We historically are different because there is no testing
laboratory in the community," Smits said. That means the tests or
samples have to be sent out of the city, which can result in
sometimes substantial delays."
There isn't a patient who visits the hospital, he said, who does
not have at least some contact with the lab, including testing at
various clinics offered at the hospital.
Smits said the review of the laboratory has been underway over the
summer. He expects it should be completed in the next month or so,
and we will have a decision on what exactly might change in the next
four to six weeks."
The announced cuts at the hospital will affect positions across the
facility, including allied health workers such as social workers,
dietitians and occupational therapists, as well as nurses and
cleaning staff.
