Photos reveal what happens inside blood test 'drive-through' at FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust joined forces with Sheffield City Trust, which runs the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield, to set up a ‘drive through’ blood test service outside the performance venue so that vulnerable patients can have vital tests without going into hospitals and risking infection or breaking social distancing guidance.

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The new service was launched yesterday and sees vehicles pull up inside a marquee outside the arena for blood tests to be administered in vehicles.

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Those eligible for the tests are contacted by their GP or hospital and given the ‘drive through’ option.

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Dr David Hughes, Medical Director at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “A lot of our patients have compromised immune systems which makes them even more susceptible to infections like COVID-19. However their medical treatment means they need to have regular blood tests. This is particularly an issue for our patients who have cancer or other auto immune conditions.

“The last thing we want is to bring those patients into a busy waiting area or put them into contact with other people if it is not absolutely necessary. The drive through blood testing service means we can continue to deliver this important part of their care without the risk of infection.”

Andrew Snelling, Chief Executive of Sheffield City Trust, said: “We opted to close our venues ahead of government guidance, and since doing this we’ve been working closely with the NHS and Sheffield City Council to find areas in which we can help.

“It’s good to know that, despite not being open for business, Sheffield City Trust is having such an impact on the health and wellbeing of Sheffield and ensuring the safety of the more vulnerable members of society.”

Sheffield City Trust recently offered the FlyDSA Arena as a storage facility for Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, which is using it to store around 1,800 old hospital beds.