Outpatient laboratory services in downtown Courtenay will be temporarily closed for four days due to a staffing shortage. The closure runs from August 5 through August 8, 2025. Regular service hours are expected to resume at the downtown lab on August 11.
Island Health announced the change as a way to ensure that patients still receive safe and timely service. The move comes as the organization faces limited staff availability in the region.
During this brief closure, outpatient services will remain available at the North Island Hospital’s Comox Valley location. This facility will operate with its regular schedule. To handle the extra workload, staff from the downtown Courtenay location will be reassigned to this hospital-based lab.
In addition, Island Health has partnered with LifeLabs to help meet patient needs during this period. A LifeLabs facility located just 400 metres away, at 1599 Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay, is ready to support patients requiring lab tests.
Island Health stated that the goal is to maintain a smooth and consistent experience for residents despite the short-term staffing issue. By shifting resources and working closely with LifeLabs, they aim to reduce disruption for patients.
People in need of outpatient lab services during the closure period are encouraged to visit either the North Island Hospital lab or the nearby LifeLabs location. These facilities are prepared to manage an increased number of patients.
The temporary change is being made to support health care staff while continuing to offer reliable service to the community. Island Health has not reported any long-term impact and expects regular service at the downtown lab to restart without delay after August 8.
Patients are advised to check operating hours and appointment availability in advance to avoid long waits. Walk-in options may be available depending on the facility’s current demand.
Island Health thanked local residents for their patience and understanding. They emphasized that this temporary adjustment helps support frontline staff while ensuring patient care continues without major delays.
Health officials in the Comox Valley say they will continue to monitor staffing levels and make further changes if needed. The community is encouraged to use all available lab resources during this time.
