DynaLIFE plans to open two new community lab clinics in Lethbridge in early 2023, allowing lab staff at Chinook Regional Hospital to focus on hospital needs. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lab services change to allow greater focus on hospital patients in Lethbridge

Nov 30, 2022 | 10:11 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Alberta Health Services (AHS) is announcing a series of changes to laboratory services in Lethbridge.

Effective February 28, 2023, DynaLIFE will open two new community lab clinics at 1240 2A Avenue North and 405 Highlands Blvd West.

When this happens, staff at the current community labs at Bigelow Fowler West and Family Medical Centre, which are run by Alberta Precision Labs (APL), will transition to the new locations.

According to a statement from AHS, APL, and DynaLIFE to LNN, the “new DynaLIFE lab locations in Lethbridge will be significantly larger than the existing labs, improving community lab services by introducing new patient tools and technologies, adding patient capacity, and improving access to lab services in the community.”

They add that, “This change of location does not reflect a reduction in service in Lethbridge, as DynaLIFE is taking on the existing group of high-performing and talented staff and no job loss will occur.”

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As part of the transition, Chinook Regional Hospital will no longer provide community lab services as of the end of February 2023. Staff will instead focus on the needs of emergency, inpatient, and ambulatory patients.

AHS, APL, and DynaLIFE say there will continue to be three lab collection locations in Lethbridge with the two new community labs and the hospital.

“As clients are currently able to book appointments 90 days in advance, those scheduling an appointment on Nov. 30 or later (for appointments after Feb. 28) will no longer see appointments available at Chinook Regional Hospital, Bigelow Fowler Clinic West and Family Medical Centre,” reads a separate statement from AHS.

Clients will be able to begin booking at the new Lethbridge lab locations for appointments after February 28, 2023, beginning on December 6, 2022. They can book online or by calling 1-877-702-4486.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now