Island Health - Sidney Satellite - Medical Laboratory - Sidney, British Columbia

Esther L.

I am my husband caregiver
The lab gave me instructions about wait time via messages it even gave me the number of people ahead of me
They messaged me when I had 20 minutes to get to the lab for my husband

cvon

I went in on May 29th to get a stool sample kit for a family member. The admin told me that I just needed to take a seat because there are lots of people ahead waiting. Fair enough. However, they appeared to be waiting to go in for bloodwork and such and I just needed a kit to take home. But I sat down for about 5 minutes and then noticed a sign that faces the side wall (not the clients as they come in). It said I could text a message JOIN to a number to be put on the waiting list. I did so and it told me I was 15th in line. I was standing now receiving the message and about to go to my car when the admin looked up at me and said "i'm sorry but I'm going to have ask you to sit down and wait your turn". I said I was just on my way to leave to go to my car. i went back to the doctor's office and asked if that is the normal thing for just picking up a kit? They said No. i should just go to the hospital to the lab desk. It should take less than a minute. So I drive ten minutes and paid for parking. I went up to the lab desk with the requisition and said what it was for and they gave me one in less than a minute I started writing this because after the 930am text for the waitlist at the Sidney lab, at 1055am I finally get a text saying it’s now my turn!

Aside from the weird wait of 1.5 hours to pick up an at home sample kit, the attitude of the admin was the worst part. She oozed the attitude in her tone of voice. People are going for routine work or not feeling well and need help to find out what’s wrong. Some are elderly and some not, but the customers don’t need to be treated in such an abusive manner If the admin doesn’t like dealing with customers they should seek a different career path

A L.

The older woman who works there should retire. She was incredibly rude, unprofessional, and horrible to deal with. She was nasty in our exchange, and to several others who came that didn’t have cellphones.
I understand that the online booking, and text communication is supposed to be more efficient (I had an appointment and still waited nearly 45 minutes), but not everyone has a cellphone, especially out here. Know your demographic.
Definitely recommend going elsewhere, if possible.

Michaela V. P.

No matter how busy, they are always helpful and friendly. Their drop-in appointment organization via text message minimizes any wait times. It also helps that everyone is excellent at drawing blood at first try and painlessly.

PhuckJyall

Great staff, really go out of their way to figure out the situation.
Thanks guys your great.
Make an appointment to make things easier for the staff. They deserve it. So many walk ins for questions they wont have answers for, or patients with no patience.

cheryl B.

The lady checking me in wasn't overly friendly, but the nurse who took my blood was excellent didn't feel a thing. The lady who was so friendly could have been overwhelm it was busy in fairness to her.

Jennifer S.

Very friendly staff. as long as you get there right after open hours, it is a short wait. Unlike other places I've gone to, they actually listen when you ask a question and have helpful answers as well.

Michael P.

I had to take an emergency blood test. Extremely efficient queuing system which minimized wait time. I was in and out in about 15 minutes!