One of these simple changes is allow more patients to access cancer care locally. Following a pilot in 2019, The Christie now has 12 blood testing clinics around the North West with the help of generous Christie Charity supporters. Instead of patients coming to the Withington site for routine blood tests, they can now attend a Christie blood clinic in their local area, making their lives much easier.
Funding from The Christie Charity has meant that more patients than ever before can benefit from this progressive Bloods Closer to Home initiative. It allows cancer patients having drug treatments to get blood tests – essential for monitoring organ function and protein levels – at local Christie treatment centres, health centres, district hospitals, or hospices. Previously, many patients endured lengthy journeys to The Christie’s Withington site in Manchester, with round trips often exceeding 2 hours.
Thanks to this service, patients now save an average of 30 miles per round trip per appointment, amounting to 1,721,037 fewer miles travelled in 2024. This reduced travel time equates to 42,785 hours saved annually, giving patients more time to focus on their recovery or family commitments.
Patients also collectively saved approximately £258,154 in travel expenses in 2024 thanks to the Bloods Closer to Home service.
Joanne Roberts, lead nurse for outpatient and phlebotomy services at The Christie, highlighted the broader benefits saying: “Patients are at the heart of everything we do. By bringing essential services like blood testing closer to home, we aim to reduce the burden on patients during what is already a challenging time. This initiative ensures patients can spend less time traveling and more time focusing on their recovery.”
The Bloods Closer to Home clinics across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Derbyshire are:
- Altrincham,
- Ashton-under-Lyne,
- Bolton,
- Bury,
- Cheadle,
- Crewe (Leighton),
- Little Hulton,
- Macclesfield,
- New Mills,
- Oldham,
- Wigan,
- Winsford
Louise Hadley, Chief Executive of The Christie Charity, says: “The Bloods Closer to Home service exemplifies how charitable funding can enhance NHS care. By reducing the need for patients to travel long distances, we’re improving their experience and supporting their well-being. We’re proud to fund services that go above and beyond NHS provisions, ensuring every patient has access to world-class cancer care.”
Patients eligible for the service will receive information on how to access it. You can find out more about the initiative by visiting the Trust website at at Bloods Closer to Home service.