Strengthening lab services for Albertans
The province is consolidating Edmonton’s diagnostic labs into a new publicly governed facility that will address the region’s growing need for lab services.
Planning is underway on the new Edmonton lab hub, which will bring several clinical labs together on 5.8 hectares of provincially owned land near the University of Alberta’s south campus.
The change will affect where the results are processed – not where Albertans get their lab tests done. The new centre will lead to greater integration, capacity and efficiency of diagnostic services.
“Alberta families count on lab services for the majority of medical decisions. We’re building cost-effective and integrated lab services that will support public health care for generations to come.”
Sarah Hoffman, Minister of Health
“This facility will be one of the most technologically advanced medical laboratories in North America. This lab is an example of our government’s strategic investments to make life better for Albertans.”
Sandra Jansen, Minister of Infrastructure
Because of its central location and proximity to the university, the site will foster research while supporting patient care in Edmonton and northern Alberta. The Mayo Clinic, a non-profit medical research institution in Minnesota, has provided preliminary advice on design and programming.
Early next year, the province will also begin consolidating lab services into a public corporation under Alberta Health Services (AHS). There will be no job losses as a result of this change.
When fully implemented in 2022, the public model will leverage existing AHS infrastructure, accounting systems and corporate services while optimizing innovation in laboratory diagnostics to accommodate growing demands. A new governance board will oversee all lab services in the province.
“The new lab hub and integrated governance model will be competitive, in both design and function, with bestpractice lab systems around the world. Ultimately, this will help improve the efficiency and quality of Alberta’s lab system, which Albertans will benefit from every day.”
Dr. Verna Yiu, president and CEO, Alberta Health Services
The use of existing government land will save an estimated $30 million in land expenses while providing ample room to meet evolving clinical demand over time. The province has committed $20 million over the next two years for planning, preliminary design and initial site work.
Construction is expected to begin in 2019 and be completed by 2022.