The Editor: Re: "Hospital sleep lab may face shut eye," News, Feb. 26.
I would like to clarify information around the possible relocation of the sleep lab at Richmond Hospital.
Vancouver Coastal Health is currently studying the possibility of relocating the sleep lab to another area of Richmond Hospital or to UBC Hospital, where it would be consolidated with the UBC Hospital Sleep Lab.
Both sleep labs are part of a regional program that serves patients from all parts of Vancouver Coastal Health and many from Fraser Health.
In fact, a minority of the patients who visit the sleep lab at Richmond Hospital actually live in Richmond.
The feasibility study came about as a result of the need to provide much needed space for additional acute care beds at Richmond Hospital and the upcoming relocation of the sleep lab at UBCH, which has created an opportunity to consolidate both labs in one location.
A decision about the future location of the sleep lab has not yet been made, pending the outcome of the reviews.
As administrators of the health care system in the communities we serve, we regularly review the programs and services we provide.
A model that may have worked 10 or 20 years ago may or may not be appropriate any longer.
We have kept staff and physicians at both sleep labs informed of the review, and will be meeting with them to discuss findings and options.
If the decision is made to amalgamate the two labs, neither the staff or number of beds would be reduced.
In fact, we believe a consolidation of the two programs could potentially streamline operations, create efficiencies and most importantly, result in shorter wait times and better service for patients.
Vancouver Coastal Health and our funding partners remain strongly committed to Richmond Hospital and the community it serves.
Mike Nader,
Chief operating officer Richmond Hospital
