Island Health reducing hours at Comox Valley medical lab
A medical lab in the Comox Valley is the latest facility on Vancouver Island to see its hours of operation reduced.
The outpatient lab at North Island Hospital in Courtenay will be closed on weekends and statutory holidays from July 1 to Sept. 3, according to a statement issued by Island Health on Thursday.
Its new weekday opening hours will be 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to the health authority.
The lab was previously open from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
"People requiring outpatient lab services on Saturdays can attend the LifeLabs Courtenay location or the lab at North Island Hospital (in) Campbell River," Island Health's statement reads.
The health authority did not explicitly state that a shortage of health-care workers is to blame for the reduction in hours, but facilities across the province have been struggling with staff shortages for months.
Several other Island Health facilities have seen their hours reduced temporarily in recent weeks, and a lack of staff has been blamed in some cases.
Island Health said the reduction in hours at the Courtenay lab "will ensure reliable, consistent acute and outpatient laboratory services at NIH-CV."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.