News Archive > April 13th, 2005: KDH Lab professionals celebrate National Medical Laboratory Week, April 24-30
Kemptville District Hospital
2675 Concession Road, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0
Tel: (613) 258-6133; Fax: (613) 258-7853
April 13, 2005
KDH Lab professionals celebrate National Medical Laboratory Week, April 24-30
Walkerton, E-coli, SARS, West Nile virus, avian flu. Ten years ago, these words were virtually unknown to most Canadians. Today, they're part of our vocabulary.
Canada's medical laboratory professionals - medical laboratory technologists, assistants and scientists - are on the front lines of the public health system. Their skill, accuracy and dedication help to save countless lives each day. They protect public health in a wide variety of settings, from hospitals to community health clinics to public health laboratories. They work on infection control teams and help make sure that our food and drinking water are safe.
As the nation's third largest group of health care professionals, medical laboratory professionals play an essential role in Canada's health care system. Whether fighting old diseases or new ones, medical laboratory professionals protect the health of all Canadians. Eighty-five per cent of physicians' diagnosis and treatment decisions are based on laboratory test result.
To help raise awareness of the medical laboratory profession's role in Canada's public health system, the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) is launching a new campaign for National Medical Laboratory Week. The theme for NMLW, which runs from April 24 to April 30, is Canada's Medical Laboratory Professionals - On the Frontline for your Health ."
Kemptville District Hospital's laboratory services will be in the spotlight April 27-28, as a team of laboratory accreditation surveyors will be visiting. Manager of Laboratory Services Patti Boyd is optimistic the KDH lab will receive a five-year award of accreditation. This award will mean that the lab has met a range of quality management criteria, as well as recognizing the exemplary work of the lab and its staff.
"We are proud of the work we do to support the health and well-being of people in our community," said Ms. Boyd. "National Medical Laboratory Week is an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of our profession and to educate the public about the important role that we play in our health care system."
 |
KDH laboratory staff, including Laboratory Technologist Sharon Kelly, perform a wide variety of diagnostic tests every day. |
Chris Must, Director of Fundraising and Communications
Foundation Office - 258-6133, Ext. 194