Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to tackle delays in securing patient appointments for blood tests from GP referrals in Halton constituency.

NHS England has advised that a community diagnostic centre is planned for Warrington which, if approved, will complement existing provision in St Helens. This aims to reduce waiting times for diagnostic appointments, including general practitioner referrals for blood tests in Halton constituency.