Changes to begin in Calgary (Photo 100021775 © Arne9001 | Dreamstime.com)

By Canadian Press

Alberta expands medical lab test to reduce long waits, particularly in Calgary

Aug 4, 2023 | 6:56 AM

EDMONTON – The Alberta government is taking more medical test appointments in-house starting this weekend to reduce bottlenecks and long waits, particularly in Calgary.

The government-owned Alberta Precision Laboratories is to offer 400 new community testing appointments at the South Health Campus and the Peter Lougheed Centre in Calgary beginning Saturday.

Another 175 appointments are to open a week after that in Calgary at the Foothills Medical Centre.

The change is part of an arrangement worked out between Alberta Precision Labs and Dynalife, the private provider that handles the bulk of community lab appointments in Alberta.

Alberta Precision Labs is part of Alberta Health Services and mainly handles lab tests in hospitals and urgent care centres.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

6h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

Health Minister Adriana LaGrange says this is just the first step and the government is also working to extend lab appointment hours and hire more staff.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 4, 2023.

The Canadian Press