More than 12,000 additional blood tests can now be carried out every year at Andover War Memorial Hospital, following the opening of its expanded and relocated pathology department.
The department now features five larger clinic rooms, a spacious waiting room plus a dedicated sensory room for children and adults with specific needs.
Investing in the expansion means the Phlebotomy and Point of Care Testing teams at Andover can now carry out as many as 84,000 blood tests every year, helping more people access vital diagnostic services locally and as close to home as possible.
Run by Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the department officially opened on Tuesday 18 August and welcomed patients, staff and The Worshipful the Mayor of Test Valley Councillor Linda Lashbrook, to mark the milestone.
The development further strengthens Andover War Memorial Hospital’s role as a local diagnostic hub, supporting quicker access to tests and earlier diagnosis of conditions such as cancer and heart disease.
Sue Harriman, Chief Executive at Hampshire Hospitals, says: “We regularly hear from patients just how important it is for them to be able to access care within their local community and we're committed to bringing more high-quality services closer to where people live. This expanded department will help us do exactly that for more people, while also providing a more comfortable and spacious environment for those attending appointments.
“Diagnostic tests play a crucial role in helping people get the answers they need sooner, and with demand for blood tests continuing to grow, these improvements will help us ensure patients can continue to access our services with ease and in a timely way.”
The expansion was made possible through funding from the NHS England Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) programme, which also enabled the opening of Andover's Community Diagnostic Centre in 2023.
