People with symptoms that could be blood cancer are able to get all the tests they need much more quickly and conveniently thanks to a service developed at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust.

The blood cancer faster diagnosis service is a partnership between The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and Liverpool University Hospitals. It was set up to help people with symptoms that could be blood cancer to get the tests they need more quickly and easily. People often need a number of different tests and previously it could take a couple of weeks for them all to be done.

Mark Bell, 87, was referred to the service after routine blood tests showed his white blood cell count was raised. He also had a lump in his neck. Speaking afterwards, Mr Bell said:

“I have blood tests ever six months because I was treated for leukaemia almost 10 years ago. My GP asked me to make an appointment with the hospital after my latest blood test showed my white blood cells had gone off. I also had a lump on my neck.

“I booked my appointment in the clinic at Aintree Hospital and when I arrived a nice chap called Haydn met me and took me to get some more blood tests. Then I went and had the bone marrow biopsy as well. The next day I had a CT scan at Paddington Community Diagnostic Centre so it all happened within two days.

“My GP couldn’t believe how quick it all was. He said that’s the quickest he has ever heard of anyone having all their tests because it usually happens over a couple of weeks. I can’t fault it at all.”