
Residents in Squamish needing bloodwork at the local hospital laboratory are being asked to book appointments online as health authorities address ongoing staffing shortages in the province’s medical lab system.
In a statement, Tanya Colledge, Manager of Communications and Engagement for the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), said lack of trained lab staff is impacting service and had led to changes in operating hours and procedures.
“To prevent patients from experiencing long walk-in wait times, those requiring blood work in Squamish are being asked to make an appointment online,” Colledge said. Appointments can be booked at www.labonlinebooking.ca.
The Squamish General Hospital lab is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with drop-in appointments available between 7:30 a.m. and 12 p.m., subject to availability. Priority is given to urgent cases, such as lab work needed for emergency room patients, those awaiting surgery, or individuals admitted to the hospital.
Colledge said the health authority is working to improve staffing levels. “Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services is working closely with educational and training organizations to increase the number of medical lab assistants and technologists in the system and available for work,” Colledge noted.
Residents can sign up or log into the Outpatient Laboratory Online Booking System and pick their preferred laboratory location and appointment date and time. The online account can be used to book, change or cancel any appointment. First time users will be asked to create an account.
N. Desjarlais says
The lab staff has always been amazing in the past years in my experience. So many factors cause Staff shortages. I hear rumours of really bad management and poor pay. People in health care deserve to be treated like the hero’s they are! They should Give good incentives, a great/fun positive work environment, fair treatment and wages, a management change and people will be lining up to work. It’s not hard to keep staff happy…
Debra Hughson says
It’s expensive to live in Squamish. A lab tech at Squamish Hospital needs full time work to be able to live and work in Squamish. Wages are not great as a tech and part time jobs don’t pay the bills
Pennie McNutt says
I worked in the lab at SGH for many years and finding staff and keeping them have always been a problem. They are now open longer hours and more days with limited staff. I can really appreciate the work they do in a very stressful environment. Until VCH hires more lab assistants and technicians and offers them full time work and a living wage it won’t change. But isn’t that what we are hearing all over the province in every department? Our hospitals need to be properly staffed, that includes long term care.
David Franzheimer says
How many lab techs were fired over mandates? How many of the remaining techs are sick, battling cancer or tackling heart and neurological issues? Far more than anyone wants to admit. That would lead to introspection and hard truths.