Valley Medical Laboratories in downtown Vernon. (Photo credit: Google Maps)

By Pete McIntyre

Valley Medical Labs

Busy Vernon lab suspending appointments

May 18, 2022 | 11:00 AM

Valley Medical Laboratories is temporarily suspending its appointment system for its downtown Vernon location as of June 1.

The physician-owned business says in a notice posted on its website, the change to walk-in only patients should allow them to serve more people.

“In response to the ongoing medical laboratory staffing shortages in the North Okanagan along with the high demand for access to laboratory collection services we will temporarily suspend our appointment system at the downtown Vernon location [3207 30th Avenue]. This temporary change will allow Valley Medical Laboratories to serve a greater number of patients across the North Okanagan,” read the statement.

Valley Medical Laboratories’ outlet in north Vernon in the Railway Plaza will continue to be just for walk-in patients.

Both sites have seen long lineups for people needing blood and other medical tests.

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Some people booking blood tests at the downtown lab have had their appointments set for August due to the demand.

“We will welcome walk-in patients at both our Vernon sites starting June 1, 2022: Vernon Main (Downtown) 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Vernon North (Railway Plaza) 7:30 a.m.- 4:00.p.m.,” the statement said.

Notice to doctors and patients from Valley Medical Labs (Submitted image)

According to its website, the lab is owned and operated by a group of local pathologists, serving patients from Vernon to Osoyoos from one of 14 collection locations in Osoyoos, Penticton, Peachland, West Kelowna, Kelowna, Winfield, Vernon, and Lumby.