Path lab strikes Posted or Updated on 16 Jun 2026

Our local Path Labs are on strike, here is some info:

The strike action will:

• Commence at 00:01 hours on 15 June 2026 and continue each day up to 19 June 2026 when the action will conclude at 23:59 hours
• Commence at 00:01 hours on 22 June 2026 and continue each day up to 26 June 2026 when the action will conclude at 23:59 hours
• Commence at 00:01 hours on 29 June 2026 and continue each day up to 3 July 2026 when the action will conclude at 23:59 hours
• Commence at 00:01 hours on 6 July 2026 and continue each day up to 10 July 2026 when the action will conclude at 23:59 hours

This action will primarily affect partners within the East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen geographical footprint who traditionally provide blood samples to Royal Blackburn or Burnley General for processing.

What will this strike action mean for East Lancashire community-based bloods?

During the above periods, we will have limited staff within the laboratories at both Blackburn and Burnley able to analyse samples.

Due to this, we will only be able to analyse ‘urgent’ same day samples and we will only be able to offer a limited repertoire of blood sciences tests until more capacity becomes available.

During these strikes, we are unable to process routine blood tests, and can only book in what our clinicians deem as clinically urgent. Our staff will be in touch to rearrange appointments, and would ask for patients to be patient with us.