Alberta Health Services says the ability to have mobile blood work done at the Sunnyside Manor in St. Paul is still available to patients. This comes after it was announced that a rule change had been made saying that patients who were able to get around town would no longer be able to receive their blood work services on site.
Wendy Corbiere is the Lab Director for North Zone Alberta Health Services. She says the service is still available, it just requires a doctor’s note.
“We continue to provide the service. What’s happening now is there is a requisition that the physician signs off on requesting the on-site collection for the residents.”
The change in service has caused some confusion and backlash. St. Paul County had announced in a previous meeting that it would be sending a letter urging AHS to allow all residents access to mobile blood work. A worry was raised over seniors having to travel, possibly with weakened immune systems.
Corbiere says its a simple as having a discussion with your physician.
“If a physician meets with their patient and deems that they can proceed to the lab at the healthcare center, then that’s a discussion they have and where they may get their service.”