December 16, 2015
MEDICINE HAT — Starting March 2017, residents of Medicine Hat and area will have a new location for blood and other laboratory testing.
As part of the expansion of lab services in Medicine Hat, Alberta Health Services (AHS) has selected a location in a retail service centre, at 44 Carry Drive SE, to be the new site for community lab collections.
The new location has ground floor access for patients with mobility challenges, ample free parking, central location and close to public transportation. It also fits AHS’ current space needs now and gives the capacity to expand as the need for community lab services increases.
“We used the feedback from lab patients to help guide the selection process. Patients told us about concerns with parking and accessibility. We listened and the new location should address those concerns,” says Dorothy Ward, South Zone Lab Services Director. “Even after the new site opens, we will continue to offer mobile collections for patients in continuing care facilities and at their private residences.”
The new location will be renovated to incorporate a patient waiting and reception area, sample collection area and some lab processing areas. AHS will pay $170,000 per year to lease the new space. Included in that amount is the cost of rent, renovations and utilities.
“These costs were included in the amended business case, which identified $6.5 million in savings over five-years for consolidating the laboratory services in Medicine Hat,” says Ward.
Lab collections at MHDL’s current locations will continue until the contract is completed in 2017.
As part of the expansion, In March 2017, AHS will offer two locations for lab collections in the city, at the Carry Drive location and second one at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. Patients will have the option of using either location.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
- 30 -
For media inquiries, contact:
James Frey
AHS Communications
403-388-6313 (office)
587-220-1774 (cell)
james.frey@ahs.ca
