Letter to the Editor

In light of some recent questions, I wanted to clarify the status of Interior Health outpatient (drop-in) laboratory services in Cranbrook.

When Interior Health was informed that our lease at the Green Clinic would be terminated July 25, we immediately began looking at the best way to provide good access to laboratory services in the long-term.

We are currently working on an agreement to establish an appropriate location to bring all Cranbrook outpatient laboratory services under one roof. Our intent is to secure and renovate an appropriate location and have this consolidated service up and running in the fall.

In the interim, patients who have been going to the Green Clinic for lab services should access them at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital laboratory located on the main floor. Hours at the EKRH lab will be increased to 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. starting July 28 to accommodate the needs of residents who formerly went to the Green Clinic.

I know this may be an inconvenience for some residents and I want to stress that using the EKRH lab is a temporary measure to ensure all Cranbrook residents continue to have access to outpatient laboratory services while we set up a new permanent location. Interior Health will provide the community with more information as soon as possible.

While we are going through some changes right now, I want to stress that Interior Health is committed to maintaining access to quality laboratory services for the community.

Mark Anderson

Director, Lab Operations, IH East

Article Share