Patients face delays for blood tests at a Grantham surgery die to a global shortage of some equipment used to do them.

St Peter's Hill surgery posted on Facebook at the weekend: "A supplier to the NHS has advised us of a global shortage of some equipment used for taking blood tests.

"This means that we are unable to take routine blood tests until further notice.

"Anyone who needs a test for urgent health problems will still get one, but where your clinician recommends that it's safe to do so, then you may be asked to come back for a test at a later date, or your appointment may be rescheduled.

The surgery continued: "Given the nature of the shortage, we cannot give an exact date for when the test will be rescheduled, but please be assured that if your condition or symptoms require it, then you will get a test, and we will be re-booking your test when supplies become more easily available.

"If your condition or symptoms change or get worse, please contact either the practice or NHS 111, as you would normally.

It added: "Thank you for your understanding and support with this matter, which sadly is beyond our control."

Further details on how the NHS is halting some blood testing nationally and why, can be found here.