A group of GPs in Bromley announced the opening of a new blood test service available in Beckenham today (October 29).

The Bromley GP Alliance are a group of doctors who practice in the borough.

On Tuesday they announced that a new location — the Eden Park Surgery on Croydon Road, Beckenham — would now offer free blood tests during specific times for residents who needed them.

The service is added to several other clinics and surgeries in the borough that also offer the service, which is known as Phlebotomy in the medical profession.

Information on the group's website described the service in further detail:

"The Phlebotomy Service takes blood samples from patients who have been identified by their GP as needing a blood test.

"Phlebotomy is the process of taking blood to be sent to hospital for testing. Blood tests can help obtain a diagnosis for certain illnesses – or rule them out, monitor treatment and help patients and GPs manage long term health conditions.

"Most blood tests only take a few minutes and are carried out by a phlebotomist (a specialist in taking blood samples).

Eden Park Surgery now joins The Park Practice, Dysart Surgery, Ballater Surgery and Summercroft Surgery in Bromley providing blood tests for residents.

Unlike some of the other locations offering phlebotomy, tests at Eden Park are available every day of the week, Bromley GPs Alliance said (Mondays 12pm-6.30pm, Tuesdays 8.30am-6pm Wednesdays 12pm–6.30pm, Thursdays 8.30am-6pm and Fridays 12pm–6pm).

Residents in need of a blood test need to book an appointment.

You can do so with your current GP or clinic by asking at reception for an appointment or calling the Bromley GPs Alliance directly on 0203 930 0245.