RESIDENTS have branded a mix-up in blood test request forms as “total incompetence” after 75 patients received the wrong forms.

Last week, men and women aged between 40 and 74 across Grays received letters saying they were entitled to a free NHS health check, only to find the blood test forms had other people’s names, addresses and dates of birth on them.

Resident Steve Baker, 55, of Hogg Lane said: “I think it is total incompetence. My letter had the name and address of a lady living in Lodge Lane. It is very dangerous when you see things on the news all the time about identity fraud.

“You have all the information on there to create a new identity here, it is not good. What is even more worrying is that my wife had the same problem and had someone else’s blood test form.”

Mr Baker explained he called his doctor’s surgery and the receptionist already knew about the mix-up. She gave him a number to call at NHS South West Essex and all he got was an answer phone message.

He added: “I think the tests are a really good idea, but it’s quite simple to get your own blood test form.”

Barbara Stuttle, deputy chief executive at NHS South West Essex, said: “On behalf of NHS South West Essex I would like to sincerely apologise for this error.

“On Wednesday, January 19, we mailed the wrong blood test request forms to 75 patients in the Grays area.

“The forms included another patient’s personal details, but did not include any clinical information. The mistake was down to human error. We are contacting those affected to apologise.

“We take patient confidentiality extremely seriously and will be reviewing our processes to learn from our mistake and minimise the risk of this happening again.”

Patients who have received incorrect information in error should destroy and dispose of the letters.

Patients can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service on 0800 5879159 if they would like to discuss their concerns further.