It’s likely going to take longer for patients to get test results, after LifeLabs moves testing services off-island.
The BC General Employees Union, which represents around 1,200 LifeLabs employees around BC, says it’s received written notice from the company that it’s moving microbiology testing services to Surrey, from Victoria.
The union says LifeLabs plans to lay off workers from the Victoria lab, which could affect 13 positions.
The Victoria lab is responsible for processing samples collected from patients on the Island, including urine samples, biopsies and throat swabs. They are sorted and tested in-house, or sent to other facilities.
The lab in Surrey has newer equipment which can process samples more efficiently.
LifeLabs employees and the union are currently negotiating a new collective agreement.
