Interior Health (IH) is exploring alternative solutions to support laboratory access in Trail.
IH announced in June that it would close the medical building in downtown Trail on July 28, including the lab located on the third floor.
Instead, IH said it would move staff to Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital, where they are needed for emergency and patient care. Outpatients were told they would have to use the LifeLabs outlet in Waneta Plaza instead.
The announcement sparked significant backlash from community members, lab patients, and local elected officials – particularly over the lack of public communication leading up to the decision and concerns about accessibility.
Joanne Isber, program director of lab services with Interior Health acknowledged the community feedback in a statement to Vista Radio, saying IH appreciates the need to support accessible lab services and will take time to engage further with impacted parties.
“We have heard additional feedback from members of the community requesting further consideration and engagement. Interior Health will take additional time to engage directly with partners, including medical staff, municipal leaders, patients and others, to identify further options to address these concerns,” Isber said.
While changes to lab services are still necessary to make the best use of limited laboratory staffing resources in Trail, IH is considering alternative solutions to maintain access in the community.
Discussions are underway, and IH says it will provide an update as soon as possible.
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