People needing laboratory tests done at the Trail Health Centre Clinic are being asked to call ahead and schedule an appointment.
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As part of Interior Health’s response to COVID-19, changes are being made to laboratory procedures at some facilities including those in Trail, Castlegar, Nelson, and Grand Forks.
Instead of showing up at the downtown Trail lab and grabbing a number, patients are now asked to set up an appointment by calling the booking line at 250.368.8141.
“This change is consistent with steps we are taking across our facilities to ensure a safe environment for staff and patients,” Interior Health spokesperson Erin Toews told the Times.
“It recognizes that with the previous drop-in service there were times when a large number of people may have been waiting in the same area for their tests, which creates a risk of exposure to COVID-19,” she said.
“We will be monitoring how this system is working.”
According to Interior Health, lab staff will try to accommodate a limited number of walk-ins, but preference is that people call ahead to make an appointment.
They also say that most people should be able to book an appointment within a day or two.
Patients will be asked some health screening questions when they call and will then be given instructions for their appointment.
To book a time, patients may call Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The Trail lab is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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