People needing lab services in Nanaimo will have more options as Island Health changes hours and staffing at its two outpatient locations.
“To balance patient demand and improve service, Island Health is shifting hours and staffing between the two Island Health outpatient lab locations – NRGH Main Lab inside the hospital and Satellite Lab at #2-1599 Dufferin Crescent,” an Island Health news release said. “Access to lab services will continue to be available Monday to Friday from 7:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.”
Island Health said the changes take effect April 13.
Under the new schedule, the lab at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital will be open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for appointments.
The Satellite Lab will be open Monday to Friday from 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. for appointments and walk-ins.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, outpatient lab services were adjusted to limit the number of people entering Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH),” Island Health said. “These precautions are no longer required and patient volumes at the Satellite Lab have become unsustainably high, while the outpatient lab at NRGH is underused.”
Island Health said the changes are expected to allow the two locations to accommodate up to 25 per cent more patients.
