New permanent laboratoryservices open in Strathmore

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Alberta Health Services (AHS) has announced the local Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL) in Strathmore has moved to a larger, permanent location. 

The new lab is located at 299 Edgefield Place, and officially opened its doors as the operational local lab, June 3.

In a release, AHS detailed the new lab boasts nine patient rooms, and greater access to parking than previously available. Similarly, the temporary Country Lane Mall location only hosted five patient rooms. 

“Planning for the current permanent lab location in Strathmore began approximately two years ago. The location at Country Lane Mall was always intended to be temporary until the new building was ready for occupancy,” said Yolanda Lackie, executive director, community services for Alberta Precision Laboratories. “This expansion will enhance our capacity to serve the community more efficiently. Additionally, the new site offers ample parking, which we believe will make visits more convenient for both patients and visitors. Starting in July, we will offer Electrocardiogram (ECG) services at the new location, a service that was not available at the previous site.”

The operating hours for the lab will remain unchanged, being Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. as well as Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon. 

Saturday bookings, however, will be by appointment only as opposed to drop in availability. Patients are able to book an appointment over the phone or online. The lab’s contact information will remain unchanged. 

All staff who will be operating the new facility are those who are being transferred over from the temporary lab site. 

“The lab will continue to provide the same services currently offered including: blood collections, urine collection, drop off of other samples and (of course) ECGs,” said Lackie. “We expect the community will appreciate the larger space and the ample parking, which we believe will make visits more convenient for both patients and visitors.”

Lackie added AHS and APL did not experience any notable hurdles or roadblocks in establishing the new facility outside of standard local development procedures. 

APL is a wholly owned subsidiary of AHS, responsible for delivering diagnostic lab services to Albertans across the provincial health care system. 

“Originally, Strathmore did not have a community collection site. All laboratory work was done at the Strathmore District Health Services in an outpatient setting,” said Lackie. “When the temporary location opened on Dec. 5, 2022, it provided the community with a dedicated laboratory collection site making it more convenient for the community.”