The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has announced that some non-essential outpatient laboratory services will be temporarily suspended for one week, beginning Tuesday, September 9.

Hospital officials explained that the pause, which will last until Monday, September 15, is intended to free up resources so that urgent and essential testing for patients within the hospital can continue without interruption.

Among the tests that will be unavailable during this time are: urinalysis, stool tests for ova, cysts and parasites, fecal occult blood, RPR/VDRL, CRP, RF, and pregnancy tests.

Routine laboratory services are expected to resume on Tuesday, September 16.

In a statement, SLBMC apologized for the short notice and the inconvenience the temporary suspension may cause. The hospital also thanked patients and the wider public for their patience and understanding during this adjustment.

Hospital administrators stressed that the measure is precautionary and aimed at ensuring that critical services for admitted patients remain unaffected.