Scores of frustrated people took to the streets again over the loss of blood tests at Deal hospital.

The protestors gathered at the entrance to Deal Pier to campaign for the return of the blood clinic, which ran for more than 50 years at the London Road hospital.

Campaigners say the availability of this service meant people did not have to wait up to four weeks for a blood test, when they should be getting them arranged in two.

Marsha Horne, a campaign team member, says it was wonderful to see so many people brave the blustery weather.

“Approximately 70 people of all ages and from across the political spectrum were in attendance and urged us to continue our fight, which has been going on for over 18 months,” she said.

“Their stories and the hundreds of stories our team of campaigners hear on a regular basis makes it very clear that the current GP-only provision is not working for our community. We are calling on everyone to continue sharing their issues surrounding blood testing with us.

“People deserve the best healthcare possible; they should not be made to settle for less.”

MP Natalie Elphicke says the campaigners are doing a “brilliant job” raising awareness about the issue and she is committed to working with the team to secure better availability of local blood tests.

“Everyone has a part to play in this campaign, it is essential that we know when and where there are problems in getting access to blood tests within two weeks at your local surgery,” she said.

She also asks that anyone who knows of any issues in getting access to blood tests within two weeks at their local surgery to contact herself or the team of campaigners by emailing them on mdhtig@yahoo.co.uk.

The phlebotomy service at Deal hospital stopped in November 2021, and an initial protest was held the following month.

A public consultation was launched in February 2022 by MP Natalie Elphick after one was not offered at the time. It was marked with a candle-lit vigil held at Deal Pier.

But NHS Kent and Medway say “everyone living in Deal continues to have access to blood tests in the town”.

The spokesman added: “Phlebotomy services are part of routine care that all general practices are contracted to provide.

“Since the transition from Deal hospital to general practice, the number of blood tests have remained at a steady level.’’

It was previously revealed the service at the hospital was blighted by staffing shortages before it was pulled.