New lab opens in Norwichtown

November 9, 2012

Backus’ new lab drawing station did a booming business during its first week in operation.

“We had a huge turnout on Monday, more than we anticipated,” saidTimothy Shizume, DC, MT (ASCP), Director, Laboratory Services. He said the volume was robust, with a total of 140 patients, 14 for EKG tests and 126 registrations for blood draws. 

He said the new facility is convenient for people, there is more parking and the facilities are all on one level. The lab drawing station was moved from the hospital’s ground floor at 326 Washington St. in Norwich to 55 Town St., Norwichtown, next to United Community and Family Services.

The new lab, called the Norwichtown Backus Patient Service Center, opened on Monday, Nov. 5.

“We are getting positive feedback from people about the new facility,” Mr. Shizume said. “We are still in the process of educating people on where to go however.”

Patients who formerly came to the hospital for testing should now go to the new lab, or they can go to the Backus Outpatient Care Center, the Medical Office Building or any other offsite location.

“We would normally see about 120-130 patients a day, for a volume of about 2,800 or more a month,” Mr. Shizume said. “It is our highest volume lab, we do expect it to be a busy place.”

Les Temkin, Backus Vice President, Clinical Operations, said having patients go to the new lab also will free up parking spaces for hospital patients and their family members and will free up space for new clinical programs at the hospital.

The hours have changed to better meet the needs of fasting patients in the morning and include one late night per week.  Lab hours will be:  Monday through Wednesday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturday, 6 a.m. to noon.

To learn more about Backus labs, including all locations and hours, visitwww.backushospital.org/labs