Laboratory
SLMHC Laboratory Services
The SLMHC Laboratory Services is comprised of the Biochemistry, Immunology, Urinalysis, Hematology, Coagulation, Microbiology, Transfusion Medicine, Specimen Receiving & Dispatch departments and an Out Patient Collection Area.
A staff of four Medical Laboratory Assistants and ten Medical Laboratory Technologists provide Laboratory Services for the community of Sioux Lookout and the surrounding area, servicing a population of approximately 30,000 people. Three of the technologists are classified as Senior Techs and are responsible for the Chemistry, Microbiology and the Hematology/T Med areas, in addition to rotating through the various departments. The Laboratory Manager oversees the program and is responsible for Qualilty Management, Infection Control and Lab Safety. The Laboratory works under the direction and guidance fo Dr. J.K. MacDonald, the Laboratory Director who works out of the Lake of the Woods District Hospital in Kenora. Dr. MacDonald performs several on-site visits each year and is available as a resource for all staff of the SLMHC.
In April 2010, the SLMHC Laboratory was awarded a 4 year Ontario Laboratory Accreditation (OLA) Certificate from the Quality Management Program - Laboratory Services (QMP - LS), a division of the Ontario Medical Association. The Laboratory met 484/485 requirements yielding a score of 99.79%.
The Laboratory is an active participant in the Kenora Rainy River Regional Laboratory Program (KRR RLP) based out of Dryden along with the five other hospitals in the Northwestern Ontario Region. The Managers pariticpate together in a working group and maintain constant dialogue and a sharing of resources to improve quality and maximize the efforts of the individual laboratories with the goal to provide a high level of sevice to all clients. A Microbiology Working Group and a Transfusion Medicine Working Group comprised of Lab Managers, bench technologists and external consultants conduct regular meetings to improve and enhance protocols and procedures, ensuring current standards are implemented. In addition, the CEO's of the six hospitals meet for regular regional meetings to discuss shared services and initiatives.
The Laboratory performs Lab testing and offers consultation services for the Northern First Nation community Nursing Stations operated by Health Canada. The volume of work sent to the SLMHC lab from the Nursing Stations comprises approximately 60% of the total workload performed in the SLMHC Laboratory.
The Laboratory operates a "walk-in" collection service for the community of Sioux Lookout from Monday - Friday, 0800 - 1630 hours. The Hugh Allen Clinic, the Health Canada Appointment Clinic and out of town Specialists refer their patients to the SLMHC Laboratory for the collection and testing of their lab work.
The Laboratory provides a 24 hour service in support of all in-patient and out-patient clinical programs for the Health Centre. The hours of operations are Monday - Friday 0700 - 2300 hours (on call from 2300 - 0700 hours) and Saturday, Sunday & STAT holidays 0700 - 1600 hours (on call 1600 - 0700 hours).
For more information, contact:
Manager of Laboratory Services (807) 737-3030 extension 6567