businesses, and freeing up vital space at the hospital for services that can only be delivered there.
“It’s a win for patients, a win for our town centre, and a win for the hospital – exactly the kind of practical progress we’re determined to deliver for Harlow.
“And this is just the first step as part of a wider plan to transform ‘healthcare in the high street’ as we rebuild the town centre – which is only possible because of our renewed partnership and drive for delivery with the hospital’s new leadership.”
This partnership forms a key part of Building Harlow’s Future – a shared vision between Harlow Council and its partners to invest in the town’s growth, improve local services, and create a healthier, more connected community for residents.
We will keep our community updated on progress with this initiative, including details on the opening date.