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Automated Laboratory System Launched at Western Memorial Regional Hospital

News ReleasesProvincialWestern
Posted: December 3, 2024

Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services is pleased to announce that an innovative track system has been launched to enhance laboratory services at the new Western Memorial Regional Hospital in Corner Brook.

The track system uses robotics automation to move laboratory samples, such as blood tubes, from sample submission to analysis. This process was previously manual.

“It is really exciting to see this state-of-the art laboratory system in use at our new hospital,” said Teara Freake, chief operating officer, Western Zone – NL Health Services. “Innovative and efficient solutions in health care enhance productivity and quality for patients, clients and residents, and facilitate a safer, more engaging work environment for staff.”

The enhanced laboratory system offers several key enhancements to services, including:

  • Increased efficiency: Automating repetitive tasks reduces hands-on time, allowing for faster sample processing and increased throughput.
  • Streamlined workflow: A track system integrates various laboratory processes, enabling seamless transitions between tasks.
  • Optimized personnel resources: By automating routine tasks, this system optimizes resources, allowing staff to focus on more complex activities.

“Clinical laboratory automation is not just about increasing efficiency, it’s about enhancing accuracy, improving turnaround times and ultimately delivering better patient care,” said Corey Murray, provincial director of the Laboratory Medicine Program, NL Health Services. “We are excited to be the second hospital in Canada to implement this innovative technology.”

As recommended by Health Accord NL, this project is directly linked to the development of a province-wide, networked pathology and laboratory medicine program using a hub-and-spoke model. The Western Zone has been identified as one of three hubs within the province. Additional hubs with this technology will be launched in the coming months in other areas of the province.

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About NL Health Services
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services is responsible for delivering quality health-care to approximately 541,000 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The provincial health authority is supported by over 23,000 employees and physicians who together work to improve the health and well-being of every person, in every community. Guided by the vision of Health Accord NL, NL Health Services offers a comprehensive range of health-care programs and services through a wide network of facilities, clinics, and community services across five zones: Central, Eastern-Rural, Eastern-Urban, Labrador-Grenfell, and Western.

Learn more
Visit our website: NLHealthServices.ca

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