Erith and District Hospital is being forced to change its booking policy after it was found that 20 per cent of patients were missing blood test appointments.

After patients went up in arms about a planned change to make people queue up for appointments, the hospital has assured people it will not swap the systems yet - but needs to find another solution.

The phlebotomy clinic at the hospital - which deals with blood tests - had planned to return to its old 'first come, first served' system, but some patients were worried.

Bob Moore, 69, who uses the clinic, told News Shopper: "Thousands of people queued outside under the old system, sometimes in the rain and the cold."

He added: "Everything is going smoothly now. Sometimes you have to call a few times to get in touch with an operator but I've never had any trouble."

After patients complained about the planned change, a spokesman from Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust said: "We have listened to your concerns regarding the proposal to make the phlebotomy service at Erith Hospital a walk-in service.

"This change was proposed in partnership with our commissioners, Bexley CCG, in response to complaints about the telephone booking line and a high number of patients failing to attend their appointments."

Mr Moore told News Shopper he is worried about the effect on patients if the clinic returns to the old system.

"A large amount of people, some elderly and infirm, have to use the service," he said, adding it was unfair to ask them to queue.

But the NHS trust has insisted a change needs to be made as so many patients miss appointments without cancelling them.

The spokesman said: "It is important that people contact us if they are not able to attend their appointment for a blood test, so that the appointment can be offered to another patient."

He added that sensible suggestions for alternatives will be considered by the trust, but urged people to follow a proper complaints procedure.

Patients can use the patients advice and liaison service (PALS) to enquire about the service on 020 8836 4592.

The trust has also quashed rumours Erith District Hospital is set to close, having been assured by the Oxleas Foundation NHS Trust, which controls the centre.