The NHS blood testing (phlebotomy) service on the Isle of Wight will be out of action on Tuesday, 17 June 2008.

Essential upgrading of computer systems will be carried out on that day meaning the services which normally operate from St Mary’s Hospital and the Outpatients Department in Ryde have had to be withdrawn for the day although emergency cases will still be dealt with.

Roger Peatey, General Manager of the service, said: “We have notified all local GP practices and tried to publicise this temporary closure as widely as possible so we hope people will hear about the closure and not turn up on that day.

“However, it is a drop-in service and we can see anything up to 200 people a day so it is possible some will not hear about the closure and attend. If that happens, then I would like to apologies in advance for any inconvenience.”