The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) recently announced modifications to outpatient lab services to improve patient accessibility and enhance service flexibility. The Stanton Territorial Hospital outpatient lab now operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, offering an additional 4.5 hours of service daily, resulting in 38 extra daily appointment slots.
In response to feedback from residents regarding limited appointment times, NTHSSA introduced these changes to better align with patient needs and provide a more relaxed service environment. Jennifer Daley, the director of lab services at NTHSSA, discussed these adjustments in an interview with CBC’s The Trailbreaker.
Currently, wait times for appointments stand at five calendar days, a significant improvement from the previous wait times of up to 21 days. The extended hours have shown promising results, with early data indicating high utilization and a reduction in no-shows thanks to the new online booking system. Before the system’s implementation, around 10% of appointments resulted in no-shows, representing a substantial underutilization of resources.
The online booking system offers a user-friendly interface where patients can select the type of appointment they need, such as a general blood draw or ECG, and choose from available time slots. For those who prefer traditional methods, telephone booking and call back request options are still available.
NTHSSA aims to continue reducing wait times and improving service efficiency through these initiatives, ensuring better access to essential lab services for the community.
